Intro:

---

(Azazel's POV)

I entered the living room, where 3, 8, and Cuttlefish were sitting, with a couple of items in my hands. Dedf1sh was still hiding from us.

Azazel: Okay, I've got a couple of Pearl's coloring books that you can use, 8.

I handed her the coloring books, which 8 took excitedly, and started coloring immediately.

Azazel: I've got a you a glass of paopu juice, if you want it, 3.

I handed it to her, which she reluctantly accepted.

3: Thanks... I guess.

Azazel: And I've got you two AA batteries, Cap'n. Since I see you've been trying to turn the TV on with a remote that has flat batteries.

Cuttlefish just placed both of his hands on his knees.

Cuttlefish: I just don't understand some things, nowadays.

I put the batteries in the remote, then turned on the TV for Cuttlefish.  I handed the remote back to Cuttlefish and let him flip through the channels for something to watch.

So, now 3, myself, and Cuttlefish were sitting on the couch watching the TV, with 8 lying on her stomach on the floor, coloring in the coloring book, while humming Calamari Inkantation. Dedf1sh would also be watching TV, though from a safe distance from us.

Cuttlefish was still flipping through the channels, so I thought I'd ask him a question.

Azazel: Are you looking for anything in particular, Cap'n?

Cuttlefish: The news channel, thank you.

He handed me the remote, to which I changed to the news channel.

Cuttlefish: Ah, I remember when my grandsquids did the news. I want to go see them, but from what I heard, Inkopolis Plaza is a ghost town, so I don't know where they'd be.

Azazel: You know, I can take you to them.

Cuttlefish and 3 looked over at me while 8 kept coloring in Pearl's book and Dedf1sh watching with curiosity.

Cuttlefish: You can really take us to them, lad?

Azazel: You bet. Should we all get going then?

Cuttlefish: Aye!

I noticed the look on 8's face when she heard that.

Azazel: Here.

I handed her my phone and some earbuds.

Azazel: You can play with my phone on the way there. Bring the coloring book too; you can use it when we get there.

8: Thanks!

8 had a large smile on her face and gladly took the phone, to which she was already looking up videos.

I walked over to where Dedf1sh was, and she hid herself from me.

Azazel: Don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you. I just want to you if you are comfortable enough to come with us.

I stood there for some time, until she spoke up, in a almost mechanical voice.

Dedf1sh: My skin...

Azazel: What about it?

Dedf1sh: I'm afraid they won't accept me for... what I have become.

Azazel: Look, I'll give you one of my jackets and other necessities. That way, you can hide your green skin.

Dedf1sh: I... don't understand. Why are you helping me, when I look like... a freak of nature?

It took me a few seconds to find a reason.

Azazel: It's simply the right thing to do.

I walked upstairs to grab clothing for her that could at least cover up most of her skin.

Once I got them, I walked back downstairs and gave them to her. She approached with caution, and soon took them and made her way to the nearest bathroom.

She would come out, wearing the hoodie that I had given her, alongside some gloves as well.

Azazel: Not bad. That should keep you from standing out a lot.

Although she's still shy and scared, Dedf1sh actually feels somewhat comfortable wearing what I gave her. Knowing that people won't stare at her green skin.

Dedf1sh: Thank you, sir.

Azazel: Please... call me Azazel.

She looked up at me with a small smile on her face.

---

The five of us were not walking through the city, making our way to Inkopolis Square. 3 was in the front, making sure 8 didn't run into a wall or anything while she was playing with my phone. I was in the back with Cuttlefish and Dedf1sh.

Azazel: So, Cap'n, where did Pearl and Marina find you four at?

Cap'n: Oh, 3 and I were doing some business, but then I ran into 8, after I heard that Dedf1sh had gone MIA for some time. Not too long later, we met Pearl and Marina over the walkie.

Azazel: (The day Marina had the radio!) That's- Hold on. Take a left turn up here!

I said to 3 and 8; 3 simply nodded.

Azazel: So, Cap'n, you mind explaining what's the deal with 3 and 8?

Cuttlefish: What do you mean, lad?

Azazel: Well, it seems that 3 has a cold view on everything, and 8 seems to act like a kid, yet she's not.

Cuttlefish: Well, from what I can tell you, lad... 8 had lost her memories and was a part of the Octarian Army. 

Azazel: So that explains why she has a childlike nature, she hasn't seen or done anything like this.

Cuttlefish: And 3, well... She's been through a, mood change, ever since she defeated Octavio 2 years ago.

3: Let's just say I don't interact much.

Azazel: Point taken.

We then turned back to the path to the Square.

---

After a little while of more walking, we finally arrived at Inkopolis Square.

Cuttlefish: This place is super fresh! So, Callie and Marie work here?

Azazel: Well... You could put it that way.

I led them towards the back of the Square, to where the grate was.

Azazel: Follow me.

I turned into my squid form and hopped through the grate.

---

(Marie's POV)

Marie was in the Cuttlefish Cabin, bored to death.

Marie: (Maybe I'll message Azazel to come and hang out.)

She smiled as she started pulling out her phone.

Azazel: Marie? Are you there?

Marie heard me calling out from outside the cabin.

Marie: Hm? Looks like I got lucky.

She stood up to exit the cabin.

Marie: So, Azazel, do you wanna-

She was cut off by the sight that was in front of her when she exited the cabin.

Marie: G-Gramps?! 3?!

Marie was speechless looking between Gramps and 3.

Marie ran up and started hugging Cuttlefish and 3 but after a couple of seconds, she pulled me into the hug, feeling so much happiness from being reunited with her grandfather. It wouldn't be possible without 3's bad hygiene, and for me bringing them here.

She was still hugging the three of us when she opened her eyes to see an Octoling using a phone with earbuds plugged in, standing behind the three. Alongside another Octoling who was hiding most of what she looked like.

Marie ended the hug.

Marie: Uh... Does anyone want to explain to me what those Octolings are doing here?

Cuttlefish: Oh! You must mean Agent 8 and Dedf1sh. 8 helped Agent 3 and I escape from a dangerous underground facility. As for Dedf1sh, she was a well known DJ before I took her in as Agent 7, she would eventually get captured and became sanitized, losing her free will. Although it seems that her will is slowly returning to her.

Marie: Oh! Well, welcome to the team, you two.

She held out her hand to Agent 8 and Dedf1sh, but was met with confused looks, quickly followed up by faces of realization, to which they both started shaking Marie's hand.

Marie: Okay, okay, calm down.

Marie said laughing a bit.

Juvia came out of nowhere.

Juvia: Alright, Marie. I've finished working on those hardlight targets for yo-

3 had raised her Hero Shot at Juvia's head.

3: Don't you even fucking try it.

Marie rushed over to Agent 3, before she could kill Juvia in cold blood.

Marie: Woah, woah, woah! Stand down, 3! She's with us.

3 soon lowered her weapon.

Agent 8 soon walked up to Juvia, and gave her an adorable smile.

Juvia: So cute~

Juvia started hugging 8, and got hugged back by 8.

Marie: Well, as long as we're introducing new agents, this is Agent 4, as you probably already know.

She gestured towards me.

3 quickly turned her head towards me. Cuttlefish also looked over to me, but not as fast as 3 had done.

Cuttlefish: Ah! Well, that would explain somethings. We could always use some more hands on deck.

Marie had a look of disappointment.

Marie: (That didn't go like I thought it would at all. Well, I guess it's better if it goes more smoothly.)

Cuttlefish: Say, what about that other lass?

Cuttlefish said as he motioned towards Juvia.

Juvia: Are you talking about me, sir?

Cuttlefish: Why, yes. Introduce yourself to me.

Juvia stood firm and very martial.

Juvia: My name is Juvia Octario, former Corporal of the 87th Expedition Company in the Imperial Octarian Army, sir.

Cuttlefish: Well, how would you like to become a new agent among our ranks? Your military expertise could aid us in future operations.

Juvia was shocked by his offer. It took her a moment to get her answer.

Juvia: I would be honored to join your ranks, Cap'n.

Cuttlefish: Congratulations, you are now officially Agent 9 of the New Squidbeak Splatoon. Welcome aboard, Corporal.

He saluted to her.

Soon, we all saluted to her, even Agent 3 to her own misfortune, as it is mandatory that we salute to a new recruit as a means to show respect.

Juvia: Thank you all. I'll be sure to serve you all, my comrades.

DJ Octavio: Oh, great. The old hermit is back.

Marie: Quiet you!

3 looked confused.

3: Why does Octavio's snow-globe have a bandage on it?

Marie: How come you have a bandage on your head?

The two just stared at each other for a few short seconds.

Marie: Well, there's a reason I recruited a new agent. Octavio escaped and stole the Great Zapfish again.

3: So, basically just ripping me off.

Azazel: Well yes, but actually no. Yes I did bring Octavio to justice, and yes I returned the Great Zapfish, like you did 2 years ago.

3 just rolled her eyes in annoyance.

Azazel: But at the same time, I had to rescue Callie from Octavio's slimy grasp.

Cuttlefish: Wait, what?!

Azazel: Basically, she was kidnapped by Octavio and hypnotized to serve him.

3: Yeah, real funny, copycat.

I stayed silent after she gave me that comment.

3: Oh shit, you're being serious.

I nodded towards her.

Marie: Don't worry, Gramps. Callie's safe now.

Cuttlefish: Where is Callie?

Marie: Oh, she's just off doing her job on her show.

Marie started walking back towards the cabin.

Marie: Now, let's have some food to celebrate. I've got that seaweed stew you asked for, Gramps.

Cuttlefish looked happy but 3, 8, Dedf1sh, Juvia, and myself had faces of disgust.

Marie: Don't worry, I'll make something else for you five.

---

(Azazel's POV)

After a while of us all hanging out around Octo Canyon, we all sat around the table and ate.

During the dinner, my phone started buzzing, so I checked what it was.

----------

Pearl: Where are my coloring books?!!!

----------

Me, holding the bite of food in my mouth, turned to my said to see 8 coloring in the coloring book, while eating her food.

I let out a sigh and decided I'd deal with it when I went home.

There was chatting happening during all the eating. 3 explained to Marie that 8, Dedf1sh, and herself were staying with Pearl and Marina since they just got back.

---

(Agent 3's POV)

After a little while longer, we realized what time it was and decided to return home. 3 was walking in the front, still guiding 8 since she was still playing with my phone. 3 would occasionally look back at me and Marie in the back. We were chatting it up with each other and laughing at times. 3 would just scoff it off. Juvia and Dedf1sh would often talk to each other, since they had similar experiences, being both in the Imperial Octarian Army, dreamt of going to the surface, the works.

After a while, we arrived at Marie's place. 8 didn't care because she was just standing there, still playing with the phone, but 3 was just standing there, annoyed, waiting for me and Marie to finish our goodbyes.

Eventually, we did...

Marie: Well, I'll see you later.

Marie turned to 3 as she started walking off.

Marie: Bye, 3.

She waved bye.

3: Bye.

Azazel: Alright, let's get going.

3: I don't know, you sure you don't want to go say a twenty-minute hello to Callie?

Azazel: Oh, come on.

We were still walking back, but 3 was walking further ahead of 8, Juvia, Dedf1sh, and myself. 3 was clearly annoyed at a lot of things; Marie replacing her, me out doing her, etc.

---

(Azazel's POV)

When we arrived back at the mansion, we entered through the front door. I was immediately welcomed by Pearl jumping at me, holding the collar of my shirt.

Pearl was shaking me back and forth.

Pearl: Where. Are. My. Coloring books!

I was trying to speak, but would be interrupted by Pearl's shaking.

Azazel: 8.... Please... Give her the books!

8 ran up quickly and held out the books for Pearl.

Pearl hopped off of me and grabbed the books.

Pearl: There.

She turned and looked back at me.

Pearl: Now, was that so hard?

I let out a sigh of relief.

Pearl opened up the books looking at the pictures.

Marina just looked over Pearl's shoulder at the coloring books.

Marina: Hm. I didn't think I'd ever see a picture in these books that was actually colored inside of the lines.

Pearl: Hey!

We all just relaxed around the house from that point. Pearl and 8 were sitting around the table playing with cards.

Juvia and Dedf1sh were over at the bar in the living room, having some time to themselves.

Dedf1sh: Uh... I don't know how I feel about this, Juvia.

Juvia: Sometimes it's okay to let off some steam after a hard day of work. And luckily, I've managed to get the good stuff.

She brought out a bottle of Octarian liquor.

Juvia: Check it!

Dedf1sh: Octoburg Scotch? W-Where did you get this?

Juvia: Let's just say I know a friend who works at the brewery who gave me a supply of bottles, for a price, that is.

At this point, she was surprised.

Dedf1sh: I can hardly imagine the amount of Yen you had to spend on that much alcohol.

Juvia: Well, the company has branched out to Inkopolis, so the brewery could be relocated.

Juvia and Dedf1sh soon turned their attention to all of you readers, as they give their PSA.

Juvia & Dedf1sh: Remember, drink responsibly.

Soon, they started drinking.

Marina was sitting next to me on the couch, using her laptop. She was occasionally looking up and smiling at Pearl and 8. 8 not understanding how to play the game and Pearl getting flustered by her somehow still losing to 8.

3 would look over at me every once in a while with some agitated look on her face.

I saw her doing it, too.

Azazel: (Seriously, what does she have against me?)

---

After a while, we all started getting tired and going to sleep.

Marina was carrying the sleeping Pearl in her arms as she herself started going off to her room to sleep.

Marina: Goodnight, 8. Goodnight, 3. Goodnight, Azazel. *She finished with a slight blush on her face*

I waved to Marina.

Azazel: Goodnight.

8 enthusiastically waved her hand towards Marina. 3 just gave a slight wave of her hand before looking up at Marina.

3: Wait, Marina! Where are 8 and I sleeping?

Marina: Oh! Just use the other guest rooms. Azazel, show them the other guest room whenever they get tired.

Azazel: You bet.

I nodded towards her as Marina left the room.

We weren't going to sleep yet, so the three of us continued to stay in the living room, ignoring the fact that Juvia and Dedf1sh were passed out on the floor, after getting drunk as crap.

After a little while, I nearly fell asleep but I started feeling a tug on my pant legs.

I looked down to see 8 there, tugging on my leg.

Azazel: What is it?

She held up the coloring book she had grabbed after Pearl fell asleep. Inside, there was a picture completely colored. I took a good look at it.

Azazel: Well now... That's really good, 8.

8: Thank you!

She smiled at me after I said that.

I stood up.

Azazel: Well, I'm going to bed. Come on, I'll show you two your rooms.

3, who was nearly asleep as well, and 8 then stood up to follow me.

The guest rooms were basically all next to each other.

Once I showed them their rooms, 3 and 8 took a second to adjust to the rooms, then fall asleep. Meanwhile, I had already fallen asleep while they were getting adjusted.

-Earlier-

Callie: You found who?!... Did you at least bring me any food home?

SEE YOU SPACE COWBOY...

Whoops, looks like Juvia and Dedf1sh are gonna have one hell of a hangover once they wake up. If you guys enjoy this chapter and enjoy this story, be sure to show me some love, hit that vote button, follow me to receive news on Into the Light. Chapter 24 is in development. As always, I'm RaveDogg, and I'll see you in the next chapter.

November 14th, 2020