Intro:

---

(Azazel's POV)

I woke up groggily on the couch. My eyes were fluttering as I looked around, only half awake. By then, the effect of the elixir had faded away and my leg had regenerated.

Azazel: Ugh, I am never fighting another wizard again.

I weakly got up, due to the fatigue that swept over me as well as the weakness from when my leg regenerated.

I walked up to my room, and got myself some pants and a tank top on.

I then walked back downstairs and made my way to the kitchen.

The way that I was walking gave off the illusion that I was a zombie that was drunk, so it made it a little difficult to walk. [Believe me, I had no idea where I was going with that comparison.]

I opened the fridge and tried to grab the milk carton, but due to the fact that my vision is a little dazed from the fatigue, I had a hard time finding it.

Once I did found it, I set it down on the counter.

Marina: Oh. Hey, Azazel.

Marina had just entered the kitchen.

She walked up to me and gave me a hug.

I returned the hug.

Azazel: Hey, Marina. As you can see, I am not feeling my best. After that shenanigan with Merasmus, it took a toll on my body.

Marina: Aww, is there anyway that I can help you?

Azazel: It wouldn't hurt to try anything to help me.

Marina: Hmm...

-In her mind-

I entered her room, to she Marina wearing nothing but a robe on.

Once we were there, she pulled me in for a kiss.

After the kiss, she would disrobe herself and rested her naked body on her bed.

Marina had a huge blush on her face.

Marina: P-Please, be gentle...

-Back to reality-

Marina was tomato red by now.

Azazel: You know what? Never mind.

Marina was somewhat relieved at that, but still had a large blush on her face.

I made myself some coffee, and headed to the table to add in my creamer.

Pearl soon walked into the kitchen.

Pearl: Yo, what cha got for breakfast?

Marina: Well, I made you some pancakes.

Pearl: Ooh, yum!

She grabbed her plate of pancakes from the counter and headed down to the table.

Pearl looked at me funny.

Pearl: Yo, why you be drinking coffee like some old dude?

Azazel: To help me out with how tired at am, especially with that incident with Houdini yesterday.

Her face was engulfed with anger.

Pearl: I will never forgive him for filling my head with pickle brine. Imagine what people would think of me if they saw me like that.

Her anger was replaced with sadness, as she began to tear up. I remember how bad she had it when that asshole had made fun of her back on the boat, and I couldn't repeat that twice.

I brought her in for a hug to soothe her.

Azazel: Pearl, nobody is going to think of you like that. Besides, if they do antagonize you like that, just ignore them. And its not like that stupid wizard is going to fill your head with pickle brine again since he's in Hell. If he tries to do something to you, I'm willing to give my life to keep you safe.

I looked over at Marina.

Azazel: And that also means you too, alongside Callie, Marie, and Juvia.

Marina gave a smile, as she slightly blushes.

Pearl soon returned the hug.

Pearl: Thank you.

Azazel: Don't mention it. Besides, we're all in this together.

Marina soon joined in.

Marina: Isn't this nice.

After our group hug and finishing our breakfast, I was washing the dishes because they have to get to work on rehearsal.

Pearl: Okay, Marina, let's get to work. We've got to rehearse before the concert.

Marina: Right!

Marina looked over at me.

Marina: See ya in a while. Thanks for doing out dishes.

She said as they started leaving the living room.

I looked back over to the sink.

Azazel: No problem.

---

I was in the gaming room playing some World of Splatcraft, keeping myself entertained while they were rehearsing for the concert later tonight.

Suddenly, I heard Pearl and Marina's voices a little ways away.

Pearl: Marina, calm down.

Marina: No, Pearl! I'm not ready. I can't do it!

Pearl: Marina. It's fine, you're just feeling uneasy.

The voices sounded like they were moving around.

Marina: No! The concert is tonight and I keep on messing everything up!

I then exited the room and started following the voices, until I heard a door slam. When I arrived there, Pearl was outside of Marina's room, trying to talk her down, but Marina wasn't saying anything.

Azazel: Pearl? What's going on?

Pearl motioned her hand towards the door.

Pearl: We were practicing and Marina kept freaking out over a couple mistakes until she snapped.

Azazel: Is she okay?

Pearl: I don't know.

Pearl looked over at the door.

Pearl: She won't talk to me!

I placed my hand on her shoulder.

Azazel: Pearl, how about I try to talk to her?

Pearl: Good luck.

She gave me a peck on the cheek, and walked off.

Once Pearl was gone, I turned towards the door. I knocked on the door a few times.

Azazel: Marina?... It's me... Can you let me in?

I sat there for a few seconds without any response.

Azazel: Yeah, that's fine.

I sat down in front of the door, and laid my back against the door.

Azazel: So, you mind telling me what's wrong?

I got nothing.

Azazel: Why are you freaking out so much? You've never done this before.

Nothing...

Azazel: Don't you want help?

Once again, nothing.

We sat there for minutes without any words being spoken.

I was still sitting there with my head now sat on my arms, which were crossed and set on my knees.

Azazel: You know... Isolating yourself doesn't help... It just leaves you with more problems than when you started... Even if those problems aren't your own. You make problems for the people you don't want to hurt...

The silence from the other side of the door continued.

Azazel: Do you know how it feels to see someone you care about upset, but having to sit there without being able to help?... It hurts... I know this better than anyone.

For a second, I thought I heard a sniffle from the other side of the door.

Azazel: Can you please open the door?... Marina?...

After a minute of silence, I heard the door unlock.

I looked up in shock. I then stood up, grabbed the doorknob, sat there for a bit, then opened the door.

I walked into the room and shut the door behind me. I saw, on the bed, Marina was laying on her side, facing away from the door.

I walked over and sat down on the bed. I was going to place my hand on her shoulder, but I hesitated, then retracted my hand.

Azazel: Marina, I- uh... Wh-... Can you explain what's going on?

Without turning over, she spoke.

Marina: You wanna know what happened?... You wanna know what's wrong?!..... I'm scared...

I looked over, then slowly looked away. A sadness in my eyes. I then looked back over at her. Then, I placed my hand on her arm, supportively.

She winced at my touch.

Azazel: Scared of what?

Marina: All of this. When I heard the Squid Sisters for the first time, my whole life changed, but now that I'm here, about to perform with them, it just leaves me wondering... Do I even deserve all of this?

I turned away from Marina, and muttered something quietly.

Azazel: ⁱ ᵏⁿᵒʷ ʷʰᵃᵗ ⁱᵗ'ˢ ˡⁱᵏᵉ ᵗᵒ ᶠᵉᵉˡ ᵗʰᵃᵗ ᵏⁱⁿᵈ ᵒᶠ ᵖᵃⁱⁿ

I couldn't see it, but Marina's face turn into one of shock, as she thought I said something wrong. Then, she sunk herself more into her bed, her face turning into one of sorrow, with her eyes shut tightly; a tear or two protruding from the tightly closed gates that were her eyelids.

Azazel: You do deserve this...

Marina's eyes opened wide at this. And she turned her eyes in my direction, but still unable to see me due to her laying on her side.

Azazel: Let me tell you a tale. When I was a young boy, I was taken into a home that had a friend my mother knew for such a long time, after my father was slaughtered by Octarian marauders led by DJ Octavio. This left a scar on me that would shape who am I forever. Because of that traumatizing moment, I was left to distance myself from others, knowing that they could end up being slaughtered if I got attached to them. Due to me being that socially awkward, I was often a prime target for bullies. I thought that I would never make friends, until Zoey and Anduin took me in, and since then we became close friends. For the first time, I felt as if there are good people out there that are willing to help me out in times like these. Once I became older and eventually move here to Inkopolis, I carried that burden I had all those years ago. But once you two took me in, my mind slowly started to heal, as I have gotten what I wanted; an end to the pain that I've carried with me throughout my whole life, and I cannot thank you enough.

I then placed my hand on her shoulder.

Azazel: What I'm trying to say is that, you're the hardest working person I know. You do everything you can to achieve your goals. Maybe instead of focusing on, "Do I even stand up against the Squid Sisters", you should focus on the fact that you are standing up with them. You made this happen. You followed what you wanted to do and you caught it... Are you really going to just let it go that easily?

Marina was taking in everything I was saying, then she sat up, wiping the tears out of her eyes.

Azazel: I've lost that chance a long time ago, but it's not too late for you. Take that chance.

I said that with a smile on my face. Although, I was shocked when I suddenly felt her latch herself onto me, hugging me very tightly.

I looked down at her, then I became less tense, and hugged her back.

We sat like this for a while, until she broke the silence.

Marina: I have no idea of the kind of pain you went through. I'm so sorry.

Azazel: Marina, always remember that in your darkest times, never let fear prevail, even at the very gates of Hell.

Marina gave a slight blush, as I have said what it means to truly be strong.

Azazel: I have my reason as to why I told you this tale. I want to keep all of my friends safe by preventing them from experiencing the same trauma I had as a child.

She placed her hand on her chest.

Marina: Can... Can I say something to you?

Azazel: Sure. What do you have in mind?

But instead of saying something, she leaned herself towards me and soon our lips had connected.

Once she leaned back a little, she then spoke up.

Marina: Ever since that time at the hill, when you told me how you felt about me and the constant time we spend together, I cannot ignore my feelings for you anymore.

Azazel: What are you saying, Marina?

Marina: I love you.

I was a little shocked myself, but I composed myself.

Azazel: Marina, I.. love you too. It doesn't matter if you are an Inkling or an Octoling, love holds no boundaries.

I pulled her in for another kiss, to which she gladly accepted.

---

(Pearl's POV)

Pearl was basically biting her hooks, frantically looking at her phone, checking the time. [I'm calling the nails Inklings have in this story as hooks. While Inklings decorate their hooks for fashion, there are very few that uses them what they were originally meant to be, as claws. When you put it bluntly, Inklings may seem like a civilized species, but can be quite ferocious beasts when using prehistoric methods of combat, such as using their sharp teeth and hooks to rip apart flesh.]

Pearl: oh, come on, Marina. It's almost time to leave.

Pearl was just looking around nervously.

Pearl: Where are you, Marina?

Juvia walks to where Pearl is.

Juvia: What's going on?

Pearl: Well, I'm waiting for Marina to come out so we can all go to the concert.

Suddenly, Pearl heard footsteps getting closer. She looked behind her and was filled with relief when she saw me and Marina coming.

Pearl jumped up, then ran at Marina. She started hugging Marina as tight as she could.

Pearl: Marina! You're okay!

Marina: Pearl.

Pearl: You worried me so much!

Marina: Pearl.

Pearl: I didn't know what I was going to do!

Marina: Pearl!

Pearl then stopped.

Marina: I'm fine now. That's what matters.

Pearl smiled up at Marina.

Marina: Now, are you ready to throw one hell of a show?

Pearl: You know it!

And so, they got changed into their preforming outfits, then left for the concert.

---

(Azazel's POV)

The four of us arrived at the place and enter through the back entrance, walking past all the photographers and journalists.

Then, we ran into Callie and Marie. [Insert calamari joke here]

Marie: Ah! You're all here.

Then, she greeted me with a hug, which I returned.

Marina just looked over, and she thought to herself.

Marina: (The more I think to myself, the five of all share feelings for him. And sharing him among ourselves will be quite the challenge.)

Callie: We were beginning to worry you wouldn't show.

Marina gave an uneasy laugh.

Callie: You better head to your back rooms, prepare yourselves. We're going on in a little bit.

Pearl and Marina went to their room, while me and Juvia went with Callie and Marie since they were already ready. We just started a conversation while waiting for Pearl and Marina to return, and for the show to start.

---

Callie and Marie were at one side of the stage, behind the curtains, while Pearl and Marina were at the other with me and Juvia.

Marina: Ooh! I'm so nervous.

I placed my hand on Marina's shoulder.

Azazel: It's going to be fine.

Juvia: You can do it!

She was looking right at me and nodded her head.

I then placed my other hand on Pearl's shoulder.

Azazel: And Pearl?

She looked over at me.

Azazel: Knock 'em dead.

Pearl's smile grew wide at this.

The two groups then walked out on the stage as their show began. Me and Juvia stayed on the side, watching the performance.

And here is the concert for those who have the time to watch it after this chapter.

---

We were all backstage after the show had concluded.

Callie: That went great!

Pearl: We knocked their socks off!

Marina: They loved us!

Juvia: I'm so proud of you all!

Azazel: Was there ever any doubt?

Marina, meanwhile, just rubbed the back of her neck, giving an uneasy laugh.

Marie: So, Azazel, how'd you like the show?

Azazel: You all did great!

Pearl: We gave them something to remember.

We all laughed and were filled with excitement of the show they had just performed.

Marina: Oh, wait! Azazel? Do you mind going to my stage room and grabbing my laptop for me?

Azazel: Sure, no problem.

I then left to go do the task Marina had asked of me.

When I got to her room, I looked around for the laptop, then I spotted it on the counter.

I walked up to it, and as I was about to grab it, I noticed she left something open.

Azazel: Hm... "♪MARINA'S CHAT★ROOM♪" huh? "CraigCuttlefish" eh? Why does that sound familiar? Eh, I shouldn't be going through Marina's things.

RaveDogg: Safe choice.

Azazel: Okay, seriously, who are you?

RaveDogg: You'll find out soon enough.

I closed the laptop, then went to bring it to Marina, as she asked.

Azazel: Here you go, Marina. As you asked.

I handed her the laptop, which she gladly took.

Marina: Thank you, Azazel.

Azazel: No problem.

We then chatted in the back room for a little while before we all decided to go back home.

Pearl, Marina, Juvia, and myself said goodbye to Callie and Marie, then left.

We pushed past the paparazzi, and got to our vehicle and returned home.

---

We were back at the mansion.

Pearl: *Yawn* I'm tired. Doing that big of a show really takes a lot out of me. I need to go rest my vocals, too.

Pearl then, sleepily, went to her room to go to bed.

Juvia: I better get to bed as well. All that excitement was too much for me.

She too, went off to her room.

Azazel: I guess we better head to bed as we-

I was cut off by Marina hugging me tightly.

Azazel: Marina?

Marina: I just wanted to thank you. Without you, I might not have even gone to the show. Ruining many people's nights.

She stopped hugging me.

Azazel: That was all you, I just helped bring it out.

We were both standing there, looking into each other's eyes; silence overtook the room.

She soon spoke up with a blush on her face.

Marina: Is it... Is it okay if I sleep with you tonight?

Azazel: Sure, I don't mind it at all.

Marina: Thank you.

We soon entered my room, then sat down onto my bed.

Marina: I had so much fun tonight.

Azazel: We all did. I'm glad you were able to make it there.

Marina soon got closer to me and we kissed for a while.

She soon went into the bathroom to put on a nightgown. She would climb into the bed, and I followed suit.

Azazel: Goodnight, Marina.

Marina gave a slight giggle at that.

Marina: Goodnight, Azazel.

She would hug me and I would return the hug.

Soon, we fell asleep, with her still in my grasp and her head resting on my chest.

SEE YOU SPACE COWBOY...

Hey guys, I want to apologize for not publishing this chapter on Tuesday. Obviously I said to blame my returning addiction to WoW, and I wasn't kidding about that. There's a reason it's often called World of Warcrack back in the day. If you guys enjoyed this chapter and enjoyed this story, be sure to show me some love, hit that vote button, and follow me to receive news on Into the Light. Chapter 21 is in development, and I promise to publish chapters a little earlier, instead of delaying it for almost 4 days. As always, I'm RaveDogg, and I'll see you in the next chapter.

November 7th, 2020