*present day*
*entrance exams*

Yuka:.......(.........I remember........)

Yuka's eyes slowly opened.........she laid on the floor of the Tower with many cephalopods as well, ever since the second phase of Tower Takeover started.......she looked at the clouds from above...........

Yuka:.......(.......whenever I open my eyes..........a new chapter begins for me........)

Yuka looked away and struggled, but managed to flip her body around and grunt in pain, pushing herself and standing up from the ground......

The second she stood.......she could already feel a rush of guilt overflow in her body..........she looked around.......and saw every single cephalopod standing very far away from her due to her past violent actions.....

She looked up at a giant screen that was monitoring Tower Takeover.......seeing the many unconscious and bruised cephalopods within the tower still..........and the camera quickly shifted over to Yumi and Mellow sliding down the large tower.......Yuka looked down at her hands......getting a severe headache of a flashback.....the very first time she looked at her bloody hands in front of her younger sister.......

Yuka:..........(what have I..........done?)

Yuka heard the constant mumbling from the cephalopods.......she shifted her eyes over towards the 2 true inklings that pushed themselves to their absolute limit........Miles and Amira........

Yuka:........(.......I'm sorry, mother.......)

She saw Miles on his knees as his breaths got slower and slower by the minute..........his eyes were slightly fading from their amazing amethyst color..........Amira hugged him with comfort............showing her scarred eye.....corroded with minus........and even though it didn't seem to be hurting her at the moment......she could tell that Amira held in her pain.....and only focused on Miles........

Yuka:.........(.........I never took what you told me into consideration.........I hate myself...............by the time I realized your meaning........it was already too late for me..........I was turned into a brain dead killing machine........)

She felt her eyes slightly water up.........and just then, her eyepatch slipped off of her face........revealing her destroyed eye..........dripping with minus.

Yuka:..........(I couldn't keep my promise to you.............I couldn't keep my promise to Max............I couldn't keep my promise to..........Yumi.......)

Her arm and eye leaked with more minus, which made Yuka shed a single tear........

Yuka:...(.....despite my regeneration.......she somehow managed to harm me.......she stabbed a syringe into my eye...injecting me then and there with minus....more and more...............she erased my real memories.........and twisted my mind into her liking......Angelica......)

She paused as she took a deep breath.....feeling her body shake uncontrollably......she shook her head at herself..........

Yuka:......(....I didn't feel it........I didn't gain anything..........I only got weaker and weaker over time..........which explains why............I felt outclassed by them........those two.......)

Yuka saw Miles hold his stomach with his hands, but his fingers began to loosen, signaling that death was approaching.........for a slight moment.....Yuka saw herself and Yumi within the two Inklings........she turned her body and began to walk towards the two........with pure silence and allowing the minus to sizzle off her body as she did so.....

Yuka: (...........I lost my purpose.......I was hunting down, and trying to kill the one person that I was sworn to protect......)

She felt the eyes of many all around her......when she got close enough to Miles, she crouched down and extended her hand out to him right as Amira immediately stopped her by grabbing her wrist.....making the octoling look at her.

Amira:.......haven't you done enough?...........please..........just......let me spend my last moments with him.........I beg of you........

Yuka:............

A tear drifted down Yuka's face......and Amira was completely caught off guard from her stare......with Yuka realizing the truth of fear and hatred that she inflicted onto others..........

Yuka:...................it's okay...............I have no reason to continue fighting.............no authority.....to even stand before the two of you........

Amira:.......

Yuka:........................please.........let me give him back...............I.....can't bare to look at his current state.....

Amira was confused by the sudden change of her mood..........she hesitated.......but heard the calm/depressed state of Yuka's tone........Amira slowly loosened her grip, then let Yuka go.......Yuka gave her a nod of respect and gently placed her hand on his stomach, closing her eyes.....

Just then, Amira saw Yuka extract the poison from Miles and absorb it right back into her own body. Yuka grunted as she felt the acidic Ink burn her insides.......she pulled her hand away from Miles to see his stomach wound heal.....only leaving a simple scar behind.........

Even though she extracted the poison, Miles was still unconscious before her, but she moved out of the way, already seeing Amira touch his face gently.....then she looked back over at Yuka.....

Amira: you.........actually cured him.....

Yuka: he will be okay.........don't worry.....

Yuka held out her hand once more and placed it over Amira's eye, doing the same process and healing her, which removed the minus poison, but this also left a scar across her eye........

Amira:........................just who exactly.....are you, Yuka?......

Yuka:..........................

Amira saw Yuka let out a tiny breath as she gave herself a emotionless smile......Yuka stood up, breaking their eye contact..........then turned away from her......seeing Yumi on the big screen once again......

Yuka:....................A failure........that's all I am.....and what I forever will be....

From what it seems, Charlotte and her squad treated the injured cephalopods, ignoring the 2nd half of Tower Takeover.........they had nobody to take their place......Yuka sighed at herself....she felt her heart slowly start to pump a bit faster.....feeling the minus that she implanted into Miles and Amira starting to destroy her body from the inside.........

She kept a straight face.........knowing her fate..............without hesitation, Yuka walked over to the edge of the tower, staring at it before seeing many cephalopods within the distance.....she jumped down, shocking everyone, sliding down the slope of the tower......and at the front of the line.......her sister stood out more than anyone else......

Yuka:.............(...............Yumi....)

~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~

Nothing but silence......Obsidian.....and 15 stood next to each other within the hospital and looking at Bella. Gabby, Cynthia, Yasu, Otto, and Calvin stood behind the two.........15 shifted her attention towards Obsidian.........seeing tears flow down her face........

Obsidian:.....Bella.....

She sniffled and looked down at the ground, but just then, 15 lifted her hand and gently poked Obsidian's cheek....making her look at her. 15 walked up to Obsidian and gave her a hug.......feeling her body shake and tense up from her touch.

15:.........it's..........okay....

Obsidian hugged 15 and rested her chin on the hybrid's elbow. The five behind watched as the two had their moment and Gabby glared at 15......wrapping her arms in bandages as Cynthia leaned over to her.

Cynthia: so.....I'm guessing Obsidian knows this chick?......

Gabby:.....*tsk*.....hey!

15 looked over towards Gabby, clearly noticing her annoyed and pissed expression all over her face.

Gabby: ya know, you can't just come into the café and beat the hell out of us with no fucking context whatsoever.

Otto: for once.....I agree.....who the fuck are you?.....and how do you know Isabella?....

15 looked directly at Calvin and pointed straight at him to direct their attention towards him, and even though their fight was over, they could still sense a chilling sense of murder coming from the hybrid.

15: I gave you my context..........

Gabby: do you seriously think we were just gonna let you kill Calvin? What type of assumption was that?

15: it was either him......or all of you........I've killed many to get here........*glares* you all are no difference.

Gabby: *grumble* Fucking bitch.....

Cynthia: Don't mind Gabs, she's just a bit over the edge right now.........back on Otto's question.....how do you know Bella?

15:..........

Obsidian: *whisper* that's her name. Instead of calling her 5, she's Isabella now.

15:.......I see................I will explain at a later time..................

Otto: seriously? No I-

Yasu: *tap*......calm yourself....

Otto:....

15 separated from Obsidian and looked at Bella......she reached into her pocket and pulled out a very small capsule of black ink........Gabby took notice from the small capsule and saw 15 open it slowly....

15:......stand back........please......

Obsidian gave 15 a nod and stepped away from her, allowing the hybrid to get closer to Bella. 15 gently lifted Bella's head by her chin and brought the capsule closer to her mouth in the process.

With her delicate touch, 15 poured the ink slowly into Bella's mouth, then closed her mouth afterwards...everyone watched her slowly let go of Bella, and saw her eyes slowly begin to turn black as well.......

Gabby opened her mouth with the urge to speak towards the hybrid, but when she looked at her, she noticed a concerned expression from her face. Gabby thought to herself before letting out a tiny sigh.......watching Bella slightly twitch within her bed......

Black ink began to leak from Bella's mouth, and without any warning, Bella let out a scream in front of all of them as she shook violently in her bed. Obsidian began to get very worried and she ran to help Bella, only for 15 to put her arm out to stop the inkling behind her......

Bella yelled at the peak of her voice just as her heart monitor began to escalate with her heart beat getting faster and faster. Bella cried black tears before stopping and slowly getting more and more quiet.......then.....her head hung low......and her black eyes slowly began to fade......reverting the Inkling back to normal............

Everyone stayed silent..........and with one tiny groan............Isabella lifted her head......grabbing onto her own forehead as everyone stood in shock.....seeing Bella move freely before them.......

Bella:...................guys?........

Obsidian:............Bella?........

Yasu: no way......

Cynthia: holy shit......

Otto:.......*smirk*.......mm...looks like the dork is back......

Bella: w-wait, wha-where...h-how am-

Obsidian: BELLAAAAAAAA!!!

Obsidian ran at Bella and immediately hugged her to absolute death, squeezing her as tears rolled down her face, crying like a huge baby. Bella struggled to breathe from Obsidian's tight grip, and she could only gently smile at her as she patted her head.

Everyone began to rush towards Bella at the same time except for Gabby, who stood back and simply looked at Bella........her skin was much more dull and pale.......and sadly her tentacles didn't revert completely back to their purple color....but simply stayed pure white with only the tips of her tentacles giving off her purple color instead.

The police squid noticed 15 stand away a bit from everyone else as they all swarmed Bella, with Obsidian slightly loosening her grip as Cynthia rubbed her head and Lola hopped off of Yasu, cuddling onto Bella as well.

Bella: heh.....it's nice to see you guys too.

Cynthia: dude, we thought you were NEVER gonna wake up.

Otto:..........hmph.....long time no see, Isabella.

Bella shifted her attention over to the side of her bed to see Otto looking directly at her with his usual cocky smirk spread across his face as his hands were tucked within his pockets. Otto walked closer to Bella and leaned over the bed, looking at her face-to-face.

Otto: miss me?~.....

Without any form of hesitation, Bella clenched her hand into a fist and immediately punched Otto directly in the face, making everyone slightly shocked as Otto stumbled back and let out a grunt.

Bella: Why the hell are you here!!?

Cynthia: woah, woah! Chill Bella!

Yasu: yeah! He's-

Otto: shut it......

Cynthia and Yasu looked at Otto and saw him holding his face, removing it to see blood dripping from his nose, and all Otto did was chuckle a little as Calvin stood with him, offering him a cloth to clean himself up with.

Otto: I definitely deserved it.......despite the coma, you still pack a mean punch....

Bella:........w-wait what?......but....s-since when were you....chill with us?....how long was I gone for?.....

Otto: *shrugs* around a month.

Bella: A month?....all of this happened in a month!?.....w-wait, what about society and junk!? They know I'm okay righ-

Gabby: caaaaalm yourself.......things will become more clear later on for you.

Bella was silent for a second, and her, along with everyone else looked at Gabby and saw her walk over to Bella with a slight embarrassed blush forming on her face. She gently placed her hand on Bella's cheek, trying her hardest to not make eye contact, but eventually gave in as she opened her mouth to speak once more.

Gabby:..............I..........Missed you.......

Bella:........

Gabby:.........WE.......missed you.....every last one of us......

Bella looked at Gabby with pure shock.....and she gently raised her own hand and placed it on top of hers.

Gabby:.....especially the hybrid girl.......the bitch almost killed us to get to you........

Gabby let go of Bella, and everyone moved out of the way.....giving Bella and 15 a clear view of one another.

Bella:...........Erida.......

Erida:..........

To everyone's shock and concern, Bella shifted her body placed her feet on the floor, letting out a little grunt of pain as Erida walked towards her, shaking a bit.......and then at that moment, the two cephalopods embraced each other with a warm and beautiful hug. Bella whimpered while grasping 15, and the hybrid did the exact same.......

Bella:.......I thought we were never gonna see you.......again.......I'm sorry that we abandoned you.......I never wanted to leave you behind.....

Just then......something clicked within Erida........remembering that faithful day......back when she was known as truly code 15........the girl who fought for years to reach Bella and Obsidian.......

The big change and her discovery of learning about the new surface world she stepped into........the two Inkling girls who brought her happiness and love.....were no longer known as code 005 and 010...........but rather Isabella and Obsidian respectively.........she understood their new appearances.....which means she should change as well.......

Her whole body felt numb......but she could still feel her heart beat regardless........it felt as if something faded away from her.........her code........once she realized the truth........she is no longer considered as code 015...............she accepted her permanent change..........she will now be known as Erida.........for the rest of her days........

Erida:..........it's okay........you didn't have a choice........

The two let go of each other and Bella wiped the tears from her eyes as Erida reached into her own pocket......pulling out 2 bracelets with seashells, and a simple engraving within it that spelled "C.S.C".....offering one to Bella.....

Erida:......w-we're still......In our club..........yes?..........

Bella:.........our bracelets..........

Bella took the bracelet and looked at it, feeling her tears welling up again as she slid it onto her wrist.....

Bella:.........you kept them........for this long?......

Erida:.....*nod nod*.......

Obsidian: P-Please!!! I CAN'T......I DON'T WANNA CRY ANYMORE!!!

Obsidian ran over to the two girls and hugged them both, crying as loud as possible as her body completely broke down, and it simply made Bella smile and hug Obsidian back alongside Erida......

Bella: *giggle* alright, alright Obsidian. Now you're just being very dramatic.

Obsidian: *sniffle* no I'm not!! You're being very dramatic!!

Bella: *looks at Erida* yeah....she hasn't changed at all for the past 6 years.

Erida: I can see that.

Obsidian: shut up guys!! I want to cry in peace!!

Obsidian backed away from Bella and Erida slightly, and as she wiped her tears away, Erida gently grabbed her wrist and slid on her bracelet for her.

Bella watched Obsidian and let out a tiny chuckle, but within a slight span of time, Bella felt a shock of pain shoot through her, which made her grunt and hold her stomach. Erida noticed her slight change and responded by grabbing Bella's wrist and walking her back towards her bed, allowing her to sit down just as her pain was starting to settle.

Yasu: are you alright, Isabella?

Bella:....y-yeah......heh......it's just cuz my body feels lighter than before.....it made me feel a bit nauseous......*shrug* I just need something to eat.

Gabby was caught by Bella's statement and it reminded her about her......plan. She felt on her pocket.......remembering the item within it......

Bella: hey.....w-where's Yumi?.......and Miles?.........and Coraline?......shouldn't they be here?......wait.......A-Amira too...

Otto: they're at Cod Willows right now.

Calvin: *nods* yes. They're taking the entrance exams to get into the Inktastic 10 at the moment.

Bella: what!!? They're competing without me!!?

Yasu: well yeah......you were in your coma......

Otto: they obviously wouldn't want to drag around a dead body, idiot.

Cynthia: you honestly missed a bunch of stuff, girl. They're all pushing themselves just for you.

Bella:...............*tiny smile*......they did it for me........I guess Amira took my spot, huh?.....

Gabby: Mhm.....

Bella:.........I totally have to pay her back somehow........and I'm thankful.....I did all my research on the entrance exams for a very long time. All of that studying was for nothing, dammit!!

Yasu: you.....studied for the exams?

Otto/Gabby: yeah, that's not surprising.....

Bella: man.....this sucks........but.....this doesn't make that much sense either.......

Bella looked directly at Calvin in concern, then pointed towards him while raising an eyebrow.

Bella: I didn't.....beat you that day. I thought the exams were available to squads that are rank 30 and below, and we were nowhere near that rank....

Calvin looked at Otto, seeing him cross his arms and nudge his head towards Bella as he looked at him.

Otto: go ahead.......tell her......

Bella: tell me what?......

Calvin gave Otto a small nod and looked back at Bella....he hesitated...and could see the the blend of fear and confusion written all over her face......

Calvin:....I retired, Isabella. And since I put down my title.......it counts towards a win for you and your team, which placed you in rank 25.

Bella:........you........y-you retired?......

Calvin: *nod*

Bella: but why!!? I wanted to......I wanted a...........rematch......you can't just throw in the towel like that!

Otto: heh....Miles said the same thing...

Bella:....

Otto: you aren't alone.......I could tell Miles, Yumi, and Coraline were disappointed with his choice too......I've never seen Miles get so emotional before..........and we both knew how he was back in Inkopolis plaza......never expected an emotional outburst from him.......especially for something like this.....

Calvin: turf was never my passion, Isabella.......I only competed for my fathers sake...........and I know you saw the ruthless side of him........

Bella:.............

Calvin: I deeply apologi-

Bella:....n-no, it's okay.....you did the right thing.........I'm happy for you......

Otto: you look both happy and bummed out....

Bella: well yeah!.......but I guess everything will be fine....hmph...

Bella smirked at everyone and cracked her knuckles while chucking. Her pride began to flow through her once again, and she began to slightly shake her body to pump herself up.

Bella: just wait until I'm back out there! Imagine the looks, the wins, the excitement from others! Once Yumi, Miles, and Coraline come back, the phantoms will officially be together again. This time, I'll definitely make sure we don't lose.

Gabby:..............

Bella: I can already feel the excitement burning in me! And I already know you guys are gonna enjoy watching us kick some ass!! Hah!!

Bella giggled and let out an adorable smile in the process, but when she looked at everyone else.........she saw nothing but concern coming from their looks........which made her speech now feel awkward towards herself.....she tilted her head at them just as her smile faded away.

Bella: why are you guys looking at me like that?.............did I say something wrong?......

Gabby:...............hey........

Gabby looked towards everyone within the hospital room and let out a tiny sigh........feeling weighed down tremendously.......

Gabby: can you all.......give us a moment?........

Bella: what?

Cynthia:.....yeah, sure thing Gabs.

Otto: *shrugs* sure.

Yasu: understood. I'm gonna go check out the food court.

Cynthia: oh shit, I'll tag along with ya!

Calvin: I am feeling a bit hungry, myself.

Otto: I swear If I get any form of food poisoning from this hospital food, I'm definitely gonna sue.

Calvin, Yasu, Otto, and Cynthia all left the room together and began to chat just as Gabby looked directly at Obsidian and Erida, pointing towards the door.

Gabby: that also means you two.

Obsidian:......o-oh........

Erida gave Gabby a small nod and gently grabbed Obsidian, then began to walk out the room.......once they left.........the door closed soon afterwards......leaving nobody besides Bella and Gabby.........

Bella:.........Gabby?.....

Gabby:.........

Bella saw Gabby sigh slightly.....and she reached into her pocket.........Bella saw Gabby pull out a tiny little piece of paper that was folded into a square.

Gabby: look.........I knew this was gonna happen one day...........and I still couldn't prepare myself for it.......

Bella:.......uh......Gabby, you're kinda......concerning me a bit....what is that?

Gabby held out the paper to Bella, and she took the small square, then began to unfold it.....Gabby felt her her heart drop and she could only watch as Bella began to read the paper.

Bella:...............a prohibit sheet?.......

Gabby:...............Isabella..........

Bella:............

Gabby:....................I'm........I-I'm sorry..............but.......

Gabby looked down and away from Bella after seeing her face......and all she could do was take a deep breath and calm herself..............she shook her head and looked back at Bella, opening her mouth to speak towards her.......

Gabby:.........your turfing days...........are over.......

Bella:......................over?...............

Gabby: from the statement of the sheet.....you are officially banned from competing within Turf War, Ranked battles, and League battles......forever.

And at that moment......Gabby immediately saw Bella's pain.......she could already see her sense of disbelief......her eyes widened...........she looked down at the paper once more, seeing two signature boxes....with one filled out with Gabby's name while the other was blank.

Bella:................You...............you signed this?................

Gabby:.........

Bella:........why?................w-why would you...........

Gabby:..........Isabella.......you.....you're seriously dancing with death at this point..............earlier you said you felt lighter and nauseous..........

Bella:..........

Gabby: it's not because of hunger......when you passed out during your fight with Calvin.........your Ink sack bursted open.........you lost 25% of your remaining ink because of it.........

Bella:..........Gabby.....I......n-no....I can still fight.......t-this is just a little obstacle........I've been in this situation before........

Gabby:..........Isabella.......you are severely physically disabled now.........you are now down to 25%.......

Bella: n-no I......you don't understan-

Gabby: no..........YOU don't understand..........do you even care about yourself? Your well being?

Bella:..........

Gabby: you most likely don't care about dying, Isabella, but WE do. We all chose this......it was definitely a hard decision.........but we finally settled it together........

Bella:.........all of you guys.......did this?

Gabby: *nod* a group vote.....and we all agreed on the same option....that's why everyone left willingly.....I decided to take the burden of telling you this.....

Bella:..........

Gabby:..........we just want to keep you safe, Isabella.............if you play turf war again.....you will die......guaranteed.......your body......became more sensitive and weak because of your accident.......

"Weak"............the word that hit Bella the most............she felt her eyes water up slowly and surely as she clenched the paper slightly more than before.....

Gabby:...............you care so much for others...............but you don't give a shit about yourself............why?............why are you......like this?.......when we first met....back in Inkopolis plaza.....I......

Bella:..........

Gabby:......never understood you.....and I still don't to this day....

*Inkopolis Plaza*
*5 years ago*

During the late afternoon of a simple day within the plaza, Gabriella; who was now a brand new police squid at the time, leaned against the wall with her crossed arms, simply watching over the many Inklings that roamed around the plaza.

At the early time, Gabby had long default Inkling girl tentacles and instead of wearing gear to look "fresh" like the other squids, she simply wore her police uniform with a stern expression on her face.

Bella: C'mon!! Let's go aga-

Otto: JUST SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!

Gabby alongside every squid in the plaza looked over to see a 14 year old Otto glaring directly at a 14 year old Isabella. Otto, at the time, wore his inkling boy tentacles within a simple ponytail instead. He held his Splatling while glaring at Bella, gritting his teeth in the process.

Otto: you just don't fucking quit!! Seriously, get the hell away from me!!!

Bella: one more fight!! What's wrong!!? Scared!!?

Otto: no!! I'm TIRED, you fucking weirdo!!!

Inkling boy: it's that girl again......

Gabby looked over to see two Inkling boys near her within the plaza, seeing them looking at Otto and Isabella with annoying smirks on their faces.

Inkling boy 2: sheesh.....how desperate can a squid get to rank up?....

Inkling boy: isn't she like, rank B or something?

Inkling boy 2: Mhm......I fucking hate her......

Inkling boy: why?

Inkling boy 2: because she's annoying and you can't get away from her. Dude, every squid in this damn plaza has ran into her within a battle before at LEAST 3 times. It's as if she doesn't take a damn break.

Inkling boy: well, the plaza is pretty small....so it makes sense to see her often.

Inkling boy 2: No, Dude!! It's as if she lives in Inkopolis! all she does is turf, turf, turf.....she's here everyday, every night.......everywhere you try to go within this plaza, or within a map, you will definitely see her eventually..............I swear I just wanna splat that cocky grin off her face.......

Inkling boy:.....really? *shrugs* alright then.

Just then, the Inkling boy held up his custom Jet squelcher lightly pulled on the trigger, shooting one singular glob of ink directly towards Isabella, hitting the back of her head and making her slightly stumble forward. Bella held the back of her head as Otto let out a tiny smirk along with the two inkling boys just as Bella turned her head to the many squids.

Bella: What the hell!!?

The Inkling boy quickly hid his Jet squelcher and everyone in the plaza laughed at Bella.....all except for Gabby...who glared straight at the Inkling boy, crossing her legs while against the wall.

Gabby: HEY!!!

Everyone averted their attention straight from Bella and over towards the police squid, seeing her nudge her head up towards a sign with a splattershot, being covered up by a big red "X".

Gabby: put the damn weapon away! No ink in the damn plaza!!.....you know the rules, so fucking follow them!!

The Inkling boy obviously stood provoked by Gabby's statement, annoyingly strapping his Jet squelcher to his back while the other Inkling boy, rolled his eyes at her.

Inkling girl 2: fucking bitch........

Bella simply looked at Gabby and saw her shake her head in annoyance at the two Inklings, but as she saw the officer go back to minding her own business, Bella couldn't help but smile.

*1 hour later*

The sun had finally set and Gabby walked home all by herself down the sidewalk. The inkling simply watched all the cars drive by as she noticed a empty soda can rolling down the sidewalk towards her.

Gabby watched the can roll quickly
due to the slight wind, and she firmly pressed her foot down directly in front of the can to cause it to roll up her shoe a little. Gabby lifted her foot quickly, which launched the can in the air, and she simply extended her hand to catch it, then throw it in a nearby trash can before she continued down her path, walking past an alleyway.

Gabby:...............why can't people jus-

Just then, a firm hand grasped onto Gabby's face and covered her mouth, making the Inkling muffle before getting aggressively dragged into the alleyway. Gabby was immediately thrown against a trash can, which made her grunt in pain as she fell onto the ground.

Gabby pushed herself up and looked at the figure who grabbed her....noticing another figure next to them. She got a more clear look once they approached her, seeing one of the Inkling's wielding a Jet Squelcher, which made her come to a sudden realization.

Gabby: *tsk* you two!?

Inkling boy: you have some nerve.....

Gabby gritted her teeth at the two Inklings and stood up, curling her fists up at the two immediately with a glare.

Gabby: don't fucking try it, you bastards.......

Just from the shadows behind Gabby, she immediately was grabbed from behind by a third cephalopod. Gabby was locked in place and grunted while seeing a glimpse of the Inkling girl behind her.

Inkling girl: you messed with my boyfriend first........so this is only fair~.....

With no hesitation, the Inkling boy walked towards Gabby and immediately punched her with raw brute force in her stomach. Gabby yelped In pain just as the other inkling boy punched her straight across her face, making her nose bleed.

Inkling boy: you are such a pain in the ass.....not just to us, but everyone!

Inkling boy 2: actually....that honestly made me realize something....

The Inkling kneed Gabby's stomach and made her yell in pain just as he grabbed her head and looked straight in her eyes.

Inkling boy 2: there wasn't really a need to drag you into this alleyway......if we started to beat your ass in the plaza, nobody would've even TRIED to help you.

Gabby:........

Inkling boy: oh yeah, that's actually true......*shrugs* who knows? Maybe some squids would've joined in on the fun....

The Inkling girl held Gabby more firmly and tighter than before, which only made Gabby grit her teeth harder as the Inkling looked directly at her Police squid badge on her chest, reaching down and grabbing it, aggressively pulling it off of Gabby's uniform.

Inkling boy: look at this little squid police badge, dude.

Gabby: YOU BETTER GIVE THAT SHIT BACK NOW-

Just then, the Inkling boy swung his foot and kicked Gabby directly on the face, knocking one of her teeth out as a result. Gabby grumbled and glared at the two boys toying with her badge.

Inkling boy 2: whatcha gonna do, huh? Call for backup?

Inkling boy: knowing that nobody would've even attempted to help you.

Gabby:.......who the fuck needs backup!!?

Gabby lowered her head before swinging it back and head butting the Inkling girl behind her with full force, making the Inkling let go of her and hold her face as she glared at the two boys.

Inkling boy:....*rolls his eyes*....looks like the fun is over...

Inkling boy 2: *tsk* fuck.......let's just get out of here....

The Two Inkling boys ran out of the alley with Gabby's badge, and just as Gabby was going to chase them, she was immediately hit on the head with a trash can, which made her fall to the ground. Gabby glared up to see the Inkling girl who was holding onto the trash can, glaring down at her with a bloody nose.....

Inkling girl:............stubborn bitch.....

The Inkling spit on Gabby before flipping over the garbage can and dumping all of the trash into Gabby. She let go of the metal can to let it fall on Gabby before running out of the alley herself. Gabby pushed herself up slowly from the trash while slightly shaking from her pain.......she held her head with one of her hands as she walked out of the alleyway to see the squids were nowhere to be found.........

Gabby slowly limped back home with only a face of pure anger before opening, then aggressively closing her door once she was inside, looking down at her uniform to see a slight hole in her shirt from where her badge previously was, which only made her sigh.

Gabby: great.......first month on the job......and I already lost my badge....and ruined my uniform....can't wait to get yelled at by my boss....

Just then, Gabby heard a knock at her door, and she groaned, turning around and walked straight back towards the door and looking through her tiny peep hole to see Isabella standing with a smile on her face.

Gabby: (the hell is she doing here?...)

Bella: *knock knock* helloooo? Ms. Gabby!!

Gabby: go away!!

Bella: but I have something for you!!

Gabby: if it's anything related to you, I definitely don't want it!!

Bella: well uh......technically this is yours...not mine....

Gabby was taken aback by Bella, then rolled her eyes and opened her door SLIGHTLY, poking her head out towards Bella.

Gabby: what?.....

Bella smiled at Gabby and held out her hand, showing Gabby her police badge.....Gabby stood in disbelief before completely opening her door and taking the badge from Bella.

Gabby: how the hell did this end up in your......

Gabby finally got a good look at Bella's entire body, seeing her ripped clothing and bruises all over her body, with only one of her eyes being opened to look at her since she was given a black eye. But despite all of this, the Inkling still kept a smile on her face as she straightened her classic straw boater.

Gabby:.......hands.....

Bella: well I had to help you, considering that you helped me back in the plaza.

Gabby: h-helped you?.........the fuck? I didn't help you, idiot! I was just making sure those squids were following the rules!

Bella: *smiles* even though your help was unintentional, you still earned yourself a friend!

Gabby: please don't say that....

Bella: me! The great Isabe-

Gabby: "The Great Isabella" yes.......no shit.....I know you...we all know you.....

Bella: oh yeah......*small blush* I guess I do ramble a lot, huh?

Gabby: please leave.....thank you or whatever for the badge but just please leave me alone.......

Bella stood and stared at Gabby in concern. She thought for a second before giving herself a nod and reaching into the singular pocket on her ripped up hoodie.

Bella: I understand. I just have one last thing for ya.

Gabby:......

Bella: you have a sweet tooth, huh? That's what I noticed about you.

Bella handed Gabby a bag of gummy squids, and she gently took the bag while seeing Bella chuckle in embarrassment.

Bella: every time I see ya, you are eating gummy squids. I assumed it was your favorite snack, so I got you some!......but I know it's not much......

Gabby saw Bella look directly at her with a beautiful and gentle smile, reaching over towards her and poking her nose.

Bella: I know things are hard for you.....and I know there aren't many squids that like you......that's why you're like this..........

Gabby:.......

Bella: no matter what you do......I will always know deep down that you're doing the right thing...............you're not alone......I like you......and I'll always be your friend......even if you don't think the same.....

Gabby stood stunned and watched Bella give her a tiny wave before super jumping away to head back home......and even though she wanted to speak, she couldn't..........and she looked down at her bag of gummies......letting out a tiny unintentional blush from her kindness......

*Present day*
*Inkopolis hospital*

Gabby:......the next day.......my boss explained to me that I wasn't going to get in trouble........because you told her everything.........she gave me a new uniform......and that situation was swept under the rug........

Bella:.......

Gabby:..........you're the reason why I'm even here right now.....why I have all of you guys as my friends........you get the point I'm trying to make, right?...........you changed me, and you've changed all of us.....you're the most important squid we all know and cherish.

Bella:.......

Gabby: look at Amira.......she's happy with Miles.....I've never seen her smile so much before......Otto is still a dick.....but.......we all can tell he changed......we love the guy......and you're even surprised that he changed. You punched him in the face not that long ago.......the only reason why he came back was because of his respect for you......he knew you wouldn't die in such a stupid way.........

Bella began to feel her body crumble down and she let out little sniffles as her tears began to flow a bit faster.....looking straight at the blank signature box.

Gabby let out a sigh of guilt and walked over towards her crying friend, gently raising her hand and placing it on her head, delicately rubbing her.

Gabby:...the only reason why I'm.....even able to tell you this face-to-face is because of what you said to me.......

Bella:.......

Gabby: no matter what I do......deep down, you know I'm doing the right thing, Isabella...............and......that stuck with me for years............*tiny smile*........so you.......y-you can't go back on your word, dummy......

Bella:..........I-I..........I know......

Bella buried her face as she held her knees up to her chest, hugging her legs and whimpering........Gabby slowly moved her hand from off of Bella......and watched her weep and sob, as if she wasn't even the same inkling anymore..........her happiness and pride........courage and cheerful aura.......vanished without a trace......

Bella:........Throughout my life.......I've always been told............"you're weak"....."pathetic"........."you can't do this alone"....."you're useless".........all because of my disability.........

Gabby:.......

Bella: me, Erida, and Obsidian were the only three codes that had malfunctions in our creations..............I was created with too much Inkling and Octoling DNA......it overflowed my Ink sack.......and it exploded........the professor saved me before I died.........

Bella lifted her head and Gabby saw how red her eyes were due to her constant crying.......Bella looked at her own hand.........and simply shook her head.......

Bella: she immediately regretted it.....I was horribly unbalanced and weak.......so she immediately tossed me to the side........left me to rot...Obsidian's malfunction caused her to be born while missing her right eye.......making her half blind......and Erida............was destroyed.......her skin was grey.....cracks around her eyes......but she was the last.....the professor called her......"a gift from god".....

Gabby:....

Bella:............I want to prove........that she's wrong about me................that they're all wrong......

Bella looked at the paper and wiped away the last bit of her tears....

Bella: but I barely scratched the surface of what I'm supposed to achieve.....

She held her hand out to Gabby and looked at her.

Bella:........I'll sign it...........sorry.......

Gabby hesitated......but grabbed a pen within her pocket and offered it to Bella, watching her gently sign her name on the paper, and with each twist and turn of the pen, Gabby could only feel worse and worse, and then.....Bella removed the pen, and handed it to her alongside the paper, and when she looked at the box, her name was boldly written like she said.

Gabby:.........thanks......

Bella:........*nod*......

Gabby: uh.........well, since you're awake....you should be able to get out of here soon........and once the public finds out that you're actually alive.....they'll want an answer.......

Bella:.......I know....

Gabby: I'll take care of it.....don't worry.......

Gabby turned around and walked away from Bella, gently grabbing the door handle........but she stopped and looked back at her one last time.

Gabby:.....is there anything else you need from me?.....

Bella:.............just......time to myself......

Gabby was slightly saddened after seeing Bella look away from her, but she gave her a nod as she opened her door.

Gabby: understood.....

She walked out of the hospital room and gently closed the door behind herself.....she let out a sigh as she folded the paper and slid it into her pocket, walking down the distant hall and towards the main lobby of the hospital.....seeing everyone standing together while holding their meals....

Gabby: Alright guys.....let's give Bella her time to rest.....and things should be back to norm-.....

Gabby saw her many friends stand completely star struck at the sight.....she walked over to them, seeing also other cephalopods within the same state....she walked over to Cynthia specifically and gently tapped her shoulder with her confused glare.

Gabby: the hell is wrong with you guys?.......

Cynthia:....Gabs.........*points*....look...

Gabby looked up at the main television within the hospital lobby.........and her eyes immediately widened at the sight.

~~~~~
~~~~~

Harlow: And Yuka is....F-Fighting within her teams place!?

Yumi dodged many cephalopods with the energy core in hand, and Mellow immediately splatted any in their way. The Pink Octo slid next to Yumi, catching her attention.

Mellow: looks like your sister is out for us...........

Yumi looked back and noticed Yuka within the distance, and with a glare, she sighed and clenched onto the energy core harder.

Yumi: I know....

Mellow: I'll buy you time, Yumu.....so don't disappoint me.....

Yumi:.....I-it's Yumi.....

Mellow: that's what I said......

Yumi:......

Mellow and Yumi separated on an awkward note, with Mellow stopping her momentum slightly to slow herself and slowly approach Yuka with other cephalopods as well.

Mellow saw a squiffer immediately aim towards her and take their shot, but she jumped within the air and shot directly at the squiffer, splatting them before moving her head out of the way from a fizzy bomb that was thrown towards her.

The Octo spun her body and kicked the fizzy bomb with her heel, launching over to another unfortunate Inkling enemy who took the explosions back-to-back.

A distant Octoling boy gritted his teeth at Mellow as she landed back down and glided alongside them. He aimed his squeezer at her, but before he pulled the trigger, he turned and saw Yuka directly next to him.....looking at him from the corner of her eye.

His heart dropped and his body immediately forced him to aim directly at her instead, shooting directly at the dark and murderous Octoling. Instead of Yuka shooting back at him, she instead pushed herself up from the ground and flipped her body over the squeezer, completely ignoring him and easily dodging his shots in the progress......

The Octoling was completely confused by Yuka's nature, and when he looked closer at her hands.......he noticed that she completely jumped into the battlefield without her weapon at all.....

Mellow:......(ignoring her foes?.....)

Mellow saw Yuka's eyes and who they were directly locked on.....turning her head to see Yumi within the distance......and from the three octoling girls within the conflict....she was the only one who stood within the two sisters.....

Mellow:....(....obviously.....she's going straight for her.....)

Mellow glared at Yuka, and immediately engaged her in battle. She threw a suction bomb at Yuka, only seeing the Octoling look swiftly at it and extend her hand out, grabbing the bomb and throwing it far away into the sky, making it explode completely away from every cephalopod within their radius.

Mellow shot towards Yuka, but she swiftly spun and shifted her body to avoid her shots, which only annoyed her. Exactly like the Octoling squeezer from before, Yuka jumped in the air to avoid more of Mellow's shots, but she was prepared for her.

Mellow jumped high within the air to catch Yuka, shooting directly at her, but Yuka spun in her Octo form and dodged her shots once again. With the two right next to each other, Mellow spun her body to attempt to kick Yuka, but she turned back into her human form just in time, catching Mellow by the heel of her foot.

Mellow: (dammit!.....she's gonna-)

Just then, Yuka grabbed firmly onto Mellow and dragged her straight at her,  holding her close to her body. Mellow was completely confused at Yuka's actions, but the second the two touched the ground once more, Yuka let go of Mellow and tossed her away in a gentle way, allowing her to drift away.....

Mellow: (what?...........s-she's?.....)

Mellow looked down and noticed her N-Zap was completely missing from her grasp, and when she looked back over at Yuka, she saw her holding onto her N-Zap, and expected the octoling to simply splat her, but she saw Yuka throw her weapon aside, continuing to pursue Yumi.

Mellow: *tsk*.....She's approaching you, Yuyi!!

Yumi sighed at Mellow's mispronunciation of her name, then looked back to see Yuka glaring at her, and the two sisters stared at each other. And as everyone watched, Yuka then caught up to Yumi, gliding next to her side by side....

Yuka: Yumi........I need you to listen.....

Within the crowd of the many cephalopods who were watching the event live, a cloaked Inkling stood in silence, seeing Yuka and Yumi glare at each other......then felt her heart thump loudly......Illuminating her red eyes straight at the screen......being no one other than Angelica......

Angelica:....no.......she......

Yumi: why should I?.......

Yuka:.......I know that.......I don't deserve anything from you........

Yumi stayed silent and saw Yuka looking towards her, which made her emotions twist and turn to confuse her. She shook her head and ignored Yuka, holding the energy core and trying to go faster to escape.

Yuka: Yumi!

Yuka immediately caught up to Yumi and grabbed her arm, only for Yumi to aggressively pull her arm away from Yuka and glare at her.

Yumi: Just Stay away!!! You keep killing everyone I love in my life!!

Yuka: Yumi, No!! your squid friends, they're going to be alright!!

Yumi: cut the lies with me! All you do is lie!

Yuka:.......

Yumi: I can't believe I actually loved you! After everything you did to me.....do you understand what you put me through!?

For the very first time in her entire life, Yuka watched and saw Yumi grit her teeth in pure anger as tears rolled down her face.......she could only stare as Yumi clenched the energy core, looking away.

Yumi: you traumatized me that day.......I never wanted to trust anyone ever again.......I didn't even understand who I was as an octoling!! I simply shut my mouth, avoided everyone, and did what I was told!! Forming long bonds is nothing but a waste of time!! And you taught me that!!

Yuka:........

Yumi: everyone only wanted me for my strength just like you............and every time anyone tried to bond with me.....I was scared.............all of those years of silence and loneliness I put myself through just made me forget who I once was!...............

Everyone only stared in shock from the live drama between the two sisters......the cloaked Inkling glared directly at Yuka, seeing a normal tear flow down her face, which only made her clench her fist in annoyance.

Angelica:... what the hell is going on?......

Yuka clenched her heart in pain and grunted loudly, looking towards Yumi to see her completely looking away from her..........and the only thing that caught Yuka's eye was the purple ribbon that flowed and was attached to the black straw boater on Yumi's head, and she watched her younger sister gently grab the boater without paying her any form of glare.

Yumi:........all of my friends.......they are the ones who deserve my trust...........and the one girl who helped me break through my shell after all of those years...........was Isabella.........and I have dedicated my time to fixing society just like her........

"Isabella".......that name rang a small bell in Yuka's head........she looked at the straw boater more.......closer......and then was immediately shot.....with a new realization......

*Months ago*

Yuka immediately stabbed an octoling girl straight through her chest from behind........the girl stood in pure horror before dropping their phone and falling to the ground.........Yuka looked ahead to see a tiny ray of light.....light that illuminated on a staircase.......straight to the promise land......

Yuka:......so close.....yet so far......

Yuka saw the spirit of the Octoling flow from her body and slowly drain from within thin air before her eyes.....just as her body dissolved..........leaving lnothing behind.......well....almost nothing......

Yuka:.....you will be safe within the Nocturnal realm......

',',',' I will become the best turfer known to squid!!! Do you understand me!!?',',','

Yuka stopped in her tracks after hearing the faint voice......she was deeply confused by the source's location, but when she looked back down, she saw the phone of the octoling....laying on the ground and emitting the noise....

Yuka kneeled down and picked up the phone, flipping it around to see the newly cracked screen covered with slight dust and dirt.....she dusted off the residue before getting caught by an Inkling girl with dark skin and white eyes within the video.

The girl wore a straw boater with a purple ribbon wrapped around it, proudly putting her fist on her own chest as she glared at the other E-Liter inkling standing across from her.

',',',' Nobody talks about my friends like that.....especially Yumi....because when I make it to the top....I want her to be right by my side!! Together, we will fucking prove that inklings and octolings are on the same level!!! ',',','

Yuka:......Yumi?......

The straw boater stuck out deeply to Yuka......then a sudden shock came over her body slightly, making her completely freeze..............she felt a deep sense shoot through her.....then looked closer to the Inkling girl.....noticing her white eyes.......and they looked......really familiar to her....

Yuka:.....this girl.....

Angelica: Yuka!

Yuka immediately was snapped out of her trance and turned her head to see Angelica walking up to her, and she stood up to properly greet the psychopathic Inkling.

Yuka: Angelica....

Angelica didn't respond back to Yuka, but she could already tell what she was doing......she held out her hand towards Yuka, and even though she was confused as first, she then gave Angelica the phone, seeing the Inkling crush it with her hand before dropping the remains on the ground between them.......

Angelica: no more distractions...focus....we have work to do.

Angelica walked away, and Yuka nodded before walking behind her, looking at the phone one last time before shaking her head and returning to her duties.

*present day*

Yuka:......(That girl..........she was......the.....)

Yuka didn't have time to finish her thoughts, and she was immediately caught by surprise when Mellow jumped at her from behind, and she quickly dodged the Octoling before many cephalopods caught up to her and Yumi.

Audience: WIN IT AAAAAAAALLL!!!!!

Yuka looked at the stands to see the many cephalopods cheering for her younger sister..........she saw the small butterfly clip attached to her boater........and she then came to her final conclusion...........of what she must do.........

Mellow tried to engage Yuka once more, but then saw her immediately rush and dodge a bamboozler's shot towards her, grabbing their weapon without causing any harm to the cephalopod.

She turned her body and quickly shot towards a nearby Flingza roller, knocking their weapon out of their grasp. She moved at a fast pace and aimed directly towards a Splattershot Pro next, shooting their weapon from their hand as well.........

Mellow began to notice Yuka's passive fashion of disarming her opponents with no means of force......she looked at Yuka and saw her focused towards Yumi and only Yumi......

Yumi saw the pedestal...kinda?....unlike the rainmaker pedestal, this one looked a bit more like a curved outlet with a specific center that matched the shape of the energy core....being a perfect fit......

Yumi then heard a loud spark erupt from behind her, which made her turn around and look.....seeing a massive enemy kraken in the distance that was rushing its way towards her.

Even though the many cephalopods refused to lose within the exams.....to the many high level squids and Octolings such as Charlotte and Lux have already thrown in the towel to focus on more drastic conditions.....

It was horrible.......the exams.....the competition..........it all went to waste.......it was all for nothing.......all because of her........Yuka looked at her  younger sister......then at the kraken..........she was nothing.....

Only feeling herself getting weaker and weaker as the days, hours, and minutes passed by.....remember all of those she's hurt...........she took a deep breath and summoned her bomb launcher, grabbing the suction bombs one by one.

Yuka threw the suction bombs directly at the kraken and protecting Yumi. Each bomb that hit the kraken pushed it back nonstop. A monstrous roar came from the beast and it dashed forward even faster to try and catch Yumi.

Yuka dug her claws into the ground to shift her momentum and throw herself towards the invincible kraken. She kicked the kraken to make it move off of their course to reach Yumi, and not too long later, the kraken reverted back to their normal state.

Right ahead, a ramp was finally visible and symboled to be the finish line for the contestants. The crowd roared louder than before,

Crowd: FINISH IT!!! FINISH IT!!!!!

Yumi was launched by the ramp high in the sky, gritting her teeth with pride, and all Yuka could stare at Yumi after the fighting ended. The Octo lifted the energy core, slammed it directly into the pedestal, emitting a powerful scream from the crowd once again, ending the match once and for all.

*GAME SET AND MATCH"

Yumi jumped off the pedestal and was then breathing heavily as sweat fell from her forehead..........she dropped her dualie squelchers and looked up at the sky........

Yumi: just one more day......Bella..........then.....your wish will come true...

Her interest was caught once again by slight sparks that came from the pedestal and energy core.......and soon later, fireworks shot in the sky for everyone to see.

Many words and explosions were spread throughout the sky......she saw the beautiful colors as she caught her breath properly.......sadly.....these positive emotions only lasted for a second......

She turned her head....and there she was........finally catching up to her.......Yuka was the second cephalopod to step foot past the finish line.......and the sisters stared at each other once again..........within the crowd......veins were visible and pulsing on Angelica.....gritting her teeth as hard as she could just as her eyes began glow more than before.......

Angelica:.....(kill her, you fool...she's exhausted!!!! Strike her down!!!"

She clenched her fist harder which made Yuka twitch and hold her head, grunting in pain.......she panted heavily and could feel her ink boiling within her body......Yumi saw the minus drip from Yuka's mouth.......and her body began to unintentionally shake...remembering that day....

Yuka looked up at Yumi and took one last deep breath.......shedding her normal tears for the first time ever in 6 years...........she gently wiped her mouth........and walked towards Yumi, who slowly began to back away from her.......

The fireworks went off as Yuka panted while also remembering the same exact day as Yumi within her own mind....the same day that made Yumi leave her........the same day when she officially became the only fear for Yumi..........seeing her younger sister tremble up against the wall, right when she killed Max in front of her eyes.......

Yumi backed up, but she eventually hit her back on the pedestal for the energy core........Yuka walked closer and closer.......fighting off the negative influence of the minus........and just like Yumi, her body trembled as well.....

Yumi covered her body with her arms while looking away from her.......shutting her eyes with a frustrated/fearful aura........Yuka was finally face to face with her sister.......Angelica clenched her teeth harder than before........seeing Yuka stare at Yumi with a depressing aura of her own.......

Instead of harming Yumi like before.....she finally won.....and beat the minus inside of her.........but still remembering the event made her tears flow faster...........she extended her hand......not her black, minus infected hand.....but her normal, Octoling hand.......

She gently touched Yumi's cheek as the crowd went silent......her delicate touch made her slightly happy.....feeling Yumi finally settle down.......lowering her arms.....she opened her eyes............seeing Yuka right in front of her.......

Yuka:.........that boater..........Isabella means a lot to you.........right?.........

Yumi stayed silent.....feeling Yuka gently rub her thumb across her cheek.......Yumi felt her body slowly warm up......feeling comfortable and soothing.............

Yuka:.........I'm so sorry Yumi.......I ruined everything for you.............your life.....happiness........and relationships.......all crumbled away because of my actions...........I wanted to become the best sister on the planet........for you.........but in the end.......I turned myself into a monster..........and did the complete opposite........

Yumi could only look at Yuka as tears welled up in her eyes.......she slowly raised her own hand and placed it on top of Yuka's.........

Yuka:......I broke my promise......I built up so much anger and fear within you throughout the years..........I placed such a heavy burden on your shoulders.......for you to try and lock those emotions and memories away forever..........

Yumi:.........

Yuka: I lost the boy I loved.......I lost you............and I lost myself......I was never the same ever since that day............I got weaker and weaker......having no thought on taking care of myself............I was trapped within a state of depression and anger...........

Yumi:........

Yuka: I was manipulated........I never hated you.........those weren't my words...........the only form of hatred I felt was hatred towards myself........a failure...........

The entire crowd along with the competing cephalopods, who just crossed the finish line, all stood together and stared quietly at Yumi and Yuka. Harlow turned her head and saw a cameraman squid recording the entire scenario, which only made her panic and wave her arms at the squid.

Harlow: *whisper* hey! Turn it off! Stop!

Yuka:..........at least.........I know I did something right.........

Yuka moved her hand from Yumi's cheek, which made Yumi let go of her, then look to where her hand was heading.....the straw boater.....Yuka gently grabbed the purple ribbon, feeling the tough material of the hat as well...........

Yuka: Isabella...........*tiny smile*.....I've met her before........6 years ago...............I'm happy to see that she accomplished her goal after all this time.........

Yumi:............you........k-know her?.....

Yuka: *nods*........who knew that the same girl I met 6 years ago would be the same girl my sister fell in love with........at least I knew.......that sparing her.....was the hidden blessing that my sacrifice provided.......it lifts some guilt off my shoulders......but not enough at all to make me forgive myself......

From the top of the tower, Amira held an unconscious Miles in her arms...and she looked up at the big screen to see the two sisters.........seeing them both stare into each others eyes......

Yuka:.......I love you, Yumi......from the bottom of my heart........

Yumi:......

Yuka: and THAT statement......was from me......your older sister.......and nobody else.....

Angelica shook fearlessly and began to alert the cephalopods standing around her, with a single inkling boy tapping on her shoulder in confusion.

Inkling boy:....uh.......you alright there?....

Just then, Angelica turned her head over towards the Inkling, showing him her fangs with a furious expression....leaking saliva from her mouth as she huffed and puffed.....and the Inkling boy simply looked away from Angelica and scooted away from her a little bit.

Inkling boy:........never mind......

Yuka felt her body erupt in pain again, and she grunted louder than before. To her surprise, when she slightly stumbled, Yumi grabbed her by the shoulders to help her balance.......and as she knew that it was her time......feeling Angelica's rage and presence from the crowd.........she looked at Yumi one last time..........

Yuka:.........I want.....to help you.......so listen to me.......okay?.....

Yumi:.........*nods*......

Yuka:........Angelica.......is the girl who did this to me.........she has green hair and beaming red eyes......she injected me with a substance known as "Minus".......and this ink comes from cephalopods like you and your friends.....everyone on the surface.......

Angelica's eyes widened in pure disbelief within in the stands, and she could only grind her teeth as veins became visible in her eyes.....clenching her fist harder than before to bring more torment onto Yuka........but she saw the Octoling simply shake in pain more, but not fall or become a victim once again to her corruption.

Angelica:....(.....no.....NOOO!!!......what is she doing!!!!!?.....)

Yuka:...........she's within a realm known as Nocturnal......that sits right below the surface, yet above the deep sea metro. She's selfish.......a horrible girl who changed me and tricked me......she used my love for you as a key to building my strength.....I lost my memories.......and they were replaced with negative counterparts.......

Yumi:........

Yuka:......I know that I will never have the chance..........but.......I know who does.............She's a hybrid Inkling and Octoling......her name is Erida........she's the key to stop her.....if we allow her to live.....I already know the world will go to ruin......so please.........Yumi......I want you to find her..........this fight is meant for her.......

Her heart beat faster and faster as seconds rolled by, to the point of feeling her lungs directly expand and shrink slowly..........she once again felt Angelica's anger emit from her body even more than before.............

Yuka:......I wish that I could explain this properly but.........it's over........

Yumi:.....w-what?......

Yuka:...........

Yuka slowly closed her eyes......tears seeped through.........and she gave Yumi a smile.......a beautiful smile.....showing her gentle nature........the same state that Yumi experienced from her many years ago...............

Yuka:...............I love you....forever and Always, Yumi.................and please..........give my thanks to Isabella..........

Yumi:...........Y-Yuka?......

Yuka:..................I'm so proud of you............it was a blessing for me to be the older sister of the most beautiful and talented Octoling ever........

Yumi:..............why are you.......acting.....like this?.....

Yuka:...............Goodbye.......Yumi...

Before she could react..........it was all brought to a halt.........Yuka's chest exploded from within her body with a tremendous force.........splatting her blood all over Yumi's face.........Yuka was now standing with a giant hole within her chest.........and her body fell back...........making her hit the ground...........ringing was heard in Yumi's ears from the pure silence.......

The crowd screamed and yelled in panic and fear, with everyone immediately getting up and running towards the closest exit to the arena......hearing words like "oh my cod!!!"......."move out of my way!!!!..."...."call the police!!!!!"........

but Yumi didn't register any of these screams......she simply stared at her older sister's corpse.........allowing the blood to run down her face and drip from her chin............

Her Dualie squelchers slipped from her hands........and she saw the life drain from her sister by the second......making her body feel dull within her state of denial......

She looked at her hands covered in her blood.......but one last thing finally caught her attention.......an explosion of a firework........and she looked up as a result from the noise........seeing one last gleaming message while her tears mixed with Yuka's blood on her face..........

"Winner!"

Yumi:...............

~~~~
~~~~

*not really art but*

Love them.

Definitely the longest chapter. I'm so sorry ;-;