#nhan-tu

[turtledoggydraws]

1) Fun in the sun with some lovely lady buns- wait...

2) Blitz the Bug Meister

3)  The Splatful Malevolence

May commissions for @asianwarsaw

He was generous to buy four slots but at the moment the last one is delayed by the sheer size but I’m grateful to have drawn his Brigade characters. Thank you so much and enjoy!

[turtledoggydraws]

Barracuda Brigade

Commissioned for @asianwarsaw / @blitzandthebarracudabrigade

It was real good to have this given chance to draw your troupe and expect more challenges in the future my friend.

[blitzandthebarracudabrigade]

Chapter 5: Some Things are Meant to be Secrets

“So let me get this straight. You three went out on a recon mission to look for the object and instead of reporting back you stole it from the octarians?” Agent Swordfish asked, a hint of annoyance in their tone.

“Yeah that about sums it up.” Blitz said boldly. “But just look at this thing. If the Octarians have more of these vehicles in their outposts, they could easily shoot their way into Inkopolis.”

Agent Swordfish had to admit that the vehicle did look imposing and deadly, regardless of its alien appearance. “Alright. Seeing as it won’t be going anywhere, why don’t you three look around and see how it works.” Blitz signaled Aeto and Durus to follow suit as they went to inspect the vehicle. Swordfish then walked back inside, where Nhan and Echo were waiting.

“So, what is it?” Nhan asked, her curiosity was showing through her eyes.

“Well Blitz says it’s some human designed vehicle built for combat.”

“Oh my. That thing was used by humans to fight each other?” Echo said, her voice just audible for the other two to hear.

“It’s hard to imagine. I mean the Great Turf War was fought primarily with Bamboozlers and Octoshots but…” the agent trailed off as their mind kept pondering about it.

“Well in any case the guys are going to see what makes that vehicle tick. Hopefully they will find out if those vehicles are vulnerable.” Swordfish then walked to the armory room and closed the door, leaving Nhan and Echo to themselves. For a few minutes the two just sat quietly, occasionally looking around at anything to look busy. Nhan then broke the silence.

“So Echo, why did Agent Swordfish pick you to join our brigade?” Nhan asked the shy inkling, giving her a warm smile.

“Oh, well… I’m not really sure. I thought that I was just performing average in turf war matches. Nothing too special and what not.” the hot pink haired inkling replied, shifting a little in her seat.

“I see…” Nhan took a deep breath and thought it over. Another minute passed. “Did Swordfish say anything to you regarding their offer to join the brigade?

Echo didn’t respond for a moment before answering. “Well, they did say that adding more members to the brigade could bolster the overall strength of the team.”

Again Nhan thought to herself about it. I wonder what Agent Swordfish is up to… But her thoughts were interrupted as the agent returned with three mugs. “Sorry for leaving you two alone. I thought you might need something to drink.” All three mugs had a light brown liquid in them. “It’s just some coffee, cocoa mix, and milk.” Nhan and Echo each took a mug, thanking Swordfish as they all took a sip.

“Mmm! This tastes great!” Echo chimed as she took another sip.

“Hehe, well I learned it from Blitz a while back. He wasn’t afraid to try out new things.” Swordfish chuckled, a light blush showing on their cheeks.

“Well it does taste wonderful dear. Thank you.” Nhan said, taking her time with the warm beverage. The three took some time to quietly finish their drinks before Swordfish took their empty mugs to wash.

“Echo, I’ve been meaning to ask. Why were you so shy around Blitz? I know he seems a little… assertive, but he’s really nice once you get to know him.” Nhan asked.

“Well… it’s not that I’m scared of him. It’s just…” Echo’s cheeks blushed a bright pink.

“What’s wrong dear?”

“It’s just… Blitz is so straightforward about things. He seems to never hold back anything.”

“Oh, well he is the commander of the brigade. It’s basically his job to ensure that we get our missions done.” Nhan giggled as she smiled once again.

“And… I’m not sure what it is but… his personality just screams brave and fearless.”

“Yes he is pretty brave. He’s never afraid to back down from a fight. You should see him practice sometime if you have the chance.”

“And he looks so dreamy too.”

“Now that’s just-” Nhan stopped. “What did you say?”

“Oh I’m sorry. Did I say something?”

“Oh no dear it’s just… Blitz has a serious policy about having relationships and affections towards someone.” Nhan’s comforting smile was soon replaced with a slight frown. “You see, after… an incident happened a long time ago involving Blitz and another brigadier, he made it clear that we cannot have any sort of close relationships. He says it could be used against us if the octarians kidnapped a significant other.”

“Oh…” was all that Echo could say as her heart sank deep in her chest.

“Oh don’t feel bad. To be honest, I had a small crush on Blitz as well.” Nhan’s cheeks blushed as she confessed. “But I was a bit younger when I had those feelings. Of course I also learned that some things are better left for another time.” At that moment the front door opened as Blitz walked in, his outfit partially coated in some dark stains.

“Ugh, this stuff is disgusting…” Blitz tried to wipe some of the substance off his cheek but only succeeded to spread it across his face. “It’s like ink but… slimier.”

“Oh dear, I better help the commander clean himself off.” Nhan stood up and offered some assistance. But Echo’s attention was elsewhere, more specifically on what Nhan was talking about. No relationships? But what happened to Blitz that would have him forbid them?

(Later that night…)

As the last rays of sunshine faded behind the horizon, the moon began to show casting its silvery glow across Octo Valley. Blitz, Aeto, and Durus had done all they could for the day and decided to continue their work the following morning. After Aeto and Durus had showered and went to bed, Blitz offered to stay up to act as the first night watch. As Blitz set down the few items he brought for his watch, a Hero Shot, a mug of hot cocoa, and his custom guitar, his mind brought him back to the recon mission. What are the octarians planning? And how could they have possibly obtained something that was designed by a species of intelligent beings that went extinct over 120,000 years ago? For a moment Blitz was quiet as the cool night air blew past him. He shook his head to clear his mind and decided to think about it another time. Grabbing his guitar and tuning it, Blitz began to play a tune.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFgjLM2p28s)

Blitz put down his guitar after playing the tune a few times over. He placed his hands on his face as he tried to keep a few tears from showing.

“That’s a nice song you played just now.”

Blitz’s eyes shot wide open as he turned to whoever spoke, only to see that it was Echo. For a moment Blitz just stares at the recruit, barely averting his gaze on anything else. But he shook his head and turns to look at something else. “Aren’t you suppose to be resting? Nhan and Swordfish said they’re planning on setting up some training obstacles for you tomorrow.”

“Well… I couldn’t help but hear that song you played. So I thought I could come up here and listen to some more.” Echo’s eyes looked between the inkling and the instrument. Blitz noticed her eyes and looked to his guitar.

“Ah, I see. But don’t expect to get a private show.” Blitz joked. “I just play this thing once in a while to help ease myself.

“Oh… okay then.” The pair sat quietly for a few minutes, the natural sounds of the night whispering into the air. “Blitz if you don’t mind me asking, why do you forbid anyone in the brigade from having a relationship?” Blitz didn’t respond. The silence returned for another minute. “Blitz?” Echo reached a hand to nudge his shoulder but stopped short when she saw a tear trickle down his cheek.

“It’s a long story kid. And I would personally like to keep that sort of thing to myself. It… hurts to retell it…” Echo pulled her hand back a few inches but thought against it as she extended it again, this time placing it on Blitz’s shoulder.

“I understand Blitz.” She then did something neither were prepared of; Echo wrapped her arms around Blitz’s neck. At first Blitz didn’t move as he tried to process what Echo was trying to do. Echo held her embrace for another moment before letting go, her cheeks blushing a bright hot pink. “I-I’m sorry Blitz.” She started to stand up when a hand grabbed her arm.

“Wait…” Blitz said, his voice barely heard from the embarrassed inkling. He released his grip, allowing Echo to sit next to him. “I’m sorry kid. I know that I seem pretty tough and strict about things. But the truth is, this brigade is the closest thing I have to a family. I’ve known them for a long time and they’ve really grown strong under my guidance.” Blitz looked up to the starry night and sighed. “It’s quite a hefty responsibility after all. But someone’s got to take up the job.” Echo looked up to the sky as well, taking in the sight.

“Yeah, I guess being the leader is a big task to undertake.”

“Echo, thanks for coming up here. I guess I didn’t realize I needed someone to talk to.” Blitz turned to her, showing a warm smile while blushing a slight yellow green. Echo smiled back as her blushing turned a shade brighter. The two inklings stayed up for a few more moments before getting up for the next watch shift.