Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Moooommm! Ursa cheated!” Orson called out as her twinned pinned her to the ground. 

“You can’t cheat in this game, feather paws” ursa folded her arms, keeping a knee to Orson’s back to keep him to the ground.

Bianca chuckled softly as her and barnacles watched the two cubs argue back and forth. 

“Remember when we used to fight like that?” Bianca turned to her brother who was still watching the cubs.

“Hm?- oh! Yes! I remember it like it was yesterday” barnacles chuckled as he shifted to face Bianca. “I could never win. You were always more strategic than me.” 

The two chatted while barnacles watched the screen in the launch bay, eagerly waiting for their arrival to Florida. Finally then would they be able to begin the training for the junior octo-agents. All of the older Octo-agents had shown up to help and the octonauts would not be left behind either. The twin’s chatting paused as the octoshute opened and shellington came down through it.

“Captain! There’s a school of herring outside.” They aren’t usually from here. They must’ve been pushed away from their natural habitat because of a storm. They need our help. It'll be very hard for them to live where we are.” The otter rambled whilst pulling up an image of the fish onto the screen.

“Very well ,shellington. Yknow.. why don’t we use this as the junior octo-agents very first training! I’m sure ranger marsh won’t mind the wait.” Barnacles grinned. Orson and Ursa’s heads shot up at their uncle’s words. 

“Our first mission!” The twins cheered in unison as they ran over to their mother.

“Now calm there you two. Now remember you’re training right now. So I need you to stay close to someone just in case.” Bianca said to the cubs. 

“Agreed. Shellington, sound the octo-alert!” Barnacles commanded and the otter followed. “Octonauts! To the HQ”

The alarm rang through the octopod as everyone on board headed to the HQ, chattering to each other as they waited for the rest to arrive. The junior agents were huddled together as they rambled their excitement.

“Octonauts, there is a school of a fish species called herring outside. They are not from this area and were likely pushed away by a storm and need our help getting home.” Barnacles explained. 

Dashi pulled up a picture of the fish as Shellington rose to speak. “These fish are normally found in the North Atlantic oceans and North Pacific, such as the Baltic Sea. Herring travel in schools, which means they travel together as a group. Now they may panic easily so we must be careful on how we approach them.”

Barnacles nodded “Agreed. We don’t want to scare them away. Also, Before we go though I’d like to use this as the junior octo-agents first training together. So we’ll need all hands on deck.”

“What about ranger marsh? Isn’t he supposed to help?” Tracker questioned. 

“He will be able to help after we get this situated, Tracker. Bianca, tracker, paani, and the cubs will come with me to try and talk to the herring. Peso, pinto, calico jack,  Ryla, and Kwazii, will go together to check to see if anyone is injured.  Tweak, dashi, Koshi, min, squirt, and inkling can help map a fast course to the herring’s home. Periwinkle, Pearl, shellington, and professor Natquik will be on standby.

The octonauts and agents all headed down to the launch bay and entered their respective gups before tweak opened the hatch. Tweak, dashi, and their team stayed behind in the hq. 

“This is awsome! What should we do when we get there, Uncle Barnacles?” Ursa questioned as the herring came into view from the Gup A. The others followed close behind.

“Just remain calm and approach slowly. Tracker and I will attempt the talking first so you two just watch and note what we do.” Barnacles explained. The gup slowly came to a stop within a safe distance from the school. “Do you have your helmets ready?”

The polar bears nodded and headed out of the gup and swam towards the herring. 

“Hello? Is there anybody I could speak to? I’m captain Barnacles of the Octonauts. We are here to help you.” Barnacles told as a fish turned to approach him. 

“You have to get out of here! A storm! Debri! Leave while you still can! The triangle!” The herring rambled on, moving quickly back and forth in a panic.

“A storm is coming?” Barnacles questioned.

“Yes! It’s about to be here! It’s carrying sharp debri with it! You must leave! We are heading to deeper waters.” 

As the herring finished a strong current passed them. With it came pieces of wood that luckily wasn’t close enough to hit anyone. 

“See?”

“I see. You said you were headed to deeper waters?” Barnacles said. The junior agents mingled nearby as they waited.

“Yes! That’s what we fish do during hurricanes. It’s safer down there. We have nowhere else to go!” The herring’s speech quickened as more waves passed above moving the water below. More debri came as wind began to pick up. 

“It’s here! We have to go! Oh but my friends. They are hurt and can’t swim down with us.” The fish’s tone began to grow nervous.

“We have a medic who can help with that. In the meantime just hold tight. You will be able to get to safety soo-”

“Ow!” 

Barnacles' sentence was cut short as he shot around to see Orson holding his nose, blood softly drifting into the water.

“Orson! What happened?” Barnacles rushed over to the junior agents and held a gentle paw to Orson’s back. The current began to pick up again and more debri started coming. 

“Peso! There are some injured herring that need to be taken down to deeper waters safely! I’m taking the junior agents back, this is too dangerous. I’ll return shortly.” Barnacles' tone was strict as he led the kids and Bianca to the gup X, shielding them as best he could from the debri with some unsuccessful times. He led the gup back to the octopod and they all headed to the HQ. 

“I’m setting a course to the Everglades. Meet ranger marsh there. Tweak, dashi, min, and inkling. I’m going to need your help getting the crew out safely while still protecting the herring, prepare the octo-ray” barnacles commanded and The crew followed order. 

“Wait! You’re not really going back out into that storm are you Uncle barnacles?” Orson grabbed Barnacles’ hand to stop him. 

“I’ll be alright out there. Here-” barnacles took his octo compass from his belt. “Now I’ll really have to come back to you. It’ll be alright, I promise.” 

Orson took the compass into his paw and watched Barncales leave, the vegimals following. Soon the junior agents were alone together with Bianca as the ship shook. 

“How do we get this thing moving?” Ursa asked whilst looking confused at the controls. Bianca moved to look as well.

“Here. This will get us moving. Barnacles already marked a course so it’s likely on autopilot at the moment.” With a press of a button the octopod shook once more and began to drift. The crew on board held onto something as the storm rocked the ship though the storm nearly got the best of them. After what felt like hours the octopod finally came to a stop at the edge of Florida. 

The crew onboard helped each other off as they made their way to the Everglades. Orson clutched the compass in his hand as a map showed the way. Bianca led next to him, looking concerningly at the small wounds the children had gained. Squirt and Koshi chatted behind them and Pinto held to ursa. Periwinkle sat on the shoulders of Bianca and rambled about snails. 

A crack in the nearby trees stopped them in their tracks as they listened for something. Small steps came from the mud of the tree’s and slowly approached. Bianca grew defensive and put Orson behind her while handing periwinkle to him, preparing. Orson jumped back into Ursa as a small crocodile popped from the trees onto the mud in front of them.  

“Oh, it’s just a hatchling.” Bianca let out a sigh of relief and untensed.

“Tommy? Where did you run off to this time?” A deep voice called from the tall grass as it parted. A green marsh rabbit in rangers clothing came from the grass and the hatchling scurried to him. The rabbit picked up the crocodile and set it on his shoulder. 

“Now what did I tell you about running off?” He bang to lecture.

“Ranger marsh?”

Bianca's voice cut him off as his head shot up to see the animals in front of him. 

“Howdy! now you must be Bianca and the junior octo agents I suppose.” He took a step forward but stopped once he got a better look at the group.

“Oh me oh my! You lot must’ve had a beating back there. Here, come with me to my ranger station and I’ll get you all patched right up.” Ranger marsh pointed north and gestured ‘come on’. He waited until the group had started moving before leading the way. 

Once they had made it to the station they were let in and sat down at the kitchen table. Ranger marsh brought out the med kit and Bianca took charge in patching up the kids.

Ranger marsh left but soon returned with a tray of hot coco for the crew and sat down at the table with them. 

“Now if ya don’t mind me askin’ what exactly happened out there? And where’s the rest of the crew?” Ranger marsh questioned as the kids took their respective cups. 

“Well we were out on our way to you when there was a school of herring that needed our help when all the sudden a hurricane came. The rest of the crew stayed but we were sent back to the octopod and to you. They’re probably still out there and I don’t know if the storm has passed yet. What if they’re hurt? We got hurt!” Orson’s nose burned as tears began to form. 

“Now there kiddo, I’m sure they’re alright. They can handle themselves out there. They’re strong folks.”ranger marsh reassured the cub. “Where were you when this happened?” 

“When I last checked the map we were near puerto rico, Florida, and Bermuda.” Koshi answered. Ranger marsh’s looked up in shock at this. 

“You’re telling me you went into the Bermuda Triangle and left your ship?” Ranger Marsh couldn’t believe his ears, his voice was filled with both concern and confusion. 

“The Bermuda Triangle? What’s that?” Squirt asked.

“It’s a strange area of the world with a fair amount of tracked sunken ships and crashed planes. There are many theories as to why this all happens but the most likely is strong storms forming in the area.” Explained ranger marsh as he leaned back in his chair.

“So it really is that dangerous.” Orson looked down at his mug. Everyone was clearly in danger and there was nothing he could do. He was just sent away.

“Well, not exactly. It doesn’t have that much of a higher record of fatalities to make it extreme. It’s more of the popularity that gets to it. I’m sure everyone will be just fine as long as they go to deeper waters and stay in a gup. But in the meantime you folks need some rest. You really took a lot out there.” Ranger marsh stated as he stood up. “I’ll go get some blankets ready. just make yourselves comfortable in the meantime.”

Orson watched the Ranger leave the room and sighed, pulling the compass from his pocket. “Do you really think they’re alright? That was an entire hurricane right there. We barely made it out. What if… what if we lose them?” Tears fled through Orson’s eyes as he clutched the octo-compass with his paws. 

“Don’t say that! They’re all probably safe in the octo-ray by now!” Koshi gasped Orson’s thought. 

“Yea! Our uncle is strong! They’ve dealt with plenty of stuff like this!” Ursa added, Pinto nodding in agreement. 

“The octonauts are the coolest and strongest people out there, we all know that.” Pinto grinned and squirt softly chuckled. 

“I’m sure your Uncle barnacles and the others are all safe right now. They’ll come to meet us soon and you’ll get to start proper training again.” Bianca brushed Orson’s hair with her paw as Ursa rested her head on her shoulder.

Footsteps led the return of Ranger marsh.  He placed tommy down on the ground before walking to the group at the table.

“Got some beds ready for ya. All I’ve got for you folks is the ground but it’s better than nothin’.” He told before leading them to a separate room. On the floor laid seven neatly put blankets and pillows. “If ya need anything just call” 

With that he left again and the group made their way to lie down, taking off their shoes as they went. Orson and Ursa took off their jackets and scarves and placed them folded beside them. Pinto followed with his scarf. Squirt unwrapped his bandana and placed down his glasses.  Koshi slipped off her overalls leaving her with just her shirt and leggings. Bianca removed her hat and cardigan. 

The polar bear tucked her cubs in before turning her attention to the others. Making sure they were all comfortable before shutting off the light in the room. Plunging them into a soft darkness. The kids mingled themselves to sleep. Koshi and squirt talking about what books they’ve read, and the cubs and pinto rambling about their families. The kids soon fell asleep leaving Bianca awake. Unable to sleep. Eventually she got up and left the room, leaving the door a crack just in case. 

She walked to the dim light illuminating from the dining room and kitchen. Ranger marsh sat at the table. Going over some reports with a cup of coco in hand. His ears twitched before he turned to Bianca. 

“Can't sleep I see?” The ranger noted. 

“I could say the same about you.” Bianca countered jokingly as she pulled a chair and sat across from the rabbit. 

“Just needed to finish some reports on the Everglades. I may be an octo-agent but I’m still a ranger.” Marsh sighed as he took a sip from his mug. 

“Does being an agent make your job harder at all?” Bianca asked

“Not at all. If anything it makes it easier. Though me starting to leave the Everglades may change that.” Marsh’s voice lowered at the second half of his answer. The thought of leaving was not his favorite thing. Tommy laid next to Ranger marsh on the table. The hatchling held a paper in his mouth. Bianca looked up to the window behind ranger marsh. A shadow sat behind it. It was the shape of a bird. Which wasn’t odd to see here most likely but it looked almost like..

Pete. They had forgotten Pete.

“Ranger- there’s a bird outside that window you may want to let in.” Bianca pointed to the shadowed bird. Ranger marsh turned and almost jumped at the figure. He sat up to open the window. Letting Pete in.

“Now what’s a parrot like him doing in the Everglades?” He ran a paw through his hair, eyeing the green parrot. 

“I’m sorry he’s with us. We must’ve forgotten him when we got here. Poor thing. I think his wing is injured.” Bianca explained, inspecting Pete’s left wing.  Ranger marsh moved the first aid kit closer to the three of them. He took a look at Pete’s wing before splinting and bandaging it.

“I’ve had to fix my fair share of wings here but never did I ever think i’d be fixin’ a pirate’s parrot” he chucked to himself as he zipped up the first aid kid.

“How did you know he was a pirate’s?” Bianca questioned. She gently stroked Pete’s feathers. 

“How else would you have a random parrot with ya? I’ve met that feller Kwazii.” Ranger marsh sat back into his chair and picked up his reports again. “Now. Those kids are going to be wild tomorrow I’m sure. So I think you should get your rest. Just to prepare. I’m a rabbit’s pa, I know.” He emphasized. Bianca just smiled in response and stood up. 

“Thank you for all of this by the way, I don’t know what we would’ve done if we hadn't found you” Bianca smiled before returning to the kids. Pete inspected tommy as ranger marsh Finished his reports before heading down himself. 

Chapter Text

Chattering filled the room as everyone grouped together at the dining table. The storm had missed where they were and they were all planning on finding the octonauts. They had managed to locate the octo ray with the octocompass. On the shore nearby, it seemed deserted but they had just assumed the octonauts had left to find them. 

“I can’t believe we forgot pete!” Squirt exclaimed. The parrot, who was resting on Ranger Marsh's head, cawed in response. 

“They should’ve found us by now.” Koshi noted, taking a bite from her cereal. 

“I’m sure they’re just lost. We have captains’ octo compass and the storm could’ve messed up their watches. We’re going to go out and find them, remember?” Bianca reassured the young dachshund. 

“I’m sure tweak will at least keep them on track enough. I bet she knows this place like the back of her paw!” Pinto’s voice was filled with certainty. 

“Well I’m ready to find those fellers when y’all are” ranger marsh moved Pete to the table to put on his hat. The parrot hopped over to tommy and eyed him curiously.

Orson listened in on the conversations. Ursa was rambling about seals next to him, koshi listening in. Sunlight peeked through the leaves outside and into the room. After some time the group had set preparations and began making their way to the octo-ray. They scanned for any sign of the Octonauts on their way. 

Eventually they had made it to the beach. It smelled of salt water and waves crashed loudly onto the rocks nearby. Thick Fog covered the area. Making it hard to see around them. They walked along the beach. Pausing at times to let the kids play in the tide and take a rest. The air was warm and clouds began to form on the horizon.

“We best try getting to that Octo-ray before the storm hits us.” Ranger marsh stressed. The group murmured in agreement as they continued walking.

“The compass shows we’re close. We don’t have to walk much longer.” Orson told, looking down at the compass in his paws

“Not long at all! Look!” Orson looked up as koshi spoke. She pointed to a figure in the distance. The octo ray. They rushed their way over, stopping in their tracks as they saw the condition of the Ray. 

It was destroyed. Right wing torn off. Shredding down the back as if something had clawed it. The back end was crushed completely. They all stood in silence for a moment before Ranger marsh spoke. 

“We should check inside. They may have left something.” He said, beginning to make his way towards the ship. The door was open, letting them in. They divided and checked every room. Nothing that could’ve indicated where they had gone had shown until Orson made it into the drivers room.

“Guys! There’s a recording here!” He called through his octo watched. Everyone made their way to Orson. Who promptly played the recording once everyone had settled. 

A voice came through. It had a Scottish accent. The person sounded panicked, afraid. Their words were fast, as if they were trying to get the recording in before it was to late. Static broke through leaving bits and pieces unheard. 

“THIS IS- .There is something down here with us- the gups are- can’t get out- lost contact with some of the- it’s attacking us- the ray is flooding- help us—-”

The recording ended in static. The group left speechless. 

It was shellington.

Chapter Text

“Uncle shellington?” Periwinkle broke the silence. He tugged on bianca's arm. “Is he hurt?” 

“I-I don’t..” Bianca was at a lost for words. 

“What does he mean there was something down there with them? What could’ve done this to the octo ray?” Ranger marsh questioned, his ears twisting together. 

Orson just stared at the screen below him, static filling his mind as the recording continued. 

“They’re still down there..” he spoke. His voice was soft. Barley a whisper.

“What?” Ursa replied

“They must still be out there. They couldn’t have stayed on the Octo ray if they were being attacked. They had to have left in the gups. They could still be out there with whatever attacked them.” Orson continued, His voice rising and words becoming quick. 

“We can’t be sure something did attack them. What if they just crashed?” Koshi chimed 

“A crash doesn’t leave claw marks tearing a ship apart. Why would Shellington say all of this about a crash?” Orson turned his attention to the Ranger. “You said ships and planes tend to disappear in the Bermuda Triangle. What if this is why?” 

“That’s impossible. Storms have been almost proven to be the reason, I mean this all happened during an entire hurricane.” Marsh answered.

“Look. Storm or monster, the Octonauts are still out there and need our help. They could be hurt.” Bianca interjected before the situation got worse. 

“She’s right. Another storm is coming in which could put them in more danger. We need to find a way to get to them” Squirt added, moving his glasses up as he spoke. 

“How can we do that though? We don’t have the octo ray, none of us know how to pilot the octopod, and we have no other gups with us.” Koshi reminded the group. 

“We could use the gup K. But I doubt it can handle a job like this.” Ranger Marsh contemplated. 

A loud bang of thunder shook their thoughts as the sound of rain falling onto the metal exterior began. 

“I saw we can all think of a plan back at the Ranger station once we’ve all calmed down a bit” the Ranger suggested, Picking up periwinkle and setting the pup on his shoulders. 

The junior agents agreed, tired, cold, wet, and scared, all they wanted was to get some rest.

On their way to the station they stopped by the octopod to pick up some spare clothes. They all had a feeling they’d be staying with the Ranger a bit longer. In time they made it to the station. Bianca helped dry the kids whilst Marsh prepared dinner.

They sat at the table together, the silence was almost deafening. Their throughts more focused on the fate of their families. What would happen to them. The aftermath was silent aswell. Ranger marsh checking up on them as they prepared for bed before leaving again. 

Nobody could get much sleep that night. Bianca clipped the octo compass to her sweater for safe keeping. The kids huddled together as she slowly talked them to sleep, Periwinkle resting on her lap. Her cups lay on each side of her. Orson fiddling with his octo watch, a steady stream of tears falling down his cheeks. Ursa held Pete in her arms, tears falling aswell. Pinto laid on Orson, drifting to sleep. Squirt laid on koshi, who was huddled with Ursa and Pete. They each shared a blanket and slowly drifted off. 

Once all the kids were asleep and together, Bianca let out a silent sigh of relief, at least someone wouldn’t be tired in the morning. She sat up and quietly left the room, not wanting to wake anyone. Then again she saw Ranger marsh at the dining table. A book in hand and tommy sleeping on his head. 

“No sleep again I see.” The Ranger joked. He looked more tired than normal as to be expected. 

“Indeed. But at least the kids are sleeping. Poor things. What are we going to do. What will happen to periwinkle if…” Bianca stopped. The thought of what could happen to them terrified her more than anything. She can’t lose her brother. Not again.

“I’m sure Pearl is alright. If it arises I’m willing to take in the kiddo if needed.” The Ranger assured the polar bear. Bianca smiled weakly, at least the pup wouldn’t be alone. A thought started to creep back into her mind

“Ranger.. do you really think some creature attacked the Octonauts..?” Her voice was shaky. 

Ranger marsh hesitated, contemplating, before answering. “I don’t know at this point. I don’t want to believe it. Not because I don’t think it’s possible. But because if it is real.. that thing took my daughter, The one person I have left, and there’s nothing we can do about it. There’s No way to save any of them..” 

There came that silence. That dreaded silence that filled every corner of the room. Leaving them alone with their thoughts, alone time process and take it all in to take everything that’s happened in. Leaving them with the realization they may never see the ones they love the most ever again.

It hurt. It tore at them from the inside. How quickly they could lose everything. The fact that everything they had worked for was now for nothing. The sound of Ranger marsh closing his book finally let some noise in. 

“I.. think I should head down. You should as well.” The rabbit spoke “it’s going to be a very long week.”

Bianca softly hummed in agreement as Ranger Marsh wordlessly walked away. She shut off the kitchen light as she returned to the kids. They were still sound asleep together. The polar bear laid next to them, far enough not to wake them, but close enough to be able to watch in case something happened. 

She didn’t get any sleep that night. Her mind spiraled through the darkness and rising sun. She could tell the Ranger was in the same position as they all grouped together through the house. Pete cawed Random phrases and the kids flocked together to chat. Bianca and Marsh sat together, talking up a plan of what they were going to do. 

“We could take the Gup k out just to see if anyone is there. We may not be able to go as deep as we need but it’s our best bet. If we do find anyone there they’re likely in a gup themselves. So we may just need to tow them to safety.” Bianca suggested. Looking down at the map in front of them. A triangle was drawn down in red marker, indicating the Bermuda Triangle. 

“That just might work. Luckily for us you were relatively close to the edge of the area. We can make a fast escape if need arises.” Marsh added.

The gup k came to a sudden stop at the Edge of the beach. It was sunny and warm out, the storm was far gone and birds danced through the sky. 

“Are you ready to dive?” Bianca asked the kids who were snapping on their helmet collars. 

“Ready!” They all stated in their own way.”

“Alrighty then. Let’s go find the Octonauts.”

Chapter Text

The Ranger was speechless. He had never seen the ocean like this. The water was still and calm underneath. The silence was comforting. The silent murmur of conversation through the gup added to the ambience. 

Pete and tommy sat together on the dash. Pete occasionally cawing something to the hatchling in want of a response. He obviously didn’t get one. Koshi was showing squirt the books she’s been writing and the cubs were wrestling. Pinto chose to be with periwinkle, who was showing him his toy.

“Hey look, it’s that school of herring again. We should talk to them maybe they know where the Octonauts are.” Koshi pointed out the window to the school of fish swimming up ahead. 

“I can go and talk to them. I can breathe underwater and we may have to save our air tanks.” Squirt offered to which the group agreed. They got close enough in the gup hear the conversation whilst not scaring the herring. 

“Excuse me? Is there someone I can talk to? My Name is Squirt inkling. I’m looking for someone.” Squirt called to the group. One of the fish stopped to swim to squirt.

“I remember you! You were with those octonauts weren’t you?” The herring smiled. 

“Yes! I was wondering if you knew where they were? We can’t find them and think they may be hurt.” Squirt told the fish

“Oh the poor things. Didn’t know it was down there. Barely made it out alive. The ship they were in took a real beating. I’m Sasha by the way!” The herring- Sasha- said. Beginning to grow uneasy at the thought. 

“What’s ‘it’?” Squirt asked.

“It’s a huge beast. Its teeth are razor sharp. It only lives around here. The thing has some hard armor, and sometimes had to come up for air. I’ve only seen one so far. It may be the last of its kind! Lucky for us. Oh- the school is preparing to leave! I have to swim, nice talking to you!” With that Sasha swam away. Squirt hesitated before returning to the gup K. 

“..So there really is something down there..” koshi’s voice was soft and shaky

“And we’re down here with it. They’re  down there with it.”  Orson added

“We have to go help them! What if they’re hurt?” Pinto exclaimed, fidgeting with his scarf. 

“Pinto’s right. The gups can’t last forever down there.” Bianca agreed

“So we’re going down? What if it comes for us?” Ursa grabbed onto her brother’s arm. Orson placed a comforting arm over her shoulder. 

“The Gup K is quick. If anything comes, we can make a getaway.” Koshi noted. Pete cawed in response. 

After a few minutes of debating, they had decided to go down and try to find the Octonauts or any hint to where they may be. They talked as they defended but with was quiet, as if they were just trying to get some noise. 

The water darkened as they lowered, the gups lights illuminated the outside. The water became less comforting. The occasional fish would be spotted but nothing to hint at where the crew could be. 

Beginning to grow desperate, the group descended again. The water grew darker, it was barren out. A few sharp rocks penetrating from the ocean floor began to be spotted. As they scanned over they saw it. 

The Gup A. It was just sitting on the rocks. It looked mostly undamaged except a few scratches here and there. The window was open and the oxygen tanks were still in it. Its lights were still on but they were clearly on the verge of dying. Min’s mapmaking equipment sat on a chair.

“It’s Tita Min’s mapmaking equipment. Whoever was in there must’ve had to make a swim for it” Koshi observed

“We should grab her bag. Just in case. I can go get it.” Squirt offered

“We are not sending you to your death for a bag, Squirt!”  Koshi gasped in shocked 

“Nobody is leaving the gup, alright?” Ranger marsh instructed. “We can’t risk losing any of you.”

“We should looks around more, they may be nearby.” Bianca suggested to which the group agreed. 

They drove off, leaving the Gup A on the rocks. Their eyes and ears were kept open for anything. Koshi pointed out a cave as they were passing by. They inspected the entrance but did not enter yet as they couldn’t know what was in there.

After some time the group began to grow anxious, realizing the Octonauts may have met their fate already. 

Suddenly, the gup shook. A heavy vibration that shocked everyone on board. As soon as it started it stopped, leaving the group confused 

“What was that?” Orson questioned, helping periwinkle up. He looked to squirt who had an almost terrified expression on its face. “Squirt? What’s wrong?”

“Well.. many large marine creatures make really high or really low pitched sounds. Many of which we will never hear but.. we will feel. Which means something big is close and may be coming right towards us.” Squirt explained. “It could just be a whale but… what if it’s that thing ?” 

The gup began to shake again, this time more, as if the entire ocean around them was moving. A dark shadow began to grow above them. It was hard to tell exactly what it was but it was huge. It’s mouth was open showing the silhouette of large sharp teeth, it’s snout was long and it’s face looked armored and it’s eye glowed a yellow hue. 

It was much bigger than the gup, bigger than the entire octo ray.

And it was coming right towards them.

Koshi grabbed onto Bianca's arm “We have to go. Now!” 

And with that the gup was moving again, zooming out of the way of the Beast's gaping mouth. The Creature let out a pitched sound again and began to follow, it was fast. Faster than they could’ve anticipated. 

“The cave we saw earlier! It’s too big to get in, we can hide in there!” Orson reminded 

“What if it waits for us outside?!” Koshi exclaimed.

“You heard Sasha. It had to go up for air eventually. We can make a break for it when it does but until then we don’t have many other options.” Orson responded.

The gup made its way to the cave, the creature close behind. Entering the cave they went in deep. Deep enough to be able to get to the entrance quickly. Deep enough in it wouldn’t be able to reach them.”

Bianca approached the control board “Here, we should turn off the lights. It may trick it into thinking we’re gone.” 

Ranger marsh almost moved to stop her but opted not to.

The group was plunged into darkness.

Chapter Text

“Your glowing!” Bianca gasped 

The Ranger almost jumped “Oh- uh- thank you? I-“ 

“No. Literally. You’re glowing!” Bianca interrupted 

“Ranger marsh? With all due respect, what in the world?” Ursa couldn’t believe her eyes

“Arrgghh I know I know I can’t control it, okay.” The Ranger groaned. The inside of the gup was illuminated by a soft green glow. 

“But.. why does this happen exactly?” Squirt questioned, adjusting his glasses.

“I have not a single clue. Tweak glows as well so it might be genetic, but we’re not quite sure as my Pa didn’t glow.” Marsh explained. 

“Well there goes our plan.” Koshi sighed. She sat down next to Periwinkle, who was playing with his toy car.

“We just have to wait it out. It’ll be going up for air soon enough.” Ranger Marsh reminded the dog. 

That’s exactly what they did. The group sat in that cave. Mingling on occasion but silencing at the slightest rumble. They waited for what felt like hours but could’ve only been 30 minutes. After some time the cave shook and the sound of the creature moving away came. They waited for a minute before peeking out of the cave.

“I think it’s gone. We should get out of here while we still can.” Orson noted. The Gup k exited the cave and started its rise to the surface. The group was still on the lookout as they ascended. Eventually they made it to the shore, the Gup’s wheels activating again. 

“Wait! Can we check on the octo-ray again? There’s some things I need to grab.” Koshi asked.

“Well.. alright then. Let’s head to the Octo ray again.” Bianca replied, to which Koshi beamed. 

They made their way to the destroyed ray. Each of the kids grabbed something in relation to their loved ones. Orson and Ursa took one of Barnacles’ spare hats, periwinkle took shellington’s magnifying glass, Koshi grabbed one of dashi’s spare cameras and clips, peso’s glasses were taken by pinto, and squirt opted for his Tito’s favorite book. Something to remember them. They hoped to see their families again but that was beginning to drift. 

By the time they had returned to the station the sun had set. Everyone was exhausted and just wanted some semblance of rest or comfort. The kids changed into their pajamas as dinner was being prepared and grouped together in the living room.  Koshi, Ursa, Orson, and pinto sat on the couch. Squirt and periwinkle sat together on a chair to the side. Pete rested on bianca's head, who was helping Ranger marsh prepare dinner. The two chatted, about their jobs, their life, about anything that could keep the noise.

“So.. Is Marsh surname?” Bianca questioned 

“Yes it is. Why do you ask?” The Ranger answered 

“What’s your first name then? Let me guess. Is it ‘ranger’?” She joked to which the rabbit laughed in response.

“Well, my full name is Andrias Marsh bunny. Was named after my ol’ grand pappy marsh.” Ranger Marsh said, putting some chopped water spinach into the soup boiling over the stove. The two continued their conversation. Ranger marsh set a lid over the soup to cook before the two walked to check on the kids. 

Ursa had fallen asleep along with periwinkle. Pinto looked as if he was on the verge whilst Koshi, Orson, and squirt all chatted quietly together. Pete squawked and attempted to fly over which promptly failed as his arm was stil, bandaged. Bianca caught the parrot before he fell too far and rested him on her shoulder. 

“Careful there. We don’t want you to get more hurt than you already are.” Squirt insisted. Periwinkle laid on squirt. His eyes slowly opening as he awoke from the sound, which squirt noticed. “Sorry Peri, didn’t mean to wake you.”

“Is mommy here yet?” Periwinkle drowsly asked, rubbing an eye as he sat up. Everyone paused for a moment, thinking of a proper response.

“..no. Not yet, but I’m sure she’ll be here soon. She’s just a bit lost is all.” Ranger Marsh told Peri, lowering to the pup’s level. 

“I hope she gets here quickly. I miss her.” Periwinkle confessed.

“I’m sure she missed you too ,Peri, you just have to wait a little longer, okay?” 

“Okay..”

The sound of the kitchen timer going off interrupted the conversation. Ranger marsh almost felt relieved as he stood up.

“Well, it looks like dinner’s ready. Who’s hungry?”

The kids all got up excitedly. Finally a warm meal after an awful day. They all sat at the table together, the room was loud with chattering and laughs. Finally for once in that nightmare of a week, life felt somewhat normal. They felt happy and calm. Like they had someone. They were together and that was all that mattered at the moment. After they had finished eating the kids all opted to head down to sleep. It had been a long day, it was getting late, and everyone was beyond tired. Bianca tucked them all in and stayed with them until they were asleep. After they had all drifted off, she left the room.

“I see we’re starting a routine here.” Ranger marsh joked as he saw the polar bear emerge from the room. He was standing by the kitchen island, filling out some paperwork. Pete and tommy were sleeping by his feet. Bianca chuckled and stood next to him, inspecting the papers on the island. The two stood in a comfortable silence together, occasionally breaking it to make small talk.

“Ranger.. do you really think they’re still out there? I mean you wouldn’t lie to Periwinkle, right?” Bianca questioned. Ranger marsh paused what he was doing. Contemplating his next words. 

“Would you rather I told the kid his mom might be dead because of a great big monster in the deep ocean? I don’t know where any of them are right now. Your brother, my own daughter, are just gone. Are they really gone? I desperately hope not, but nothings showing any signs of hope I may be wrong about their fate. I-” ranger ,rash stopped. Beginning to choke up as he clutched his shirt and held a paw to his eyes as tears started to form. Bianca noticing this, wrapped a comforting arm around the rabbit. The Ranger’s voice cracked as he spoke through tears.

“I just want my daughter back.”

Chapter Text

Bianca's eyes slowly opened. The bright sun made her squint as she attempted to stand. Her claws dug into the sand as she groaned in pain. She managed to open her eyes and looked around her. Tweak was lying next to her. She had a gash against her arm and cheek along with a bruised chest, she was clearly alive as her body moved when she breathed. Barnacles was a bit farther away. He laid motionless. He had grabbed them to shield them away from the debri as the Manitoba, the ship they had sailed on, crashed.

“Barnacles!” She called to which the bear didn’t respond. She turned back to tweak who she felt begin to wake up. “Tweak.. are you alright?”

“Bianca..? Is that you?” The rabbit asked weakly. 

“Yes. It’s me. You’re hurt. We need to get help.” Bianca told as she helped Tweak to her feet. Bianca shook as her left leg ached and she turned back to barnacles.

Tweak gasped. “Barnacles! Is he alright? Why isn’t he moving?” 

“I- I don’t know. He’s hurt to.” Bianca’s voice was shaky as they made their way to her brother. The two sat on their knees next to barnacles, who laid motionless in the sand. 

“It’s hot here. He may be overheating”  Bianca stated as she examined her brother. He had a cut on his ear and his nose was bleeding. 

“There’s trees over there” tweak said as she pointed to a forest nearby. “But we don’t know what’s in there.” 

“We may have to take our chances. If we don’t we could lose him.” Bianca pointed out, placing a paw to her brother's shoulder. A small pained noise came from Barnacles and she quickly raised her paw. 

“Barnacles? It’s going to be okay. We need you to wake up.” Bianca said to her brother. 

“Bianca..” Barnacles' voice was soft and weak. 

“It’s me. You’re going to be okay. The ship crashed ,remember? we’re stranded.” Bianca relayed to the bear.

“Is tweak with you?..” he questioned. 

“I’m Right here. I’m staying right here.” Tweak moved closer to Bianca as she spoke. 

“At least I could save someone..” Barnacles felt a tear fall from his eye as they began to close again.

“Barnacles? Barnacles?! No no no don’t go. We need you to stay with us. Please!” Bianca begged as barnacles began to grow limp in her arms.

“Barnacles!” 

Bianca shot up in a cold sweat. Tears drifting down her face as she began to hyperventilate. She looked around the room. It was dark out still and the kids layed on the floor asleep. She took a deep breath of relief before carefully standing up. Ranger Marsh was asleep so she opted to stand on the deck outside. Crickets and fireflies buzzed and chirped outside. The leaves rustled in the breeze. The sound of the river below flowed through the air. It was a full moon that night, illuminating the world below.

Bianca pulled the octo compass from her pocket. She held it in her paw as she looked through it. The different settings and tricks. Eventually she came upon a photo album. It was filled with pictures of the crew and octo agents. Them being ridiculous or just their daily life. 

“ He really is a father to his crew ” she let out a humored huff as she thought. 

She scrolled through the photos a bit more until one made her freeze. She stared at it, holding the octo compass tighter. 

It was an image of her and her brother as polar scouts, Natquik was in the background, his paw on the twins shoulders as he was lowered to their level. She could say barnacles and her were about 12-13 in the image. She smiled weakly. More tears fell from her eyes as she looked at the photo. All she wanted was him back but she knew now that he was gone. They were all gone. That thing had taken them. But she still felt something. Like that thought was wrong. They were still out there. They were strong and smart. Nothing could stop them from seeing their families again. 

She heard the door creak behind her and she shot around but quickly calmed when she saw who it was.

“Oh, Pete, it’s just you. You frightened me there.” She said to the bird, putting the octo compass back into her pocket. 

“Sad?” The bird squawked. He hopped over to The polar bear and tilted his head curiously. Bianca had completely forgotten she was crying. 

“No, just worried.” She sighed. She wiped her eyes and picked the bird up, placing him on her shoulder. 

Pete buzzed into her neck. “Coming back.” 

“Yes. They are coming back. I don’t know how long it will take but.. I know they’ll return.” Bianca agreed with the bird. Pete didn’t respond to this. He rested on Bianca’s shoulder as the two stood together on the deck, taking in the beauty of the Everglades. Bianca sighed as she stood up straight from leaning on the railing on the deck. 

Quietly, she returned to the house and to the kids room. Bianca laid back down, placing Pete next to her. She looked over to the kids sleeping by her. They all looked so calm. Like all their worries slipped away as they slept. She wished it could be like that for them forever but life had other plans it seemed. Their octo watches sat on the ground next to them, illuminating ever so faintly. A small comfort in the dark room. Bianca pulled out the octo compass, looking at that old photo again. 

She missed her brother. But she knew he could take care of his crew and himself. He loved them all so much and she knew that. That crew was like family to him. Any creature would regret hurting them in any way. They were safe as long as he was there. Bianca had to focus on her crew now. These kids needed her. She was going to keep them safe until the Octonauts returned. 

Not if they return.

When they return.

Chapter Text

The kids chatted energetically as they made their way around the Everglades. Ranger marsh had decided to show everyone around just in case anything were to happen. Orson and Ursa helped periwinkle over a fallen tree as they continued forward. 

“Now I’ll need you fellers to be real careful by the river bank as gaters like to sneak up on ya around here. Understand?” Ranger Marsh stressed to the group. The kids all spoke their acknowledgment before they continued. 

Pete flew over the group, his wing finally healed. He swooped down to land on Bianca’s head who gladly let him rest. Ranger marsh continued leading through the Everglades. Showing shortcuts, rambling off random facts about the animals and plants in the Everglades, and making sure the group was still with him every once in a while. The kids listened intently, sometimes getting distracted and having to catch up with the group again. As they walked they suddenly heard a shout coming from nearby

“Help! Help me! I’m stuck!” The voice called.

“I think someone needs our help!” Koshi exclaimed to which ranger Marsh agreed. They moved towards the voice and ended at a patch of tall grass. Ranger marsh Pushed away the grass, to show a white tailed deer stuck in a pit of mud. 

“Help! Please! Someone get me out!” The deer was frantic, trying her best to escape the mud to no avail. 

“Now calm down here ma’am. What seems to be the issue?” Ranger marsh asked the deer, carefully approaching her but keeping away from the mud as he risked getting stuck aswell. 

“Well, I was running away from a panther when I got stuck in this here mud! Now I can’t get out and I fear the panther may be nearby.” The deer explained.

“Just hold on tight. We’ll find a way to get you out.” The Ranger told the deer. “Bianca, cubs, do you remember the way back to the ranger station? We’re going to need the gup k.”

“I remember perfectly, Ranger. I’ll be back faster than you can say.. oh what’s that tweak always says?” She jested before leaving to retrieve the gup, her cubs filling in tow.

“How are we going to get her out?” Pinto flapped his flippers anxiously.

“I don’t quite know yet-“ Ranger marsh started before looking up. A tree leaned over the mud pit. a large branch extend over the deer. “But I think I’m starting to get an idea.”

“We’ll have to be quick. That panther the deer mentioned could be getting close” squirt noted. As he finished his sentence a low growl came from the tree towering the mud. 

“Looks like we weren’t quick enough.” Koshi said as a Floridian panther came out of the leaves and into the overhanging branch. 

“Well well well. Looks like my meal is a little stuck. Don’t worry little deer, I’ll help you out.” The panther made a stance, preparing to leap to the deer.

“Wait!” Ranger marsh shouted, stopping the panther.

“Oh what is it? I’m hungry.” The panther snarled. He turned to face the group.

“If you go down there you’ll get stuck in the mud just like this here deer.” Ranger marsh explained

“Hmm.. we’ll if I can’t have that meal..” The panther jumped from the branch to stand in front of the group. “I’ll just have to get another” 

Ranger marsh stood in front of the kids, shielding them away from the panther. The panther slowly began to approach, bearing his teeth as he clawed the muddy ground below. He lowered himself, getting ready to attack.

“You stay away from these kids.” Ranger Marsh warned the panther.

The panther scoffed. “Oh fine. You’re a much bigger snack anyways.” 

As the panther was about to jump, a large figure shadowed over. Its green jaws opened, showing sharp, ridged teeth. The panther cowered back.

“A giant alligator?! I’m out of here.” And with that the panther ran away. 

“Just in time. We were about to be ground meat there.” Ranger marsh laughed as the gup came down from the tall grass and braked next to them. 

“I have a thing for good timing.” Bianca smiled as she helped the cubs out of the gup. “So what’s the plan to get the deer out exactly?”

“You see that branch hanging over her? If he can manage to get something around her, we can use the two wrench to pull her out.” The rabbit explained, pulling the two wrench from the gup. 

“I see, I see. But how are we going to get something around her? We have nothing to use and none of us can get into that mud.” Bianca pointed out. 

“We can use my jacket, I think it may be big enough and it’s pretty strong for what it was made for.” Ursa offered, taking off her coat. 

“Good idea, but how do we get it over to her?” Squirt questioned. “Maybe Peter can fly it over

“No, too heavy, and it’ll be difficult for him to tie a knot with this.” Ursa objected. “We need to lower someone from that branch”

A voice hissed “perhapsss I can help.” A juvenile burmese python emerged from the grass nearby. The kids backed away from the python, murmuring their disliking to each other.

“Don’t worry. I’m not hungry. I jusst want to help. You ssscared away that panther for usss.” The python thanked. 

“Well that’s mighty generous of you ma’am.” The Ranger stepped toward the python.

“I can get up that tree and sstretch down to the deer to get the coat around her.” The python offered. 

“That would be perfect, but how will we tie it around her?” Koshi asked.

“I can go with her! I’m small and lightweight so I couldn’t be a bother. Peso also taught me how to tie knots.” Pinto explained. 

“Are you sure? This isn’t the safest thing ever..” squirt noted. 

“I’ll make sure he’s sssafe up there.” The python promised, slithering her way to the penguin. 

“Sounds like a plan to me. Once you tie the knot Pete can fly over and hook the jacket to the tow.” Ranger marsh added. 

Orson tugged on his mother arm, who lowered down to hear him.

“Can I say it?” He asked excitedly. Bianca sighed as she humoredly shook her head, smiling.

“Of course, Orson.” She told the cub who practically beamed. 

“Octonauts! Let’s do this!”

~~~~

The python lowered for the branch, the end of her tail wrapped around the tree branch. She wrapped the jacket along the underside of the deer. Pinto helped her as he grabbed the other side, and tied the two ends together. He sat down on the deer’s back and gave the group the thumbs up. Pete held the tow trench in his mouth and flew over to the penguin, letting the rope rest on the branch. Pinto hooked the wrench to the tied sleeves. 

Ranger marsh placed his foot on the gas of the gup K.

“Everyone ready?” He called.

“Ready!” The pinto, the python, and the deer all replied in unison. With that Ranger marsh pressed down on the gas. The gup began to moved backwards through the mud and grass. The deer slowly felt herself begin to slip free.

“It’s working!” She exclaimed as pinto held on tighter. 

The gup continued backwards, mud splashing beneath the moving tires. The deer soon came free and was helped to land. She thanked the group before running off again.

“You three were real brave back there.” Ranger marsh told pinto and the python. 

“It was nothing.” The python bowed her head before slithering away into the grass.

“It was a little scary at first, but it was also really fun!” Pinto said, flapping his flippers excitedly. Ranger marsh just chuckled. Suddenly a beeping came. It was coming from the octo compass attached to Bianca’s sweater.

A distress call.

At the edge of Bermuda.

Chapter Text

“It’s one of the gups! It could be them! we have to get there!” Ursa exclaimed as the compass beeped. 

“I don’t think the gup k will be able to get there as quickly as we need it to, and it may be too small to carry more people.” Orson reminded his sister.

“Can we take the octo-pod?” Squirt questioned. 

“I don’t know, I don’t think any of us know how to pilot the octopod.” Ranger marsh commented.

“Barnacles made a manual on how to pilot it! Dashi showed it to me awhile back. We can find it and go from there.” Koshi told the group. After some debate, they settled on taking their chances on the octopod. 

They drove to the beachside where they had left the ship a few days ago. The octopod was in perfect condition. Some algae had begun to grow onto the outside but other than that it was the same. The group entered through the octo-hatch. The lights were off and the system seemed to be shut down. 

“Koshi, why don’t you go grab that manual you mentioned? I’ll get this ol’ thing running’ “ Ranger Marsh said to the dog, Who noted the manual was in inkling’s library before walking away. 

Ranger marsh walked over to the controls and looked over the buttons. After some time he pressed one to the side and the lights in the octopod shot on. The upper screens showed maps and the outside whilst the screens on the control table beeped as the distress signal flowed to them. After a few minutes Koshi returned, book in hand. 

“Looks like you guys got the power running and just in time! I found the manual. Who’s driving?” Koshi said as she opened up the book, placing it on a table.

“I can take the wheel. Someone needs to be below to work on the controls.” Bianca decided as they all gathered together. 

“I can take the controls.” Squirt offered 

“Perfect. Squirt, activate the steering wheel please.” 

Squirt looked over to the control desk, book in hand, and pressed a button that showed a steering wheel on it. The circle in the middle of the hq began to rise and Bianca hopped on it. She brought up a map to their location on her octo watch as she took the steering wheel in hand. She pushed the control stick forward and with that the Octopod was moving. 

Below in the HQ squirt sat in a chair by the controls, looking over where they would land in Bermuda. The others were gather around him. 

“It’s the gup c that sent out the signal.” Squirt told

“Who do you think sent it out?” Ursa questioned, leaning over to see what squirt was looking at. 

“I don’t know. Whoever It was might be hurt so it’s best we get there quickly.” Squirt answered.

The octopod rushed through the waters as Bianca steered it. After some time they had made it to the edge of Bermuda. Rocks covered the outside of the island, making it difficult for the octopod to navigate through. Bianca lowered the steering wheel back into the HQ, walking towards the group as it set in place. 

“We’ll have to take the gup k to the island. The octopod can’t get through the rocks.” Bianca stated. The group headed down to the launch bay. Orson opened the octo hatch as everyone entered the gup, hopping in along with them when he had finished. 

The waves crashed onto the nearby rocks as they surfaced the water and drove onto the sand. They drove to the site of the signal, anxious for what they would find. Up head they saw the Gup c lying in the sand. A few of the vegimals stood next to it, a talk penguin with a red bandanna with them. They were bandaged and huddled together as they looked at the gup.

“It’s the vegimals! But who’s that?” Koshi exclaimed, as the gup k stopped nearby. They all hopped out and made their way to the vegimals, calling for them as they went. The vegimals turned as they heard the group, rambling cheerfully in vegamise as they ran to them. Each vegimal practically latched onto the octo-agents, going on about the crash and missing them. The penguin made their way over, keeping a small distance.

“You know the vegimal guys?” The penguin questioned, putting a flipper to his chin curiously 

“Yes. We’re family of the octonauts. Who are you?” Bianca asked in return.

“It’s Hugo!” Pinto exclaimed in recognition. “I haven’t seen you since the race!”

“Hugo?” Koshi looked over to pinto

“Yea! He’s a friend of me and peso! He’s champion of the great penguin race.” Pinto explained

Hugo coughed, slightly embarrassed “oh- uh, yea. Speaking of peso, where is he?” Hugo asked, looking around for the medic.

The group froze for a moment.

“Oh.. he’s kind of.. missing. All of the octonauts are. We don’t know what happened to them.” Pinto answered, fidgety nervously with his flippers.

“Missing?! When was this?” Hugo gasped

“A few days ago. We were in the Bermuda Triangle and a storm hit and it turns out something attacked them as they went to deeper waters for safety.” Bianca told Hugo 

“Something attacked them? Sweet starfish.. I’m sorry I wish I could help. But the vegimals have been found so surely they may be out there.” Hugo reassured. The vegimals exclaimed their agreements in response. 

“What are you doing all the way out here in Bermuda? Did you sent out the distress signal” Pinto turned the subject.

“I’ve been traveling around as of recent. Been trying to find something other than racing y’know. I noticed these little guys off the shore as I was swimming. Their gup had crashed and they looked really hurt as they were unconscious. I remembered from the last time I saw the octonauts their gups had a signal just in case something happened.” Hugo explained 

“Well it’s a good thing you found them. I don’t know what would’ve happened to the vegimals out here.” Bianca sighed in relief. 

“Eh it was nothing. I couldn’t just leave these little guys alone out here.” Hugo said

The group talked for a short amount of time before they headed back to the gup with the vegimals, Hugo waving goodbye as he watched them leave. The vegimals chatted to each other as they made their way to the gup k. Tunip walked next to Bianca as they went.

“Tunip? Do you know here the other octonauts are?” Bianca questioned the vegimal

Tunip gained a worried expression at the question and shook his head, saying something about a big creature and a thunderstorm blowing them away. Bianca sighed and looked back to the rest of the group walking behind her.

they had to go back and look for the octonauts. The vegimals proved they were still there. They needed their help.

Chapter Text

“Are you seriously saying we should go back down there?!” Ranger marsh couldn’t believe his ears.

“Shh! You’ll wake the kids. Yes, you heard me right.” Bianca shushed the ranger

“Bianca, you saw what was down there. We have nothing to protect ourselves. It's too dangerous. I’m not putting the kids at risk again.” Ranger marsh objected 

“I know I know. I don’t want to put these kids at risk either but..” Bianca trailed off. After a moment of thinking she put a paw to Ranger marsh’s shoulder

 “Andrias, look, my brother is down there, your own daughter is down there.” Bianca began “ Periwinkle needs his mother and Pinto needs his brother. They are some of the few people these kids have left. They’re our family and we cannot leave them behind. The Octonauts wouldn’t leave us behind.” 

Ranger marsh didn’t respond, staring out from the deck out at the Everglades. It was so calm out, the first essence of peace they’d had for a while. The ranger glowed faintly, illuminating where they stood. 

“So.. why do you glow again?” Bianca questioned

“Like i said, it just happens I don’t know why.” Ranger marsh answered, still looking out to the Everglades 

“You’re a horrible liar, you know that right?” Bianca stood up from leaning on the railing. 

“Why does it matter to you anyways? I glow. So what?” Ranger marsh finally turned to face Bianca. 

“I dunno, maybe it’s the fact you’re one of the only rabbits who glows ” Bianca emphasized

“It’s just genetics! I can't control it. It just happens, it's not my fault!” Ranger marsh stated, beginning to grow irritated. “Why is this such a big deal to you anyways?”

“It’s not a big deal to me but it seems like a big deal to you.” Bianca noted

Ranger marsh glared at Bianca for a short moment before He sighed and looked away. 

“Do you remember that experiment that was all over the news everywhere? About trying to find immunity for diseases?” He asked

“I remember hearing people talk about it when I was younger.” Bianca answered

“You remember the rabbit they tested on to see if the experiment would even work? The jellyfish dna?”  The Ranger continued

Bianca paused for a moment, connecting the dots. “Marsh, were you?..” she trailed off

“Yup. Me, my siblings, and my ma. She didn’t make it out and the glow kinda just.. stayed. It was passed down to tweak somehow as well.” Ranger Marsh told. The pair grew silent for a moment. Bianca looked out on the water. It was quiet and still. The moon reflected off of the river and trees. The Everglades were asleep. 

“It’s nothing though. It happened years ago.” Ranger marsh finally broke the silence as he stood up straight. “We should head down, we’ll need our energy to find the Octonauts.” 

“Marsh.. I’m so sorry” Bianca stopped the ranger from going inside, putting a paw to his shoulder. Ranger marsh didn’t look back at her. 

“Come on, our kids need us.”

~~~~~~

“This feels like a really bad idea” squirt played with his bandana nervously

“It’s the only idea we have.” Koshi replied. The Gup K sat below the ocean surface off the coast.  It was early in the morning, around sunrise, and dark clouds covered the sky. The air was cold and the scent of the ocean's salt water filled the air around them. 

“Do you really think it was best to leave the vegimals back at the ranger station?” Orson questioned. 

“Probably wasn’t.” Ursa answered, looking at a map on her watch. Bianca and ranger marsh exchanged a glance at the twin’s conversation. 

“Not thinking about that.. is everybody ready to go down?” The ranger activated the glass cover on the gup. 

“Ready!” Everyone replied in their own ways. The wheels on the gup lowered as it entered the water. The world around them grew quiet as they began descending down into the depths of the ocean. Darkness swallowing the sea leaving them with nothing. The lights on the gup switched on as they made their way towards the rocks the destroyed gup A had been left on. Creatures had begun to swarm it, making the gup their new home. Min’s pack was gone. They drove away from the gup and defended further, trying to ignore he sense of dread filling the gup. 

They approached the cave they had hidden in the last time, Taking a moment to debate if they should take a quick break, before driving off past it. The deeper they went the darker it got. The quieter it got. They saw less and less fish the further down they went until they were almost completely alone. 

“Wait! Look!” The gup came to a halt as pinto pointed through the glass. “A cave! Do you think we should check in there?”

A large wall of stone towered next to them. The cave was large and deep.

“I can’t believe we almost missed that.” Bianca exclaimed as the gup approached the cave slowly. Entering with care so as to not run into anything.  They had only made it a few yards in before a low rumbled came from the entrance and the cave shook gently.

“ Pathetic .”

The group knew exactly what was speaking to them. 

“You’re really still holding out hope? Have none of you even thought about this? Or are you just blinded by the thought of them still being alive?..” the creature chuckled softly. Its voice was low and had a slight rasp. It’s tone almost mocking. 

“They went much deeper than this. I followed them the whole way down. But there’s no point in telling you that.. they’re gone anyways. Not by my own teeth but their own stupidity. They stayed in their little cave, not being able to leave as I never gave them the chance.”

The group was almost frozen. Ranger Marsh's hands shook as he clutched the steering.

“I knew I couldn’t get them. But I wasn’t just going to let them win. They suffocated there. Not even that octopus would be able to get out of there alive. Though it was a shame. I haven’t eaten in ages..” the cave shook more as the creature began to laugh. Loud and humored. 

“I wonder if you’ll be the same?..”

The cave shook one last time as the creature- no- monster swam away to the surface for air. The group sat in silence for a moment, making sure it was truly gone, before making their break for it. They came upon the surface, the glass above them lowering away. The air was cold and hit them all like a brick but they couldn’t find it to care. They finally made it to the beach again, driving back to the ranger station from there. One by one they all exited the gup. 

Bianca and ranger marsh were helping people out as Orson watched from a short distance. The world around him felt heavy and his head was spinning. Every noise felt like to much and the scent of the Everglades around him suddenly began to disgust him.

“Its.. it’s not fair.” His voice was almost a whisper as he choked out the words. 

“What?” Bianca turned towards her son, periwinkle in her arms.

“I said it’s NOT FAIR!!” Orson shouted. Hot tears began streaming down his face as he collapsed to his knees. Bianca put down periwinkle and knelt down by her son, wrapping him in her arms. Orson sobbed as he held onto his mother. Ursa hesitated before going to join her mother and brother. 

“It’s not fair, it's not fair, it's not fair.” Orson repeated between sobs. Bianca held her twins tighter as ursa felt tears forming in her own eyes.

Bianca looked up at the ranger. Her eyes speaking for her. 

“ What are we going to do ?”