Happy new month to all and I hope you're all doing well and staying safe wherever you are! In response to the last review, you're definitely right about not worrying till next year but Nintendo has to stop snatching my wig and dragging me across the floor with these stories because I can't keep up! I DO think this next installment is going to get really wild with the story mode and I'm hoping for something unpredictable (I love chaos so I'm digging the mad max energy). Also the lil buddy we've got looks adorable and I like the whole archer class we're getting since it reminds me of a pair of...characters from a certain arc in this...story...
Indistinct chatter fills the large room full of tables with patrons dining on their first meal for the day, the TVs on in the background offering an alternative white noise to the various discussions taking place at every table. A family breakfast with various personalities shown, the Galloway family were enjoying their first meal of the day before heading to the stadium later to watch Reice play in the round of 32. Joseph wolfed down his food competing with Ryan as they experienced a delicacy unlike any other with this particular dish, the steam escaping their mouth as they tried to balance the sensation of heat burning the inner lining of their mouth with the pleasure of the tasty food hugging their taste buds. Madelyn looked full just from watching the pair compete, a mild look of disgust on her face as the two grunted while smacking their lips chewing down the food. Chase looked disturbed, mostly because they were doing this first thing in the morning and in public with everyone observing; it was obvious to many of the others dining that the Galloways weren't just foreigners, but Inkopolitans. Marigold and Canary on the other hand found it amusing and couldn't help but crack jokes watching their father and brother embarrass them terribly. Even though this was something to preoccupy their mind until it was time to depart, all of them still shared an overwhelming nervousness of what to expect today. After hearing all the noise in their ear about what Dango could do to sweep the leg of Squid Academy and have them on the ropes, they were all anxious to see their team pull through. A critical match day for Reice and his squad, the Galloways were hoping to continue their stay in Ravia and support their star boy on his campaign.
"If there's any good news it looks like all the skeptics have quieted down about Reice's team." Chase said scrolling through his news feed on his phone, doing his best to ignore the sound of his father and brother's vicious munching. "It isn't uncommon for a team to feel at their peak after such a colossal victory but now they have to replicate that performance against a team that isn't on the same caliber talent-wise and popularity-wise. If they're caught napping, it could be fatal."
"They won't get exposed." Marigold replied in a matter of factly tone, her confidence in her brother beyond measurement. "But I would be lying if I said I didn't feel a little nervous about how today will go when considering what is at stake."
"Eugh…" Joseph and Ryan groaned hunched over the table and slumped in their chairs, neither of them able to take another bite.
Madelyn wore a look of disdain as the two continued to show a lack of table manners, "The two of you are really giving us a bad look right now." she whispered angrily.
"But the food-urp!"
"-Was so good!"
"It's fine, mom. They haven't had a feast like that in a while and I can't blame them for wanting to pig out. Probably stress eating because of today." Chase reasoned, calling over the server for the check.
"Well, we should probably leave soon before the traffic starts to form. We can't be late no matter what!" Marigold said after catching a glimpse of the traffic report on one of the television screens
"I'm surprised you're so invested in this competition considering you aren't that much of a sports fanatic." Madelyn chuckled.
"W-well, I have to be! Reice is working his hardest out there and others are finally giving him and his teammates the respect they deserve. I just want to see him be happy that he's playing on the big stage."
"In other words, she's really proud of him but is too embarrassed to admit that she's attending so she can brag about how cool he is later on." Canary stated bluntly, calling out her sister.
"HEY!" an embarassed Marigold shouts in response.
A gleam shines in Canary's eye as she spots a moment to capitalize, "You're a bad liar and that's why I'm his favorite little sister." she said smugly, giving a thumbs up to provoke her sister.
"Huh? You wanna fight? Deciding to show some spine after all these years I see."
"I've got no problem becoming his only little sister."
"Hoh?"
In no time, the two sisters showed their colors as Galloways. While it appeared strange to others who watched from their tables, for the Galloway family, this is what made them who they are: a rowdy bunch of a family-and they wouldn't change it for anything else. Seeing the two sisters interacting reminded Joseph and Madelyn of Chase and Ryan when they were much younger, and of the two brothers fighting over playing with baby Reice. For Chase and Ryan, seeing them act like Galloways really put into perspective what they'd been missing all these years and made them thankful that their family was becoming whole again. Wrapping up their meals they head in the direction of the Hulabo dome to beat the morning traffic that'll surely appear thanks to the blockbuster matches in store that'll all be taking place simultaneously. Elsewhere in the city though, another relative of one of the players was already starting their day just before they headed to the stadium. Finishing his morning routine and already dressed to leave, Verde exited the bathroom and looked over to see his partner still lying in bed peacefully with her covers drawn. He blushes as she mumbles in her sleep and draws the sheets over her head to unconsciously shield herself from the sunlight piercing the room, Verde wanted to leave her be and let her get some well deserved rest but he also knew they needed to leave soon.
Gently resting his hand on her shoulder he gives a light nudge, "Wake up…" he whispered; "You've got to get up and get dressed. The others will be here soon." he added to no success as she continued to mumble with delight in her sleep, even making a cat face as she nuzzled on his hand while still asleep. SO CUTE! He thought while trying to keep a straight face. "Handan wake up…"
Handan's lips curled upward as she heard her name, "Maybe a morning kiss will wake up a sleeping princess?" she teased slowly opening her eyes, his reflection in her irises.
Verde shakes his head, "If you have time to joke around then you have time to get dressed. We don't want to be late."
She scoffed as he pulled his hand away from her face abruptly, "Pardon me for wanting to savor our time alone a bit longer."
"Don't be that way." Verde said, having to avert his gaze with a beet red face as she sat forward with her covers falling off; and after a few seconds did he turn around once she gave the permission.
Handan brought her fingers together with a heavy blush of her own and struggled to look him in the eyes as the main thought on her mind couldn't be contained, "So uh...about last night."
"Get dressed and let's go." Verde responds abruptly, prompting Handan to pout at how insistent he was at rushing out and ending their precious solitude.
"You can dodge the topic as much as you want but we both know what went down. I'm not leaving until we address this."
Verde rubs the back of his neck tapping his foot as he recalled what happened the previous night, "There's not much to address when considering that you're still wearing the ring…"
"Verde." her tone got sharp, her face showing no amusement.
His shoulders drop as he realizes he can't tiptoe his way around it after all. "I meant everything I said, okay?"
"Really? So then does that mean I'm your woman? You're ready to spend the rest of your life with me?" she wiggled her brows with a smug grin, satisfied she got him to finally fold and talk about it.
Verde let out a light cough to hide his blushing face with a nod, "Yes, yes. I've made you my woman. Are you happy now?"
"Well then...I'm excited to be called Handan Royale from now on!" she beamed, holding out her hand looking at the engagement ring sparkling on her finger.
Verde cracks a tiny smile, "You really are something else wearing that throughout the night. I hope you know that isn't good for circulation."
"It's a perfect fit-the ring, I mean." she sneered with a giggle as Verde struggled to hide his blush before her.
Verde couldn't look her in the eye, "Just...get ready."
The couple exited the hotel shortly after to find a fancy limo awaiting them at the entrance and greeting them albeit begrudgingly given the notice of the bright rock on her cousin's finger stood an annoyed Pharaoh. Verde felt a terrible shiver overcome him as she approached the pharaoh but Handan had the opposite feeling as she happily rushed over and jumped into Nefertina's arms. A radiant look on her face as she looked into the eyes of Nefertina, the pharaoh felt relieved to see her precious family look so overjoyed but couldn't help but sport a troubled smile at the potential backlash that'll follow this move. Handan immediately rushes over to Verde's side and beams with serenity as her fiance receives a cold look from the pharaoh. Their transportation to the Hulabo dome just behind the pharaoh, Verde wanted to get past this obstacle at all costs.
Pharaoh Nefertina shoots a glare at Verde with her arms crossed and her chin raised-emanating the presence of a ruler, "Hey Royale, there's something shiny on my Handan's finger…care to elaborate on happened?"
Verde's face turned sour trying to figure out how to respond to such a question without mentioning the obvious deeds that occurred, Do you really want the excruciating details!? "It's official! I'm going to be a Royale!" Handan rejoiced with her arm raised and fists clenched in victory, still clinging tightly to his arm with joy.
A cold shiver overcame Verde as the pharaoh shot daggers at him, a blizzard following as she let out an astonished "oh?" with a terrifying glint in her eyes.
Verde's forehead wrinkled as he felt himself on the verge of aging a decade from the stress Handan was about to bring him in holy matrimony, "My pharaoh-"
"I'm not your pharaoh." Nefertina hissed with a scowl for her future in law, getting territorial about Handan's affection; they'd been together from the beginning after all and though she knew there would come a time where she'd have to let her go, she wasn't ready to see someone so precious that she considered a sister up and leave for someone else, especially a guy affiliated with the military an adversary. Nevertheless, Handan's happiness was priority and if she was settled on Verde, then she'd support them as best as she could. "From now on, just call me Nefertina. It'd be a pain for my brother in law to be formal with me." she grinds her teeth afterwards seeing the relief on his face, irritated that he thought he was in the clear. "Still, a Sany and an Inky getting together is quite an uncommon pairing and that's not taking into account that one possesses royal blood and affiliation and the other is a high ranking official within the military, I'm sure you both know there will be plenty of attention on the two of you. Things might get rocky moving forward."
"I'm aware of what awaits us moving forward but I'll do everything I can to be a good husband."
A cruciform of veins sprout on the pharaoh's head, "Hmph! Don't tell me that, tell that to her." she points to Handan who blanked out with still starry eyes drooling at the perfect life awaiting her with Verde. Seeing how greatly she changed from her reserved nature "Anyways, you get the point-"
"Long have I waited for this moment where I can rest assured knowing the love of my life is by my side and nowhere else." Handan said having snapped out of her daydream and her attention turned to Verde and him only; "Now that we're official, I don't plan on ever letting you out of my grasp ever again." her smile grew wide and bright like the sun overhead. "You're mine."
Verde is left speechless, feeling the conviction in her tone and had nothing to match her-only reassurance that she was the one for him. "A-alright I get it you carps! Just get in the truck and let's go!" the Pharaoh fumed, stomping back to the limo after having seen enough to almost hurl.
As the trio enter the limo full of things that cost more than their flight to Squirabia, they are met by a surprising cast of guests already awaiting them that Nefertina had picked up on the way. Greeting them first as they entered sat Shiva and her retainers, but the true shock came for Verde who recognized familiar faces as well. Sitting beside the queen of Octaria was Marina of Off the Hook along with Callie of the Squid Sisters, and they were joined by Hatsunika Mika to form the bubbly trio of musical entertainers of three eras. At first Verde had several questions as to why the trio were there and of the absence of their musical partners, to which Mika announced that they were gathered together as the musical guests to headline the tournament final with a plethora of other talented artists from all over the world that were invited, and as for the whereabouts of Leor, Marie, and Pearl, they were either rehearsing or in disguise in the city browsing around. The next topic of discussion turned to the obvious elephant in the room which was the shining diamond on Handan's finger and the interlocked hands of Handan and Verde, who got babied by Callie since she was somewhat of an aunt to Verde. The conversation doesn't last long on that though as Nefertina wanted to talk about the tournament instead, mostly sour because Handan found love before she could. As it stood, everyone except for Nefertina and Handan were supporting Squid Academy while the Sanyrier duo supported their home favorite Sun Pharaohs who were a fellow competitor with high aspirations to make the quarterfinals.
A symphony of whistles serenading the several tandems and groups spread across the practice site accompanied by the searing sun broiling their skins with a sizzle all to the criticisms of their coaches, the captain of the squids in silver and black leading the bunch in workouts. His pores open and letting out the steam, Gin looked possessed sprinting up and down during the routine drills. As to why he looked so motivated on this particular day, it all related to their upcoming opponents who just happened to be the 16th ranked team in the tournament: the Wizards. A solid team known for their consistency, there was no better opponent to test Beacon Hills than a team close to them in identity. A squad consisting of talented team oriented players, the Wizards are led by a capable captain who was a very exciting player to watch and one who directly rivaled Gin, Sylvester is his name. Ranked 11th and 12th respectively in terms of the best players in the world, Sylvester had the edge individually while Gin had the advantage when it came to overall teams; a monumental match between a pair of ranked teams, the taste of fierce competition awakened Gin's competitive side that laid dormant since the spring.
"Phew." Gin wipes the beads of sweat rolling down his face, huffing and puffing, absorbing as much moisture in the air as he could manage.
"Good work out there!" Machi sang holding a cold bottle to his head; Gin flinched from the chill of the glass but calmed down once he registered her voice. "You're working hard out there. Really cool to see you taking it up a notch."
"I could say the same about you and your efforts." Gin replied plainly, accepting the drink.
Machi turned bashful, "Oh no, don't praise someone like me! I'm still not worthy of being given such attention."
Gin's eyes lowered to the sloshing bottle in his hand, "The energy you bring to the team is a shot in the arm. Thank you."
Machi thought he was only being respectful at first but after seeing the sincere gaze he had on the drink she brought for him she quickly understood his sentiment and took a seat beside him.
"You've come a long way haven't you? Inheriting a team in a dysfunctional community and re-establishing that winning culture. Amazing to say you really don't have anything left to prove."
"I owe it all to the others for their support and for putting up with me and my lousy attitude. Silvia always stood by my side and believed in me, Platinum, Alumia, and everyone all listened to every unfair request I had. I'm not going to get all sentimental, but this is an irreplaceable bunch." he looks off to his precious trio who guide the rest of the team through their practice; "I want to take them to the finals. I want to experience that same feeling I had in the winter. I want to soak it in and treasure every second I spend with this team." Appreciating the team that surrounded him, Gin wanted to make sure his feelings reached his team. Getting up to his feet and doing a deep stretch, he returns to the turf to join the others. Watching him rush back to the side of his teammates, Machi had the biggest smile on her face, witnessing the growth of her captain.
An overall busy day for the teams carrying out their preparations for the round of 32, a peek inside all camps showed much of the same: coaches were either out on the turf with their players making observations and evaluations or elsewhere going over their strategies before game day, and the players were operating beyond their limits for an extra boost.
Meanwhile at the Special Forces camp...
A single sweat drop rolled down Jin's face as he rested against the wall and raised his chin to give the back of his head some support. Taking a deep breath to control his breathing and sort through his thoughts, he couldn't shake the very uncomfortable feeling that he was being watched. "You should be subtle if your goal is to observe me. I suggest tweaking your approach of staring at me as if you're appraising an item." he sighed, opening his eyes and looking over at the inkling staring at him intensely.
"You're hated by everyone." the inkling said bluntly with a creepy smile.
Wow. Jin's face didn't move a muscle for a moment. "Really? And here I thought they loved my presence. I mean, I am the team captain and our best player! Not like I could be hated by the others for that, right?"
"Your sarcasm isn't as powerful as one time. You've truly become soft-O Hero of Inkopolis."
"And why does it matter? I don't recall being chummy with the likes of you."
"Because when you were a jerk you at least had considerable talent that forced us to acknowledge you were the leader." That cut deep for Jin as he couldn't withhold his reaction that time. "But now you're trying to be humble and respectful and it just doesn't suit you. Maybe getting beat by a bunch of nobodies and watching your little brother snatch the glory away did the trick. Or maybe it was getting thrashed by a bunch of new bloods that did it. I can't recall."
Jin did his best to remain calm, "People change. Is there a problem with that?"
"Yeah, there is." the inkling's eyes widened with sharpness; "We've watched you screw around for a year with a bunch of first years and become pedestrian at best. Honestly, I'm sick of seeing you be a babysitter and waste our time, but at least you've been productive during this tournament. I'm just concerned you won't keep it up for long."
"What? You threatening me or something?"
"Heavens no, I hate fighting. I'm just passing off the message of how we third years feel about you. You're a shell of yourself and a ticking time bomb of a liability. Know that the moment you screw up is the moment you're out."
"As long as I'm wearing the captain's armband, I'm on the floor and on that note...you've got some gall speaking the way you do to me. So let me get this out the way and return the message to you and the others: I don't give a flying fu-"
"There you are Jin!" Kary called, from seemingly out of nowhere startling the pair; "Eighteen and Twelve need your assistance with a matter and I've been looking everywhere for you."
"O-oh...is it urgent or something?" Jin fakes a laugh, hoping his junior didn't see or hear anything that just transpired.
"Yeah, you need to come right away! Sorry Gibbs, I really need the captain but I hope I wasn't interrupting anything."
Gibbs clicked his tongue and got up, "I said what I had to say to him so he's all yours. Take care babysitting, Hero." he said with disdain walking off to leave the pair alone.
Jin breathed a sighed of relief once he knew Gibbs was out of sight, "You did that to run him off, right? Are the others fine at least?"
She nods her head in response.
"How much did you overhear?"
"Enough to interfere." she joked, prompting Jin to give her a light chop on the head for getting involved.
"Don't go around getting on the bad side of your teammates."
"Heh, rich to hear that from you."
Jin looks displeased hearing how sharp his protege's tongue has become, "Honestly, what kind of senior am I if my own juniors are bailing me out..."
"I thought you'd be happy to have a dependable junior though."
Jin grumbled something under his breath with a sulk, "Where are the others."
"In the film room. They wanted to watch some of the games airing today and I'm interested too."
"Right…"
With high noon approaching quickly, the headlines of the tournament were already getting pressed thanks to another monumental upset that gave gamblers a huge payoff. If Squid Academy's dreamlike run wasn't enough to make someone pinch themselves about how unpredictable this tournament could be, then surely Squidops would do the trick. A heated six round contest that went the distance, the unranked Squidops managed to upset the 22nd ranked Polaris earlier in the morning at Alqamar and in turn punch their ticket into the hallowed round of 16 where they awaited another massive opponent in the defending champions Rukovna, who swept their opponents with ease to secure their spot in the sweet 16. Another big headline already making waves in the morning was the victory for Yermozani, who will be advancing to the round of 16 as a dark horse candidate with plenty of praise showering the captain Janice. The news making its way into the team locker rooms of Skolar and the Bluerings, plenty of chatter and reactions were present as the teams prepared to make their entrances to the center stage of Shamsa stadium before a massive crowd of supporters and spectators. If there wasn't already enough motivation for making it this far to face against such a worthy adversary, C.C. and Carmichael both looked fired up leading their teams out the tunnels. C.C. is ready to soar to new heights with the team, and Carmichael and his squad are looking to spoil the hopes of the Bluerings. The pressure thickens as the attention turns to the pair of teams marching from opposite sides of the stadium to the team bands playing their school anthems loudly, the voices of their supporters echoing in sync with the tune produced by the bands; the Skolar fans performed a unified overhead clap that grew in decibels, and the Bluerings supporters responded with a chant for victory on their own end. The feeling of what the finals would appear with such energetic fan bases in attendance, all eyes turned to the two teams on the turf as the royal blue and yellow jerseys of the Bluerings met the black, lime, and white jerseys of Skolar. Cold looks are worn by both sides as the starters stare down one another with viciousness. These next seven rounds are a war between two powerhouses who would have their mental fortitude and physical capabilities tested. The 5th ranked Skolar led by their twin titans Carmichael and Miralem, and the 6th ranked Bluerings led by the most gifted individual to ever grace the scene in recent memory. The winner of this match had a stake to claim on being potential champions.
With all the watchful eyes of those invested in the tournament focused on the mighty clash, over at Hulabo dome around that same time, the venue rocked as Squid Academy supporters made their feelings known. The little sweethearts who captured the hearts of everyone with their shocking hot streak of a run, the salmon pink and royal blue jerseys of Squid Academy appear to a thundering welcome from their frenzied supporters, who were almost on cloud nine as the nostalgia of several years ago was front and center: Squid Academy were among the final 32 teams in the national tournament where the best of the best faced each other! Sporting black and yellow striped jerseys-the inverse colors of their signature jerseys of solid yellow with a solid black line running down the sides. In the eyes of many, this was the one toss up of a game despite Squid Academy's hot run and it was all due to who Dango high were. A team who were considered a dark horse candidate entering the tournament, they flew under the radar during the group stage and managed to make it this far without garnering too much attention thanks to the likes of teams like Squid Academy taking all the spotlight. The well distinguished team of Dango had something to prove as this match was a chance for them to not only grab the attention of the whole world, but also defeat the team that was capable of going head to head with the best teams in the tournament and managed to even beat a few of them. Plenty of questions surround what Squid Academy would do in this newfound position as a favorite heading into a match. Were they going to crumble under the expectations? Would they do enough to please the critics? Or perhaps, could they somehow elevate their game?
The overhead spotlights shining on her casting a large shadow behind her, Evelyn clenched her shirt and took a deep breath to ease the tremble in her limbs. A heavy look of nervousness plastered on her face, she felt the butterflies in her stomach listening to the cheers of her supporters who noticed her face in the starting lineup with many sending their best wishes to her. The turf appeared much larger than before now that she was standing on it from the beginning rather than viewing from the bench and even the indoor atmosphere felt a little chillier than usual. It finally hit her that this is what it felt like to be a starter. This is what everyone was fighting to experience, even if it was only once. To be one of the starting six that carried the fate of the entire team, no, the hopes of the entire school and community in their hands, it all produced a startling thought for her as she realized one wrong move could be detrimental to her squad. Her mind wandering into a pit of doubt, a swift pat on the back by Pearl brings her back to reality, her sparkling eyes full of light giving her just the reassurance she needed.
"Don't go spacing out on me now! You've got your reliable seniors and teammates to support you so don't fuss over the unnecessary thoughts, alright?" she winked, wrapping her arm around her.
Evelyn could feel the slight tremble in Pearl's arms as she pressed her for a hug, noticing that although her senior wore a beaming smile and was doing her best to melt away the pre-game fears, she-too had to be feeling nervous about her debut as a starter in an elimination game. She wanted to say something to calm her down too, but when she called Pearl's name ready to say something, Pearl already had her thoughts pouring out.
"I've waited three years for this." The third year said in a solemn tone, reflecting on previous failures. "Year after year, tournament after tournament, I dreamed of the chance to stand on the grand stage with my precious teammates. And now, thanks to the help of my reliable juniors, I've been blessed with the opportunity to fight alongside them. I can finally say that I started at Nationals." her voice wavered a bit as the emotion settled in. She's fired up for battle.
It amazed Evelyn of how much emotion Pearl was showing when she was usually a lot more reserved in these situations, but this is what Nationals could do. It awakened a fire in even those who tried to suppress the embers for all this time. Even if she didn't have as much experience as the others, she wouldn't let her fire burn out-not with the opportunity presented to her. Understanding the message from Pearl to savor her feelings and use it as fuel to stoke her flames, Evelyn held out her arm for a fist bump with Pearl, who met her on the connection. After joining up with the rest of the team, Squid Academy stared at the wall before them that blocked their path to the sweet 16. A yellow brick wall of sniper specialists and experienced slayers, the squad in pink and blue would be relying on their arsenal of four skilled chargers and a pair of devastating slayers who were clinical when the moments mattered the most.
Up next: Squid Academy versus Dango.