*Note to all readers: First I want to apologized for being gone for a while, I had just recently started college and the workload hit me immediately. Unfortunately since my schedule saps away most of my time, I doubt I'll be able to pump out chapters like one time. However, thanks to you guys I've found inspiration to keep going regardless of how difficult it may be: You guys have truly been a blessing in my life. For that, I'll keep improving as an author until I've erased all of my errors seen in my early works. Thank you for the support and enjoy!

"Love him or hate him, what we're seeing right now is the true spirit of a competitor. The captain of Squidops has my respects…" Agent 4 said as he continued to lead the duo. At this point in time, several things were going on at the same moment: Azule and Pastelle
were going with Agent 4 somewhere they had no clue of, Beacon Hills and Squidops were having their final showdown in the match, and many opponents across the continent were about to witness what they'd potentially be facing in the National tournament.

As the Silver squids marched toward their goal, Gin noticed a strange setup that sat at ahead of them: a Squidops member was guarding the goal but the other three nowhere in sight. The team all figured the easiest course of action was to simply go forward and
eliminate that Inking with the Rainmaker. As they moved forward and a better look at the Inkling, they saw Kuro singing a song while standing in front of the goal; the audience got quiet as they listened to the song and at that same moment the Beacon Hills players halted their attack, interested in why he was singing.

In the heart of the motherland,
this is where I stand.

Filled with much potential, vast
like the coastal sand.

I will never back down, this my
decree.

Try to prove me wrong, and I will
set you free.

Fight-fight Squidops, make those
foes go pop!

Fight-fight Squidops, don't let
the journey stop!

He chanted in a melodic tone holding up a fist with a bashful expression on his face as he grew a smirk. Many of the black shirts in the audience began singing along with passion, for
this was the Squidops fight song. The Beacon Hills supporters began to chant their fight song to encourage Beacon Hills to end the match swiftly-sensing a possible rally in the works, but the Squidops fight song was too loud to drown out the plea from the Beacon Hills supporters. Gin shook his head unimpressed, giving the command for the others to continue the attack.

Kuro roared as he cocked his weapon and began inking his turf, followed by an ambush from the upper levels by Carbon and Nachtia who flanked forward and added pressure. The three began their last attempt to drive back Beacon Hills pull off an amazing comeback; the
score was now 32-89 and Beacon Hills just needed to maintain possession of the Rainmaker and the match would be over with under a minute left in the match. Squidops supporters rallied as they saw their team refusing to quit-opposite of the team they saw moments earlier that looked deflated and defeated.

"Don't let them fool you, we're almost at the goal. Don't let them take the Rainmaker under ANY circumstances!" Gin ordered his team, proceeding forward aggressively to take on the rallying Squidops.

"Yes sir!" his team responded, protecting the Rainmaker at all costs as they fell back to a defensive formation with the Rainmaker user all the in the back.

Gin led the way as a certain Inkling in black came marching toward him with his "Captain" armband worn proudly, and yes, this was the showdown of the captains: Carbon and Gin. Many of those in attendance from other teams leaned forward at that moment, for this
was the moment that would define the match. Gin Ika, the Inkling with Silver hair who went by many names-the "Floor General", "Stone Faced Trooper", and his most popular, the "Silver Inkling". For years, Gin had captured the attention of those who watched him with his incredible leadership whenever he played. He joined Beacon Hills and became the captain of that unit in his very first year after taking over the team with the team of third years retiring by way of entering the military early. Gin forged a team of monsters from the resources that were available, and this was the fruition of that but now-with the stage
lights on as bright as his future, he saw this as his moment to finally put an end to the nagging questions about his relationship with Jin Ika, his older brother by a few months who was the leader of the top ranked team in the country, Special Forces high.

"I'll beat you here and crush your dreams...ready to go home crying, Carbon?" Gin said with a stone face as he halted, seeing the attacking Carbon attempt to land a quick blow and take him down.

"Gin...it feels as though we've seen this scenario too many times. Looks like military training wasn't for nothing." Carbon said with bloodshot eyes, ready to take down the familiar foe.

Indeed, the two had sparred many times during their military training whenever they were sent to the island bases for their annual camp. It was something required by all the government affiliated schools in Inkopolis aside from private institutions like Squid Academy that were still connected to the military but chose not to associate with other schools at the camp. The camps were created in hopes to develop future soldiers annually and help them hone skills that'd prove useful on the battlefield as well as potentially produce super soldiers that could become prodigal talent like Agents 3 and 4. For these two though, this showdown meant slightly more than merely a battle of wins and losses-it was like a simulated war between alphas.

"I have no time to be remembering what's already passed, I have match to win!" Gin said as he lunged forward and inked three spots ahead, dipping in and hopping from one to the other as Carbon followed; this match was very much still in the balance since while all of that was going on, Kuro and Company had managed to put pressure on the other silver
squids and force them to momentarily retreat.

Meanwhile for Azule and Pastelle, they arrived at their destination with Agent 4: A luxury suite on the upper levels where only the patriarchs and military personnel were allowed. The
interior was fancy with a lot of white and gold décor that also had futuristic spin to it with lots of the surroundings being sparkly clean. Many of the people they passed by were dressed in formal wear with the men in classy blazers while the women wore elegant dresses that shined as bright as their wealth. The dazzling sight captivated Azule, who'd never seen such exertion of wealth and riches in his life; Pastelle felt uncomfortable with what might be going on since it was unusual for Agent 4 to ever be present-usually he was on missions.

If Agent 4 is guiding us to a place like here, then that could only mean that Cap'n is here too...Pastelle thought as her eyes wandered to the glamorous bottles of wine that were displayed in a gold cabinet that passed by.

Pastelle felt the stares from strangers that turned their attention to her and Azule as they walked by them guided by Agent 4, hearing whispers and mutters from the crowd critiquing their appearance, a couple even calling them "filthy sea urchins" and believed they
shouldn't have any business on this level. A group of men dressed like men that were in service salute Agent 4 as he walked by, to which Agent 4 turned around and casually saluted to his fellow comrades with two fingers.

"Seems like you're a big deal, dad…" Azule said with a plain face but a tone filled with sarcasm; Pastelle could see it a little more clearly that there was definite disconnect between father and son that would take more than years to blow over, and after hearing
some stories from Azule's past from Azule and Sky, it was understandable.

Azule's eyes dilated once he saw the backs of familiar people who were all dressed in familiar attire. Agent 4 called out to all of them, notifying his arrival and who he brought along with him. As they turned around, a beaming smile sprouted on Azule's face as he
instinctively ran to his siblings with life returning to his eyes. Lime smiled with her arms wide open to welcome her little brother. Verde tucked his hands in his pockets and looked away; Azule jumps into both and gives them a hug with his eyes closed but his smile saying it all, "I missed you both…"

"There…"-she began stroking the ponytail that stuck out his cap- "we told you we'd see you in the Winter, didn't we?" Lime said as she doted on Azule for how different he looked compared to their first encounter; Verde was irritated by how soft and sweet Lime was being to Azule despite his reputation being a demonic military general, one he'd seen firsthand.

"Hey, been awhile." he said in an intimidating tone; Azule wasn't fazed by his older brother's personality since he could see his tone wasn't the same.

"No, way too long…"-He looked down at the marble floor and remembered his first encounter with his older siblings- "I've been hoping for the day I could get to see you guys again. When I first met the both of you, I was elated to know that the blurry memories I
had in my mind weren't just falsifications that my mind created in a desperate attempt to create comfort."-his left palm covers his face as he shakes his head- "The familiarity that I felt resonating with the both of you was way too strong for there to not be some relation between us. When I considered yours and Lime's eyes, it reminded me of mom's. I don't remember much of what mom looked like, but I know her eyes were warm and kind like the ones you guys had when you first met me, and like the ones I see right now."

Verde smiled, unable to keep up the tough persona. He pats Azule on the head with smile that resemble the one Lime always had, "It's us who should be saying that. You have no clue how long we've been searching for you and Sky."

Pastelle felt emotional while watching this reunion, knowing how difficult life for Azule and Sky was being that they were separated from their family during the war and left to survive
in the environment they were placed in. But something still didn't seem right to her, whether it being that Azule's father magically reappeared after being thought to be on a covert mission that not even her nor Sky knew about, or the fact that Cap'n Cuttlefish was there with Agents 1 and 2, which could only mean something serious was about to go down and they were about to get dragged into it. But aside from that, there was still one thing that bothered her more than anything: Where was Azule's mother, Agent 3?

Cap'n Cuttlefish hobbled over on his bamboo cane to greet Azule, "It's great to see you again, young one. How has life been treating you since our last encounter?"

Azule responded casually telling him about his current adventures and hobbies, which made Cap'n Cuttlefish very pleased to see that Azule saw him as more than a decorated war hero-to Azule, the old captain was a friend. Pastelle felt her instincts go off as she felt a
heavy pressure enter the room, and when she turned she saw a woman with long Pink hair all combed over to one side with a pretty face ruined by her cold gaze and inability to smile, her eyes a shiny red velvet glow with a tanned skin tone. As she marveled at the woman she realized that from her face alone, that striking similarity-it was Agent 3, Azule's mother. Pastelle felt her heart beat heavily as she slowly turned to Azule to see what his reaction might be. After all, if she could recognize her, then surely Azule of all people
could?

Azule froze for a moment, captivated by the lady who stood at the entrance with a powerful presence. As he looked over to his siblings and the Squid Sisters, he knew that from their
serious expressions that the lady at the entrance must be someone very important. The lady takes her steps as she keeps her sight forward-only on Cap'n Cuttlefish.

"Special Operative Luna…" Cap'n Cuttlefish said with a salute, a sharp glint in his eyes as he stared down the lady.

The lady looked at the Agents, staring extendedly at Pastelle who had now inched closer by Azule's side, sensing just how dangerous the woman was. The lady turned her stare to Azule, who never took his eyes off her.

"You…" She said in a commanding voice pointing toward Azule; Azule blinked twice as he came forward. "I don't recognize you and your friend. Who might the two of you be?" Her tone was intimidating, but what was most frightening was the stare she had-the eyes of a
veteran who'd seen the hell of the battlefield.

Azule tightened the brim of his hat as he looked down at the floor, Pastelle was too nervous to answer. "The girl is Agent 6 of the Squidbeak Splatoon. The boy is my son." Agent 4 said in hoping to ease the tension that was building from her intimidating presence.

The lady was taken back by the latter comment, "Your...son!?" she said with a sharp rise in her tone.

"Yeah, me and 3's kid. He and 5 were my children that were left behind during the war. Finally seeing him again for the first time today while my daughter is competing too." Agent 4 said plainly with not a shred of excitement.

Azule's face darkened as he hid himself under his cap, knowing that his father was unaware of what happened to him and his sister in the orphanage. Lime and Verde had pained looks on their faces after hearing their father's tone-knowing that if he knew the whole story
of the road the two had taken to get here, he'd be prouder than ever to see them again; even the lady herself had a disgusted look on her face after hearing Agent 4 speak.

Azule looked up at the lady with conviction in his blue eyes-tears beginning to fill, "Are you...my mother?"

The lady's expression didn't change as she stared into Azule's eyes-then crouching, "I'm sorry. I'm not your mother." She said in a solid tone.

"But…"-Azule's lips began to tremble- "My instincts are telling me you aren't just anybody. Something about you feels way too familiar, your presence is too much like hers."-Tears
began streaming down his face- "Mom, please don't lie to me…"

She lowers her head once she saw the tears stream down his face, "Please believe me when I say that I'm not your mother. If you were my son, I'd never lie to you."-She gets back up-"I admit that I am good friends with your mother. I do admit that I might share some
similarities to her in appearance, but at the end of the day there was something that separates us: I speak, and she rarely does even that."

Cap'n Cuttlefish frowned and looked away, "I know you must want to see your mother, young one. But Special Operative Luna is not her...she is someone else entirely, so it's time to end this discussion on that matter. Shed no more tears." he said with an authoritative tone; Azule complied, wiping away his tears.

"The reason we were all assembled here today is concerned with a number of matters, but first I feel like Agent 4 should open up with what he has to say…" Cap'n Cuttlefish said, handing the attention to Agent 4.

Agent 4 pours himself a glass of wine and leans on the railing, facing everyone with his back to the game-indicating no true interest in the Beacon Hills-Squidops thriller that was at its most thrilling with the two captains battling. "Azule, I saw your performance in the fall festival. I saw you use strength that no inkling could even fathom existed...I haven't seen such power from a young child in such a long time."

Azule kept silent as Pastelle kept changing her view from Azule to his father. "Agent 4, if I must interrupt. I am the one who mentored your son and unlocked his potential. I trained him in Melee combat and exercises until he was able to hone his abilities to what you
see." Pastelle said as she sensed Azule beginning to feel uncomfortable with his father's tone.

Agent 4 smirked, "I'm aware that you're involved with him. After all, you're our best Agent in melee combat-your specialty. But what I noticed at the festival was that Azule, you still possess so much incredible potential. I never saw your live performances in the turf wars at your school, but when I saw the tapes I knew you are a special talent. Granted the injury hindered your progress and at the moment you haven't captured anyone's attention in that scene. I feel like it is only natural that I become your mentor for turf wars. I'll make you an unstoppable force!"

Azule was confused, "Why? Why so sudden? Up until now, you've never bothered to look for me or Sky, so why now!" Azule yelled with growing frustration after thinking his father selfishly only cared about his talent and what he could reap from it.

Agent 4 was indifferent as he took a long sip, "You mention your sister, huh? Want to know why? I'll tell you why. Your sister's play style is the spitting image of your mother when she
played, a top-class sniper that strikes fear in the hearts of her opponents when she gets serious. Unfortunately, Sky isn't the kind of player to ever play serious like how your mother was-wasted potential of an absolute monster who only cares about having fun and social rights... You on the other hand, your style of play resembles mine when I played...you're a leader, a captain, a commander. You're the one who guides your team emotionally and tactically, albeit your team is damn good by themselves if they capable of getting to the
playoff semifinal playing at a severe disadvantage. But, what I see in you is more than just your combat capabilities...I see a side to you that you have yet to unlock. I have no clue what it will take to unlock that, but I want to be the one to help you there. As for your sister and this tournament, I am sure of one thing: She and her team will not be winning this tournament." Azule felt his blood boiled as a vein began to form near his eyebrow; Special Operative Luna also looked insulted by his comment. He turns around and looks at the match displayed on the big screen, seeing a closeup of the intense closing moments of the match between Beacon Hills and Squidops, "Those silver heads will be the ones to claim victory in this tournament. Their captain is a man about objective, one who has his goals in his sights and will achieve them if it means stepping all over anyone who stands in his way-a true leader."

The match was into overtime after Squidops forced a change in possession, slowly making a comeback as they fought against wave after wave of singular defenses from the Beacon Hill squad. Beacon Hills refused to let the game end on an overtime comeback-especially with their arch rivals Special Forces having already completed their match in the brief time. Gin, who was growing frustrated with the way the match was going became irritated by the sight before him as he saw the rallying Squidops near the goal, the score 32-44 with Squidops nearing the comeback. As Gin watched his team try to contain the revitalized Squidops, the memories of his past defeats began to haunt his mind.

"Not again…"-he said under his breath, turning into squid form and jumping into his ink- "I refuse to lose to these lowly maggots!"-the image of a smiling Jin enters his mind as he continued his journey to the moving pack of Squidops, his face tensing up- "Get the hell out of my head, you rotten bastard!" he yelled, as his swimming accelerated. He leaps over the action that takes place right below them and splats one of them in mid-air, then splatting another as he lands.

"Nachtia, Kuro!?" Carbon said in disbelief at the sudden appearance of Gin; as Carbon saw a glimpse of Gin, he saw the terrifying glare in Gin's eyes and realized that this match was over.

Gin swiftly splats Carbon and Ciel to end the match, the score: 32-36 as Beacon Hills defend their victory from the grasp of the attacking Squidops. The chants from Beacon Hills supporters grew incredibly like a tree ascending to the heavens. Squidops supporters were deflated, after having seen their team put together a performance that not even they expected to make such an effort. For Azule, he was horrified by what he saw, seeing the ending to a game he thought, no, had hoped Carbon and the Squidops would steal. Sky is ruffled by the result, realizing that not only has the most terrifying team in this tournament survived, but that her and her teammates would have to face against the current top ranked team in the country: The Special Forces. Sky takes a deep breath and exhales, her eyes sharp with conviction and resolve.