Fuchsia's fingers typed rapidly as she operated on her laptop; She was in the AV club room working on an assignment that she started a couple weeks ago. There she sat at a desk wearing headphones listening to the footage she was editing; she was editing a bunch of videos together of many team performances at past events, including the recent rank war. She minimized the window, opening a memo pad and returning to her typing, setting up a schedule that read: Squidcom Rank Wars prep.

"Hehehe…"-she laughed under her breath, putting on her glasses- "Since you guys are soooo busy suddenly, this will definitely work!" she said with a mischievous grin and devil horns sprouting from her head.

A week had passed by since Azule and Cobalt returned home from Meiju, but in the that week it was quiet for Squidcom, who hadn't had an opportunity to gather and spend time together since everyone was busy with their own personal affairs. Azule and Cobalt were focusing on studying and training in preparation for their upcoming events, Reice focused on his police training to take his mind off Violet, Violet spent her free time in the school and public library reading and avoiding Reice, Sally and Tangie were busy with job hunting for Tangie, and Fuchsia had been spending her time with the AV club. Throughout the week, it was snowing harshly, which added to why there was minimal contact. It was too cold to focus on something like turf wars. But for Fuchsia, who had grown rather fond of her teammates the more she was away from them, she became anxious, wanting to see her comrades in action.

"Lately, I've only talked to my roommates and the others from the AV club since everyone's busy…"-she halts, staring at the screen, holding her head in agitation and taking off her glasses- "Who am I kidding…there's clearly tension within the team. I haven't been able to figure it out, but something is up! No one is trying to communicate…even at school, everyone just casually greets each other but go their separate ways…at this rate…"-she looked concerned, worried about what'd happen if the team continued to drift away- "at this rate, I'll be alone again…"

"Pi Pi Pi" went her phone as it vibrated in her pocket. She opens her phone, seeing an incoming message come from Pastelle; the only person outside of her team that she regularly contacted. There was a missed call and message from Pastelle. The message told her to go and meet up at a local café in the city right away, that there was someone that needed to be introduced to her; Fuchsia quickly returned the call.

"Heeeellloooo~" Pastelle sang as she answered the phone; Fuchsia asked her why the sudden meetup, to which Pastelle simply told her she had a friend she wanted to introduce. Fuchsia wrapped up her project clumsily, seeing this as an opportunity to figure everything out in her head while on the run. Fuchsia darts out the room putting on her fluffy green knitted sweater that she got from her sister and makes a dash to the café that Pastelle told her to go to, running through the snowy weather in her thick creamy beige winter boots. By the time Fuchsia arrived, Pastelle and Kosami were waiting at a booth for her, already enjoying some hot coffee; Fuchsia was out of breath by the time she got there, wheezing at the entrance.

"Welcome!" the lady at the front desk greeted her; Fuchsia explained that two friends were waiting for her, to which the lady pointed over to the table over by the windows.

Pastelle was pleased to see her, "Ah, you made it! Loving the fresh look!" she said referring to Fuchsia's glasses as well as her sweater.

Fuchsia shooed, "It's only for reading and using the computer…"-she looked next to Pastelle, seeing Kosami- "Aren't you the girl I sit next to in my homeroom class? How do you know Pastelle?"

"Mutual friends…" Pastelle answered, crossing her arms.

"Right…"-she folded her hands, staring at the table- "I don't want to sound rude, but exactly why am I meeting her?"

"We share similar interests…" Kosami said with shyness; Fuchsia smiled awkwardly, feeling a connection between herself and Kosami.

Pastelle took a sip of her coffee, "Kosami here is interested in a certain boy we both know rather well…"

Kosami got flustered, "Pastelle!? You're not supposed to be telling anyone about that!"

"Why not? You sounded pretty big from what Sky told me you were planning to do with him~" Pastelle teased as Kosami covered her face from embarrassment; Fuchsia sat still with a blank smile, internally she screaming-knowing exactly who the boy was.

"Is that the only reason I got called here?" Fuchsia said, preferring to not go into talk about that kind of stuff.

"No, that's not actually why I called you here…"-Pastelle's face got serious, she moved her coffee away, and leaned in towards Fuchsia- "You've gotten better with tech stuff, right?"

"Of course, but what does that have to do with anything?"

Pastelle turned toward Kosami, looking for the nod of approval; Kosami allowed it. Pastelle filled Fuchsia in on everything she'd been told from Kosami, hoping to have Fuchsia join the operation. Fuchsia didn't know how to respond, since the assassination was not only on an important figure, but the same man who abused Azule and Sky; her first thoughts were on them, wondering how they'd feel to know that monster would soon lead the country they reside.

"Why are you asking for my help?" Fuchsia wondered, knowing if she got involved it'd only make matters worse since she's not only royalty, but Octarian royalty. If she got found out, there'd be severe consequences to not only her, but to her people too. Although she wasn't fond of her heritage, she still loved her people to some degree.

Kosami shimmied in her seat, "I did some research on you guys, and learned that you were the most computer savvy…"

"Research?" Pastelle and Fuchsia said in sync.

"After I learned about all of you, I took some time to do some research and learn about you guys…especially the girls."

"Why…?" Fuchsia thought, then realizing something- "You're that girl!? The one that left the orphanage before Tangie and Cobalt!"

"H-how did make that connection!?"

"Isn't it obvious? You acted like you knew Azule from somewhere, then you did research on us. Your mutual friend is Azule's older sister Sky, right?"

Kosami nodded, "Right…"

Fuchsia sighed shrugging her shoulders, "Honestly, you bunch really can be complicating…"-she took out her phone- "You're meeting them…"

"W-what…!? Why!?"

Fuchsia's eye shined, "You're joining us! Once you explain to them who you are, you'll get pestered by them to join anyways."

Pastelle laughed, "Well, looks like you're going to be a new member. But, let's get back to the topic at hand, shall we?"

The girls agreed, getting serious about the topic to be discussed. Fuchsia ordered her coffee, Pastelle stretched her hands, and Kosami stared at the table in deep thought. Pastelle told Fuchsia the entire situation, as to what they'll plan to do, how many people they're trying to recruit and the ideal time to carry out this mission. Fuchsia still didn't seem comfortable with the idea of assassinating someone, even if it was that monster who deserved it.

"So, you're looking for about five people to carry out this assignment; you're recruiting me as the essential hacker am I right?"

Pastelle nodded, "I can't run to my teammates for help since Sky sent me in as her replacement for this mission. Mainly, since she'll have her hands full with prepping for the winter tourney this week."

"And you're hoping I can help recruit Azule, Cobalt and Tangie…" Fuchsia said, deciphering the information. Kosami interrupted once she heard Azule's name get thrown in.

"Wait, Sky told me to keep Azule out of this mess! She said she doesn't want him involved…"

"Huh!?"-Pastelle said with shock, nearly spilling her coffee- "He's strong! Why wouldn't we use him for a revenge mission like this?!"

Fuchsia understood why; Sky simply didn't want her brother getting involved in such dangerous affairs. "Maybe we should leave him out of it…" she said.

"Nah, we'll add him. Leave Sky to me, I'm one of the few people she hates but still respects." Pastelle said condescendingly.

The girls decided that before they could continue any further on the process that they should recruit the other three. As of now, the plan was to learn how they'll track down their target and how they'll assassinate him. Later that day, Fuchsia got a text from Sally telling her to meetup at Violet's dorm. "Violet's request…" the message ended.

"From one thing to another…" Fuchsia said under her breath, returning to the snow, looking up at the evening sunset.

At the music store, Sally was on the turntables doing a mashup of the hottest names in Inkopolis from classics like the Squid Sisters, Chirpy Chirps and High Tide Era, to the biggest current artists like Off the Hook and Wet Floor; she attracted a crowd of people who fell in love with incredible mixing and transitions. Sally was enjoying herself, feeling more and more comfortable each time she transitioned from one song to another-her headphones were bobbing up and down on her head as she worked her magic on the turn tables, grabbing the interests of everyone in attendance.

"It's crazy how good this girl is!" One guy said.

"She should turn professional! Imagine a collaboration of her and Marina!" An enthusiastic girl said.

"Marina is the best DJ in music industry, this girl isn't that good!" A snarky dude said.

"Not to mention she'd have to compete with Marina, DJ Lee Fish, Anemonii, and the DJ king and queen of the dance music genre, Atlantik and Pacifica." Another critical customer said.

Sally smiles as she hears her critics voice their opinions on her skills. She decides to change the tempo, switching from house to swing-playing around until she found the right groove; the audience applauded at her smoothness, seeing such craft from an amateur was rare. Sally was a unique talent, able to play multiple instruments and even work the turntables-truly she was a gift to the music world that hadn't yet been recognized. The shop owner bobbed his head and tapped his feet to the beat, trying to refrain from dancing while Tangie on the other hand, danced everywhere, cheering on her friend; Hatsunika had to return to work since she had a new album that she was planning to release in the upcoming months.

"Hmm, to think Hatsunika found herself a DJ…could she perhaps be looking to compete against Off the Hook." The store manager said crossing his arms, analyzing Sally's performances.

Tangie cooled down her dancing, "You mean that idol group that has an inkling?"

"Yes, they've been turning heads in the music industry for quite some time and have since become on the biggest names in music, mainly because they're a duo."

"Why do you think Hatsunika wants Sally for competition?"

"Because, for a couple years she's been complaining that she can't overthrow Off the Hook as the top idols along with the Squid Sisters after they made their comeback. So, with the trouble of having to compete against those two groups, being a soloist doesn't help her."

"So, you're saying that Sally could become an idol!?"

The manager shrugged his shoulders, "Depends on how she feels about it…"

Tangie looked at her, seeing a huge on her face as she continued her mashup mix; Sally was someone who always showed her emotions, and in this case, it was clear to see that she truly enjoyed what she was doing, it was the same smile she had when she played in turf wars for Squidcom, but since Squidcom has been dormant for some time, she might've found her new home.

Tangie's face saddened as she tried to smile when Sally looked her way, maybe this is what is best for her…

After her mashup mix, it was time to close the shop up; Tangie waited outside for Sally, who was packing up most the equipment she used. By the time Sally finished and met Tangie outside, it was almost evening. They both had on their winter gear since they couldn't handle the chilly weather too well. The two girls walked down the snowy street viewing the many cars that got covered in the white blanket and the many shops in the district. Sally had her hands in her jacket pocket and her pink hoodie over her head, and every time she exhaled, her breath could be seen; Tangie shivered in her jacket, her teeth chattered as she tried to warm herself up.

"Hey, you sure don't want to stop somewhere warm? You're freezing…" Sally said with concern; Tangie shook her head.

Tangie continued hugging herself, "We just need to make it to the bus stop in another mile and we'll be fine."

"If you say so…"

They continued over to the bus stop, arriving a moment later. While they waited, they tried to keep themselves warm as the chilly breeze began to pick up speed; Tangie shivered viciously once the wind passed. Tangie closed her eyes, trying to endure the cold, but then she felt someone wrap around her, and when she looked over, she saw a blushing Sally look away as she had her arms around her.

"I-I only did this because I can't let you freeze on me…"

Tangie giggled, "You're cute when you hide your feelings, Sally."

"Don't tell anyone about this, okay?"

"Trying to keep your cool image?"

"N-No…"-she blushed harder- "I'm not very good at this kind of stuff."

The bus arrived shortly after and they boarded on swiftly, grabbing a seat at the back where the heater was. Tangie exhaled loudly, thankful to finally escape the cold; she glanced over at Sally, who was leaning forward with her hands clasped, in deep thought as she looked ahead without even blinking. I wonder if that music thing is on her mind…Tangie thought, tapping on Sally's shoulder; Sally jumped, letting out a cute squeal.

"Is something on your mind?" Tangie asked with a smile; Sally blinked.

"No…why do you ask?"

"It's just, earlier I heard those people talking…"-she leaned forward- "they all really liked your performance."

Sally smiled, "I heard them, and it made me happy that they all have such high critique of me…"-she stared at the floor- "But it feels weird, this whole music thing."

"How so?"

"Just a while ago I met Hatsunika, and now I have a job and potential career…It feels like everything is moving way too fast." Sally said, her tone uneasy about everything that's been happening.

Tangie's eyes narrowed, "Are you having second thoughts?"

"No…It's just that I committed to the team and I wanted to balance both my music life and our turf wars. But, after today…"-she squeezed her hands- "My mind is with Squidcom, but my heart slowly is becoming one that beats for music."

Tangie rubbed Sally's back, "Feeling conflicted?"

Sally nodded with tears welling up in her eyes as she narrowed her eyes still looking down, "I don't know what to do…at this rate, I might leave the team…"

Tangie's face saddened-though she understood, "Even if you leave, you're still apart of the team. That part will never change."

"You know leaving is the same thing as betraying everyone. We've established a connection ever since that incident that put Azule in the hospital. We united and built a bond, strengthening it along our adventure. To leave that…to leave that for my own personal wish seems selfish! It feels like I'd be slapping you and the others in the face to seek my own personal goals…" Sally said with frustration. For her, Squidcom was more than a club, or even a team. She experienced so many heavy emotions at such a turbulent pace that she was far more aware of everything around her, as a result.

"Don't say that…"-Tangie's face turned red, but from trying to hold back tears; she felt the same way as Sally back when she fought Ueru in the Fall tournament and got pummeled, feeling hopeless, useless, and utterly defeated; whenever she thought about that dark moment, she remembered that she couldn't let that defeat her, that her friends had gone through worse- "You're so valuable to us…as a teammate, and as a friend…if that's your dream follow it!"

"B-but…"

Tangie grabbed Sally's hands, holding them up; her eyes had conviction like never before- "You have a gift, use it in whatever way you can!"

Sally didn't know how to respond to such a strong resolve from Tangie since she wasn't the type to be in this situation, "B-but…"

Tangie leaned in, letting her forehead touch Sally's as their eyes locked- "Follow your heart! We'll back you up!"

Sally calmed down once she understood the message, not what Tangie said with her mouth, but what her eyes said instead. She felt the same feelings that Tangie felt, both knowing that the team changed their lives in both good and bad ways; they learned what true friendship felt like, what loyalty looked like, how victory tasted, but at the same time, they learned how fear was born, that death can truly exist if one isn't careful, and that losing is the most painful of feelings.

"Stay strong, and pursue what your heart wants. Never waver!" Tangie said firmly, gripping Sally's sleeve.

"…Understood."-both of their phones buzz.

At a library somewhere near the school, Violet walked down the steps of the entrance; she was wearing full winter gear-a squid Nordic, thick black and purple long sleeve shirt with an emblem of Beacon Hills on the side, long thick pants, and fuzzy boots. She spent the day reading up on classic tales from the old world, such as tales of genies and flying carpets. As she made her way to the dorm-which was roughly three miles away-she began to think aloud, thinking about what to do with her current situation with Reice; what he told her was still ringing in her ears.

"Even if he might be right…I can't just break up with him; that'll make everything awk-wait! Why am I even thinking about breaking up!? I still want to be with him…"-her eyes narrowed the more she thought about it- "But, we really haven't done much since we became a couple."

She shook her head, unsure of how to feel about the whole situation; she liked Azule- a lot, but, perhaps she didn't like him much enough to date? She felt confused, unsure of what approach to take, grabbing her shirt where her heart was, feeling an ache. "I feel…like I might be falling… out of love?"-her eyebrows dropped- "That… that must be it. I'm falling out of love with him, and I haven't realized it until now?"

Her heart pained the more she thought about it; the thought of breaking up with someone she's liked since the first time she met them, someone who's been so kind to her, someone who she accepted as a boyfriend, was now the subject of a possible breakup. "This is so confusing…I feel like I must do something, but at the same time it feels wrong to do something!"-she stared at the scenery of the many buildings before her- "I have to do something…I can't keep ignoring Reice, eventually it'll haunt the team unless I do something…"-she reaches into her pocket, taking out her phone- "I'll make a meeting, just the girls."

She sent the message, calling the girls she was closest with to come and meet her at her dorm; they'll help me figure out a solution she thought, feeling a little bit easier about how she'd handle everything.

At the boy's dorm, Azule and Cobalt enter together after having a long training session; both were sweaty and exhausted from the taxing work. As they entered, they saw Reice and Todd sitting on the sofa as if they were waiting on something.

"We're back!" they said joyously from a successful sparring.

Reice didn't seem amused, "Azule, I need to have a talk with you…"

"Hmm?"-Azule noticed the glare in Reice's eyes, sensing the hostility, and soon, his smile disappeared- "That's quite the scary face you got there, Reice…"

Cobalt was confused by the sudden tension that just arrived-especially between two unlikely people, Todd didn't care-he was just there because he lived there, but Azule and Reice looked at one another viciously. Azule didn't like this kind of feeling, but when he saw another man give him a predatorial look, he couldn't back down. Reice stood up, continuing his stare down, Azule came closer closing his hand into a fist; Cobalt sensed it about to get heated in a few moments unless they calmed down.

"What's the meaning of this Reice? Why are you acting like that?" Cobalt said crossing his arms.

Reice ignored Cobalt-staring at Azule, "Break up with Violet."

Azule was horrified by the request, "What…!?" he said with his tone cracking as he narrowed his eyes and slanted his brows; Cobalt too was stunned by the sudden abrasiveness of Reice, since Reice wasn't the kind of guy to act this way-Todd laughed, enjoying the internal fighting that was about to begin, and over a girl of all topics.

Reice's chin lift as he looked down on Azule, "Did. I. Stutter?"

Azule felt offended, trying his hardest not to knockout Reice; Todd wouldn't stop laughing, in fact, he laughed so hard he nearly fell out the sofa. Cobalt felt useless, not wanting to get involved since this was between two men who should handle it civilized, but he also knew that a fight would not only lead to Reice getting his face reconstructed, but deeply create a rift in the team, and Violet wouldn't be happy to hear that her boyfriend and childhood friend were fighting.

Azule looked at the floor-calming down-then staring at Reice, "Why…why are you so insistent on us breaking up? Why do you want me to leave her?"

Reice put his hands in his pocket, "Why are you being so adamant about breaking up with her?"

Azule's eye narrowed, "I asked the question first, so answer me!" he said in a ruthless tone; Reice knew he struck Azule's nerve once he heard a tone like that.

"I'm doing this because the two of you aren't a real couple, you're just two friends who think they like each other, but you truly don't."

Azule became irritated, "And what would you know? How are you supposed to know that?"

Reice face palmed, "Stop with the damn questions!"

Azule's eyes sharpened like a crow's beak, "I know that's not the only reason…there's definitely more to this."

"What are you hinting at?" Todd interrupted.

"Reice, you confessed to her in Beacon Hills, didn't you?" Azule said plainly; it got quiet.

An awkward silence befell as the two stared each other down, their audience of Cobalt and Todd were also silenced, for they didn't see such a revelation come that quickly. Reice's body language changed, signaling to Azule that something was up between him and Violet. Azule didn't lose his cool, instead, he sat down on the sofa and closed his eyes as he faced the floor.

Azule laughed, "I knew something seemed strange ever since I came back…I noticed how personal the two of you had gotten, and I took into account that you guys already were close friends to begin with…"-he got up, turning around and looking at Reice with his signature death stare-" But to think you'd have the guts to confess to her, and then to tell me to break up with her…"-His voice got rougher and louder-"You're picking a fight with the wrong guy, Reice."

Reice shook his head, "I simply don't see you two as fit to be dating. She doesn't look happy when she's around you, she looks as though she's tolerating you only because you're both are on the team. She knows she rushed into a relationship she wasn't ready for. You...you just can't see it. …Or better yet, you're in denial!"

Azule sighed, "It's pointless having this conversation…"-He gets up, going over to where their beds were, and closed the door, locking it. Reice didn't regret what he said, but he knew his comments were uncalled for; Cobalt shook his head in disappointment. Slowly and surely, the team was beginning to fall apart, this confrontation was a clear indicator. Azule laid down on his bed, looking up at the bunk above him, going into deep thought as he recalled his entire memory of Violet. Coming to his decision on what he'd do with his life, with or without her. He closed his eyes, inhaling deeply, then exhaling calmly.

Over in the living room of the girl's dorm, Sally, Tangie, Fuchsia, Friya, and Brittany gathered upon Violet's request. They waited in the living room, being served tea by a Violet whose mind was clouded. Sally sat on the couch with Friya and Brittany, Fuchsia sat in a reclining chair, and Tangie sat next to her in a bean bag chair; the interior of the dorm looked colorful and fruity, with assorted fruit colors serving as the color way. Violet handed everyone a cup of tea and then sat at the coffee table with her back to the TV-facing everyone.

Her eyelids heavy as she looked down at the floor, "Everyone, I've called you here because I need your help…"

She explained her situation with Reice, which her roommates Sally, Friya, and Brittany were already aware of, Fuchsia and Tangie however, never knew about it. She explained her frustration, and her concerns, but overall, she was lost in what decision to make; She felt as though she must do something…but her question was what should she do? She explained that she had already rejected him repeatedly, even ignoring him, but she explained that if she continued to do this, it would impact the team's chemistry. They all stared at her, each with different expressions: Friya and Brittany had concerned looks on their faces, sympathetic. Tangie was confused-unsure of what she'd do in Violet's shoes. However, Fuchsia and Sally were angry, but for assorted reasons.

"I…don't know that I should do…" She said, looking at the floor helplessly.

Sally shook her head, "He's behaving like how he treated me; he'd always try to push for us to become an item even though we're siblings…"-she hissed her teeth- "Damn that Reice, he's always being persistent; never understanding the other party's feelings."

"But Sally, aren't you step siblings? Isn't it not as big of an issue if you're not related by blood?" Friya asked, taking a sip of coffee afterwards.

"We may not be related by blood, but I see him as my own blood; because of that, I've abandoned any inappropriate feelings that I might've had for him, for the sake of our sibling relationship…"-she turned to Violet- "What I'm saying, Violet, is that you must draw a line in the sand between teammates and lovers. You can't expect to have both and not expect repercussions. You know Azule is the team captain, you accepted a relationship with him; and now, you're in this mess!"

Violet shook her head, "I didn't expect Reice to act like this…he never was this kind of guy…"

Fuchsia stood up-making an angry expression that the others had never seen, "Back in Beacon Hills, he changed. He's been in love with you ever since, but you just haven't acknowledged it until now. The more you gave Azule priority, the more envious he got. He's like this because you won't notice his feelings, that's why he's acting this way!" she yelled, knowing first-hand how it felt to have someone ignore her feelings.

"Fuchsia…" Violet said, stunned by her outburst; Fuchsia never displayed hostile feelings unless they were comedic- "This isn't…just about Reice is it? Are you angry because I'm with Azule? I thought you were fine with me dat-"

"Of course, it is!"-she yelled, looking at Violet- "How do you think I feel? I saw when he chose you…when you two danced…"-she sat down, covering her face, her body beginning to tremble as her voice broke- "I... I already know I can't have him because I'm an Octarian. I know it can't work because of our race…but why…why are you doing this!?"-She started crying; the others didn't know what to do, this was an unexpected turn of events- "You have the man of my heart in your possession…and you're already conflicted with his best friend!?"

Violet shook her head, "I'm not conflicted…I just don't know what I should do…"

Fuchsia's crying-yet glaring-face showed, "Liar! I saw how you changed after Beacon Hills…you started behaving strange just like he had!"

Violet shook her head even faster, "No, it's not like that, Fuchsia. I couldn't do that to Azule, to you…I know how much you care about him, that's why I've stayed together with him…"

Fuchsia didn't buy it, "Are you seriously going to lie to your best friend?"

Violet's heart shattered after hearing that, and then seeing Fuchsia's face. Violet knew at that moment what it was that she must do. She got up, bowing her head and apologizing to everyone, specifically Fuchsia. Violet heads to her room, thinking about how she'll carry out her plan; everyone else was still in the living room, silent, since no one ever saw any of this coming. Fuchsia rubbed her neck and decided to return to her dorm; Tangie also decided to head out. On both sides of Squidcom, tension continued to build up as the love triangle continued to make its presence felt. Everyone in Squidcom knew though, that at this rate, they wouldn't be prepared for the second Rank Wars, nor could they even go and watch the Elites performance in the Winter tournament. Could this, possibly be the end of Squidcom? Sally, Cobalt, and Tangie thought with extreme concern after witnessing what had happened.