The Winter tournament, also known as the winter championship, is the first major school-affiliated competition for the season. It was the opening act that'd lead to the Spring Invitationals, Rivalry week, Nationals, Grand Slams and Grand Tournament. In the Winter tournament, though, there were rules and regulations that teams had to abide by, such as Weapon choices. Ever since the lift on the prohibition of dealers being allowed to sell weapons decades ago, the boom in turf wars became apparent with many more vendors selling weapons with a license. But as a result, the competition committee decided that to make sure matches could stay balanced, they would implement regulations on which type of weapons were to be used for competition. In local turf wars, preliminary events, and festivals, participants could use weapons of the first edition (Splatoon 1) but for competitive events such as the Winter tournament only the second edition (Splatoon 2) weapons could be used.
The hub for the winter tournament changed every year; this year it'd be held in Rayport county over in the southeast of Inkopolis. Since it was closer to the ocean, it was much colder over there with the ocean breeze blowing harder on the town with more snowflakes falling than usual in the wintertime than in other areas of the country. The miserable grey and murky sky, naked and shivering trees, and the sight of citizens dressed in heavy winter garments were the regular sights of a winter in Inkopolis on the southeast side. At the Stingray Stadium-the hub for the Winter tournament final-the doors opened as many Inklings, Crusteaceans, even traveling Octolings and Octarians, and many other races came to attend the event since it would only be for a day; while it was a one-day event, it far too intense. Unlike the preliminaries, the winter championships also had a different theme for battle: Rainmaker! Each of the major tournaments had different themes for battle, like Spring had the Splat Zones, Nationals had all three and even more, and Grand slams stripped down to a specific event seen from Nationals.
In one of the many locker rooms set up for participants, the locker room for Beacon Hills had some pre-game amusement as Gin sat in a hot shower wearing only a towel-breathing in the steam-concentrating on his route to the final and victory, seeing the list of teams that he'd potentially face: Squidops in the Quarter Finals, probably Octo Valley in the Semi Finals, and then, the loathsome Special Forces in the final-a classic showdown between siblings. For Gin, this was his chance to show up on his Fraternal twin, Jin Ika: Captain of the revered Special Forces. Gin loathed his brother from the moment they were born, hating him for the superior treatment his brother always received as the "Golden One" always being first in everything-from academics to athletics, Jin always defeated his Gin-adding fuel to the fiery hatred Gin harbored. As Gin thought about how much his family glorified Jin, his face tensed up to the point that the water turned cold because he had sucked up all the steam with his anger; Platinum banged on the door, complaining that he only had icy water on his end, while the girls laughed outside the locker room since they already took their showers first and were waiting on the boys.
For the Octo Valley High girls in their locker room, the girls were already dressed in their gear and ready for action. Ciri was wearing the school's fuchsia and teal jersey that had a bubbly design on the back towards the lower right that extended upwards diagonally, a skirt with her thermal body suit under and some pilot goggles on her head. Reluna had on a teal gambit with her jersey and wore long tights instead, ditching the skirt. Vaaire and Shiva both had on matching outfits with teal and fuchsia thin hairbands and grey jogger shorts, wearing sweatbands with the school's name on their corresponding wrist: Shiva's was a fuchsia colored one on her left, and Vaaire's was teal colored one on her right. They came together and did a group huddle up, speaking in their ancient language while doing so. Octo Valley had something to prove, having lost to Sky and the Elites in the preliminaries-as the team favored to win that match-they needed to redeem themselves while also making sure to live up to the expectations of their people, who were anticipating a Final appearance-but mostly the championship.
In the audience, while many people still poured into the stadium awaiting the start of the event, familiar faces began to appear. Azule, Fuchsia, Cobalt, Tangie, Kosami, and Pastelle came in together to root and cheer the Elites while also building some chemistry as a unit that'd soon be attempting to assassinate a politician; somewhere else in the stadium, Sally, Reice, and Violet came together to root for the Elites as well while also grabbing some notes on what kinds of teams to be mindful of when they'd have their opportunity to be on a similar stage, after all, if it weren't for Azule's sidelining injury, they'd probably be competing on this stage-they were that good, and even the Elites and Kidvel recognized it; no doubt, Squidcom were a team to be reckoned once their captain returned. Todd and his team of rebels came to support the Elites as respect for the school; in fact, most of the Squid Academy students were in attendance since this was the pride of their school, the Elites had fulfilled that role for nearly 3 years.
Also in attendance lounging over in the luxury box were the Agents of Squidbeak Splatoon: Callie, Marie, Agent 3, and Agent 4-with them were Agent 3 and 4's eldest children, Lime, the head general of the army, and Verde, the second in command; Cap n Cuttlefish was also there, wanting to see his star pupil, Sky, at work against the fresh competition. Agent 4 smiled standing over by the sliding door looking at the glass of wine in his hand as he thought about the young talent that'd be showcasing their abilities today, reminiscing on the past when he was competing at these events; Agent 4 looked a lot like a grown-up Azule, except his hair was spiked in the front while Azule's was a ponytail, had an ear ring in his right ear, wore blue tinted aviator shades that made his crystal blue eyes sharpen even more-yet they were as kind and warming as his smile. When he crossed his arms, his muscles bulged out his shirt-the fruits of the hard training he endured as an agent. Next to him, standing up and looking down at the sea of spectators was Agent 3, who like usual, was silent and observant with her arms crossed, wearing a black overcoat and red scarf that covered most of her face-or more like she buried most her face in her scarf, letting only her hypnotic velvet red eyes be seen.
"Hey Maya, how do you think Sky will do today? I hear she's been playing fresh lately…" he said in casual tone, elbowing Agent 3; Their children and fellow agents held their breath, anticipating a scary reaction from Agent 3, for Agent 3 and 4 had been on rocky terms for quite a while and Agent 4 was the only person in existence that could make her act differently fromher usual reserved nature. Agent 3 didn't move a muscle or show any interest in her husband's attempts to start a conversation, instead she blinked twice. Agent 4 chuckled, crossing his arms and shaking his head-understanding her answer loud and clear. "Heh-heh, you're right…she's our daughter after all. And her mom's a total badass…"
Agent 3 looked at him with no amusement on her face from his comment, returning her stare to the people down below. Agent 4 really loved Agent 3, since she was the only woman who ever tolerated his immaturity and made him feel like he was worth the attention. What he loved the most about her was her seemingly cold personality, enjoying how she'd play hard to get-yet he somehow was able to have four lovely kids with her; the thought alone made him blush and giggle with him repeating how lucky of a guy he was. Cap n Cuttlefish noticed his two best agents standing side by side and smiled at the nostalgic sight, for it was the first time in years since they were together in the same room, and already it was clear the chemistry between them was as strong as ever before.
"It won't be easy for Agent 5 if she's squidding around like she did last year at the other events…" Cap n Cuttlefish said approaching the couple with his walking bamboo cane, trembling with each step and breath he took. His old age was showing more now than ever before, as he could barely keep his eyes open-his body more skin and bones than ever. There was mixture of respect and pity that many in the army and his own Splatoon felt for him: he was a proud war hero of the first Great Turf War warriors, a true hero that won the war for the Inklings and skyrocketed them to where they are now. But at the same time, the pity was in how washed and useless he had become of a leader, appearing to just some old man with great insight if you feed him some crabby cakes.
"Don't worry, I feel like she'll show her true colors during this tournament." Lime said, helping Cap 'n Cuttlefish to her parents. "I heard she's been a terrifying player in her recent performances…"- Lime smiled while closing her eyes, tilting her head, and recalling the adorable shy faces Sky would make back before she learned that was her little sister- "Apparently, she's somewhat a monster-like Tealaverde was when he was undergoing training."
Verde became irritated, "I don't go by that name, I only accept Verde."
Lime smirked, "Pretty big to say that in front our parents…"
Verde has blocks of sweat go down his face suddenly as he looked away, not daring to disrespect his scary parents. "E-even so, the competition is going to be rough. Her team has Green Lakes to start off against, then should they be victorious-potentially Special Forces. This is the playoff of the Fall prelims: the winter tourney. If she doesn't give her best effort, then it will be nothing but a loss." Verde said with a serious expression trying to take the attention from the topic of his name.
"Oh, come on guys…" Callie said.
"Shhh two teams are being shown on the display…they're the first match." Marie interrupted.
The event was going to start with all the teams spawning at different maps for their matches, and then the final would be held at the stadium for everyone in attendance to see live. The first match would be taking place on Moray Towers for rainmaker, a map not very liked by either team for this event since it felt so unbalanced, but this was the fate of being the first seeded team-nothing would go in your favor from the getgo. The 1st seed Elites of Squid Academy would be facing off against the 8th seed Green Lakes; The chants grew loud as the students of Squid Academy cheered for their team to appear on the big screen.
In the Elites locker room, Sky breathed in-then out, her blue eyes glowing the heavier she breathed-her signature bobble hat in her hands, clutched tight; Aaron felt concerned, seeing her in this state meant she might go past her limit. It was something Sky had a history of doing, either she would put in minimal effort or she would overexert herself like no other squid. Aaron knew the pressure of their careers being on the line with every match they play was affecting her nerves. Sky was a composed player, but she'd have her moments where her composure would just vanish, and seeing her with such a tense expression, he knew he had to calm her down. Aaron walks over to her and takes a seat on the bench next to her, putting an arm around her shoulder and bringing her close; he could feel her uneasy breathing.
"You're tense…" Aaron said with a worried expression.
"Are we really going to retire if we lose?" Sky said in a frightened voice, and who could blame her? For nearly 3 years she was the queen of the school, carry the wishes of her friends and underclassmen of bringing silverware home. For her to forcefully retire after a painful defeat felt like rubbing salt in the wounds.
"Can't go through with it?" Aaron asked in a delicate tone.
She shook her head, "It's not that I can't…but who will carry on the torch for us?"
Aaron smiled, "Pastelle and Kidvel look really strong, and then there are the first-year duos of the Rebels and Squidcom…"
"Squidcom…Zule's team?" Sky thought aloud fuzzily, so tense that she could barely remember the smaller things.
Aaron nodded, "Yeah, I think he'll be the one to carry the torch for us the most out of those three. I haven't seen it too much since he's been sidelined but, he's cut from the same cloth as you-that's for certain."
She smiled, thinking about what her little brother would say to her at a time like this, visualizing his smiling face- I have a little brother's smile to protect…I want him to be proud in his big sister…-her posture changed as she sat up, her game face ready to go. Austin and Pearl were outside waiting for them, since they'd need to spawn together. They walk down the hallway, all donning their Elites jerseys of white, purple, and yellow; Sky put on her sporty bobble hat, Aaron put on his shades, Austin put on a backwards cap, and Pearl put in eye contacts. Their spawn was Royal purple, while Green Lakes spawn was forest green. Green Lakes had a team of boys who were holding what looked like a team full of dps based weapons: Aerospray MG, Splattershot, Aerospray RG, and a Tri Slosher. The boys were wearing Green jerseys that had the school name of "Green Lakes high" on the front and back.
It was a match with not too much attention since it was assumed the winners would be the Elites given their impressive performance in capturing the first seed. There were many whispers in the crowd when Green Lakes entered their spawn point, many people in the audience undermined them-expecting the match to be over before Green Lakes could leave their spawn. A pocket of green shirts made a bunch of noise once they heard Green Lakes get introduced, but found themselves being drowned out quickly once the Elites of Squid Academy were introduced.
"I didn't think we had such a huge following…" Pearl said, astonished by the huge praise they were receiving before the match began.
"Well, Sky's performance probably won them over when they saw her at the plaza the other day against Squidops." Austin responded.
"Keep focus, remember that this is Rainmaker. These matches can end in the blink of an eye, so as the whistle sounds-get aggressive and make sure to take the advantage immediately." Aaron said to his team, grabbing hold of his Splattershot pro tightly.
"Once this match starts, our career is on the line. Don't hold anything back, give everything you got!" Sky said with emotion.
Time felt like it was slowing down, the cheering from fans felt slow and dragged, their bodies felt heavy the longer they waited, the nervous heart beat echoed in their minds as they realized that this was real-this was a must win game no matter what. The snow falls gently to the pits far below the map-not on it since the tight space that served as the map had a barrier around it to avoid anything from entering and affecting the match; that would be the finals where the weather would play a heavy role. The Elites would start from the southwest spawn of Moray Towers while Green Lakes would start from the northeast spawn. The whistle blew furiously as the crowd roared with excitement-time returning to its normal flow as both teams leap out spawn points. Immediately both teams have the same idea-split up the forces and attack the Rainmaker from different angles.
"I-It's cold!" Pearl shuddered, swimming in her ink immediately; she paired up with Aaron, taking the longer route as they turned left on one of the lower inclines to flank from the east as they came closer to the main area where the Rainmaker awaited. Both teams swam rather quick, but the Elites had the advantage with Sky already at the ledge of the incline just before the ramp and Rainmaker-hiding in her ink as she waited for her prey. Austin inked away trying to pop the barrier that surrounded the Rainmaker. Soon, purple and green ink flew everywhere as both teams aimed to pop the barrier and gain the Rainmaker, as well as the advantage.
The moment three of the Green Lakes players move out of Sky's blind side, Sky props out and fires three ear-shattering shots with her weapon, landing the splats and covering the main area with ink! The audience goes berserk after seeing a master move by one of the best of her ear, truly a talented sniper. One guy remains, but he doesn't last long as Aaron and Pearl help Austin destroy the barrier protecting the Rainmaker.
Plop! -Sky dives into the ink and snatches up the Rainmaker before anyone else. Her teammates go in front with Aaron and Austin leading the way up the enemy wall-replacing any leftover enemy ink with theirs- and having Pearl take the side path to support. Sky stayed in the back to launch the distant attacks with the Rainmaker while Aaron, Austin, and Pearl would be the vanguard.
As they marched their way to the enemy base to end the match swiftly, the Green Lakes team returned to try and prolong the match to the best of their ability; it was all they could do against such an aggressive team. But that didn't last long as Aaron used his special weapon: the Inkstorm, sending it before him to drive back their opponents. Austin stacked on top, throwing out his Inkstorm and Autobomb as Pearl dashed across the path with the Dualie Squelchers, forcing them back. Sky sets them up for the final kill with the Rainmaker, eliminating all four of them in one shot as she climbed up and slammed the Rainmaker on the base, ending the match surprisingly early.
"KNOCKOUT" read across the board as the commentators came on, stunned the match ended before they could even set up, and they weren't the only ones.
The stadium was stunned silent-aside from the thunderous cheering from Squid Academy supporters and alumni. It wasn't that no one expected to see the Elites advance to the next round, but no one thought the team was the serious team they were in the preliminaries. It served as a wake-up call to all the other gigantic fish competing in the tournament that had been playing around and undermining the seriousness of this competition: The Elites were eyeing to win the whole thing, and they were going to do it in the most dominating of fashion.
Jin smiled with a starry light shining in his eyes-arms in his pockets as he's getting ready to change into his battle gear. "I guess I need to get fired up if I want to play against those guys…"-he said with an arrogant smirk, his golden hair shining as his teammates walked out already dressed in their fancy White and Gold jerseys. Luckily for the fans, two matched were going on simultaneously, but the second match was still going on and was in the heat of the moment: 2nd seed Octo Valley were struggling against the 8th seed Reef, and Reef were rallying to pull off an upset that'd debilitate an entire race. Shiva and her team struggled against the unlikely leaders in the match, finding it difficult to hold up against the offensive power that Reef strikes them with; the Inkling audience was mixed about the development with many Inklings wanting to see a potential Octoling vs Inkling battle in the final, but also wanting to see them crushed before they could ever get there. The Elites made a statement and warned everyone that they were going to win the tournament, but could Octo Valley stop Reef from making one that'd shatter the hearts of their people?
