"No way..." Fuchsia was frozen like a statue, her complexion turning pale as life escaped her body from the shock of what just occurred. Gin managed to save the match by splatting Shiva at the very last moment and in-turn suck the life out of every single Octarian present in the arena; the rest of Beacon Hills also managed to splat Octo Valley right afterwards and snatch the Rainmaker. Octo Valley respawned in their zone, all four of them were stunned by how close they were to winning the game by knockout before Gin ruined it. The girls stared at one another, each of them struggling to fathom what occurred. Only a foot away from being in the final. They didn't know how to react to this situation. But by no means, were they disheartened by this predicament and if anything, they gained motivation from it. They had played disorganized and were scrambling for most of the match. Shiva's desperate move was the perfect example of miscommunication which led to them being in this predicament. yet somehow, they found themselves nearly in the final despite all the visible flaws of their performance in this match.

"I apologize, everyone." Shiva bowed, feeling guilty for the selfish move she made. Had she been more patient and stuck with her unit, could they have possibly won already?

"We should apologize, too. We haven't been playing to our usual standards." Ciri responded-bowing her head as well.

Reluna rests her hands on both of them, "What is most important is that we've recognized our mistakes and can correct them before it's too late."

The four of them smile at one another and give a nod, ready to defend the lead and go to the finals; Beacon Hills are charging their way down the turf, demolishing the lead that Octo Valley had worked so hard to create. The Octo Valley girls knew it would be pointless to try and stop the steam rolling Beacon Hills hastily since that would be the exact same mistake they'd be making like before, and instead they decided on another plan: All-Out Defense.

"Even though it's a defensive move, we can at least assure ourselves that this match comes down to our resolve. If we have the same mentality, they aren't breaking through." Ciri convinced her team, who were still wondering whether to settle for a defensive strategy or if to look for a feasible way to capture back the Rainmaker. Which either option taken, their mind was on the defensive.

"But...I'm not sure if staying on the defensive is the optimal idea. Maybe we should aim to keep a mobile defense which will give us the opening to rip possession away from Beacon Hills. That way, we can run out the clock and hold the possession." Shiva suggested; the others seemed pleased with her proposal. "Then, let's give it our all and go to the finals!"

Gin and Beacon Hills are roaring through the turf with their sights set on the Octo Valley goal, ignoring all surroundings and focusing on the linear path. The atmosphere in the arena was approaching its peak in decibels as Beacon Hills-the new pride of the Inkling public-were marching towards a victory with no resistance seen from Octo Valley; much like the war between the two parties. Fuchsia's sweaty palms send droplets of sweat flying everywhere as she clamped then together after a powerful clap-nervously shaking as the critical moment in the match was rapidly approaching. Fuchsia was nervous not only because her sister's team was in danger of losing, but also because she had finally understood the pride of being an Octarian through watching them play. To be born with a strike on your back, be hated by the masses, sought after as a prize by the wrong people, show resilience even through the toughest of times, and for the first time: understand the taste of desperation that drove them to keep striving for independence and freedom-She got the message through the stories she heard in the crowd and their reactions. Just from watching this match alone, she understood the principles of what makes and Octoling, and Octarian keep pushing forward. The values her sister had been trying to teach her when they were young had finally reached her.

"I...I want to see them overcome this, Azule."-her hands fidgeting nervously as she felt her chest, her heart was racing-"Azule I don't know if my body can handle this kind of stress..."

"I can hold your hand if you want…" Azule suggested in a serious tone, understanding how Fuchsia might feel since he had heart problems; he reached in and pried her sweaty hands apart, holding one with both of his and giving her a gentle smile to calm her. "Trust your sister and Octo Valley."

Octo Valley surrounded their goal and sat about 20 feet ahead-all in different angles ready to ambush Beacon Hills the moment they entered their vicinity; they knew Beacon Hills were aware of what they were going to do, but they didn't care. Their minds were made up that this match was going to end on their terms, and that was to defend their honor and pride as the representatives of their people, those wishes placed inside the goal with them as the knights. Beacon Hills kept their focus on the eerie goal that they knew was riddled with a squad of hungry Octarians ready to make this a dogfight. Gin gave everyone a command and they changed their formation with Gin and Silvia taking the frontal positions and Platinum-current holder of the Rainmaker and Alumia taking the rear positions, they were running a neat and fixed square 2-2 formation; the 2-2 formation was an optimal formation to utilize offense and defense equally such as using a heavy hitter like Gin in the front with his best support being Silvia next to him, behind them would be a reassuring duo in Alumia, and Platinum on the Rainmaker confirmed that they'll be a force to be reckoned with. As Beacon Hills grew nearer, Shiva and the others prepared to make their move as they stepped into Octo Valley's range...It was on.

Shiva yelled something in her native language, and like the wind they were gone. Octo Valley emerged from the pools of ink surrounding Beacon Hills, and the battle began. Gin was expecting this, predicting them to immediately make an attack as they stepped into a certain range after not sensing their presence for quite some time. Both sides went at each other's throats with their attacks-mixing their aggressive emotions in with their tactical prowess, both sides refusing to lose a single body at this critical stage. Sweat began mixing in with the ink on the floor as they moved around at remarkable pace; Platinum was doing the most work, having to balance the heavy Rainmaker and avoid the deadly accuracy of his opponents.

"Gah! This feels like it'll never end…" He complained charging up the Rainmaker while steering clear of the enemy ink.

"Shut up and keep moving forward!" Silvia yelled angrily, irritated by the constant firing and having to protect Platinum at close moments.

Gin was focused on the goal shortly ahead, blurring out the meaningless surroundings and ignoring the crossfire. He took a deep breath amidst the war zone and exhaled deeply, letting all of the pressure and stress out of his system as his eye glowed with hunger. "It's time to end this…" he said firmly, his eyes sharpening like a weapon afterwards with the reflection of the goal appearing closer and closer. His body began to loosen-and feeling like he was starting to become one with everything, he moved more freely and flawlessly, coming closer to Octo Valley without taking any hits; whispers and chatter among many Inklings multiplied as they-along Beacon Hills supporters-were witnessing the evolution of Gin.

"H-he's starting to resemble Jin of last year, ain't he?" one man stated as he elbowed his friend, surprised by the transformation.

"Nah, he's his own entity. His brother went nuts earlier, so I wouldn't compare 'em anymore."

Little did they know that indeed he was starting to become in more ways than one similar to the Jin that had been known as 'Hero Jin' that amazed the nation with his incredible play. Gin felt the adrenaline coursing through his body as his pace increased. It was an intimidating sight to witness, much less compete against someone like that. Shivers got sent down the spine of Octo Valley as the flashbacks to their experiences of facing against Jin began to return and become all too real once more. Shiva's face darkened as she realized her team might've done something that'll prove to be rueful just like their previous defeat to them, and that was allowing Gin to once again reimagine himself, much like when they faced Jin at his strongest in previous tournaments where he was also trying to figure out himself.

I had to live in his shadow for too damn long…

Gin ducks to avoid the specials that fire at him as he breaks formation to take on the team by himself.

The years of feeling underappreciated and looked at as second place to that man!

He tightens his grip on the weapon and begins to do acrobatic moves as he reaches point-blank in front of Vaairie, splatting her swift and returning to the ink; everything seems to be a blur as the match speeds up in intensity.

The school of Beacon Hills has been more of a home to me than the place I even call home…

He appears before Reluna, splatting and finishing her off after she received damage from the other firings by Silvia and Alumia.

The least I can do to repay them again is to beat the team that took my brother down and bring home another title...for whatever I win, it's only for Beacon Hills…

Shiva and Ciri are in his sights, and like the wind he appears before them. His speed is faster than that of Jin, his intelligence and strategy was far superior to Jin already, but now he had that same sadistic grin that Jin would have when he went up against a worthy opponent. The ferocity written on his face concluded for Shiva that although she wanted so badly to risk everything for her people, in the end it still wouldn't be enough-the cruel fate of being born an Octarian once again stripped away her fate to bring them victory on her own terms.

Although you've disappointed me this time around, it's a shame you couldn't have been born an Inkling. We would've gotten along quite fine…

His cold glowing yellow eyes met her lime ones, as if time froze they both knew that this battle was going to reach an end eventually. In Shiva's mind, she was at peace although she still had the fighting spirit to still take him on as she gripped her gun ready to fire, but alas she knew it'd be futile. She understood now, after all the attempts, that what she was fighting for would take more than just being a slave for the public in being their entertainment. She'd need to do more. She'd need to operate the way a queen should operate-with absolute power. She'll be back. She knew it. But she knew she'll have to come back in another way to accomplish the goal. She smiled as the epiphany took place, accepting her defeat graciously as she knew that where she'll fail, the one to whom she gave her heart to would be the one to carry on her will just like she always had-both as a comrade and as special interest...

She smiles warmly, showcasing the beauty that foretold that her future would be filled many admirers who'd find her irresistible, plaguing even the strongest of minds to tremble before her. As she gazed into Gin's eyes with her thought-provoking eyes never taking their sight off of his ravenous eyes, he drove his gun to her gut and prepared to fire. Grabbing the back of his head ever so gently, she pulled him in close and whispered into his ear, " . ."-Her eyes narrowing with a soft smile, placing all of her trust in Sky to get the job done and feeling some sort of vindication to see the puzzled expression on Gin's face in response.

With that, the gun that was pressed against her abdomen shot off and she was splatted. All of Octo Valley was wiped out and wouldn't be able to respawn in time to defend the goal. Platinum climbs up the goal and slams the Rainmaker with emphasis to allow the echo in the arena send a message to everyone who thought different know, they're winning this tournament. A Knockout victory for Beacon Hills.

Silence filled the arena as many understood just how impactful that match meant to both sides. For Octo Valley, they were hurt but not defeated. The last gestures made by the crown princess told them everything, that she wasn't going to give up no matter what. This was only the beginning. Many other Octarians had their attention on the young princess Fuchsia, who was failing to hold back tears as she cried into Azule's arms. For the first time, she saw her sister accept a fate that she never wanted. Fuchsia had always saw her sister as a stubborn, perverted, playful, and supportive princess that seemed to go with the flow. But in this match, she felt something different. She felt the true feelings her sister had been trying to emit. The stubbornness was actually passion for the people of Octo Valley, the perverseness was only a coping mechanism for the scars she wore as the future leader of the race, the playful side was her longing for a companion that'd understand and accept her for who she was-and also to fill the hole that was the familial bond broken by the status of royalty, that supportive spirit was her nature of trying to live a life outside of a princess being bound by a cruel fate that awaited, and at the same be there for those she cared about-unlike her parents. The tears continued to stream as Fuchsia realized that although she had been with her sister from the beginning, there was so much she hadn't realized because of the lack of maturity and communication. After seeing the match, she understood what role she had and what she'd been avoiding, knowing that she needed to do more for her community, her friends, and most importantly, her sister.

Sky's lips quivered with both anger and sadness, clenching her fist and keeping her eyes peeled as she waited for Shiva to come back to her at the tunnel where she stood. Sky didn't know how to understand the feelings that felt like flares going off in her body, she just shook her head and gritted her teeth in agony at the thought of what she just witnessed. Her head and shoulders drop, until she feels a soft and warm hand on her shoulder and opening her eyes once again-Shiva was before her. Her smile served as the mask for pain she felt after the loss, but her eyes showed hope in it. Sky felt numb as she gazed into her eyes, knowing the competitive spirit emanating from Shiva was slowly withering away the longer she gazed.

"You didn't have to wa-"

Sky hugged her before she could finish, gripping the back of her shirt. Shiva accepted the warmth and love, holding Sky tightly as she began to sniffle. "I'll get them back for you. I swear it." Sky said in a shaken tone, prompting Shiva to shed the tears she'd been holding back since the beginning. She knew from the start that the result was decided. It was her destiny to find another way, not this one.

Shiva turned inward and played with Sky's neck with her nose-trying to lighten the mood between them. "This seems like the old days, huh?" Shiva said with a little bit of a laugh, backing away and wiping the tears of Sky, who couldn't restrain her pain either. "This is your title. I firmly believe it. From this point-onward, I'll help Octo Valley in other ways...So win this final, Sky."

They shared another embraced before Shiva had to join up with her team that was waiting for in the tunnel; they understood how important Sky was to their precious princess. As Sky watched Shiva move further and further away from her, the more she felt her rage building. Her stare turns to the silver and purple ink-filled turf where Beacon Hills stood. Her blue eyes were filled with static as her hair began to flash a darker shade, her cheeks twitching as her teeth showed, veins pulsating from her forehead, and tilting her head back she made her declaration of war, "You crossed the line, Gin Ika." she said in a deep and vicious tone.

Gin's ears twitch as he went away into his own tunnel, sensing the bloodlust of an opponent he knew quite enough about to pinpoint their location. Looking back, he meets the vicious glare of Sky with his own matched glare. A battle of Alphas was closely approaching, but the true question was, who was going to handle the spotlight? The 2nd best team in the country who've well established themselves as the most terrifying team to face. Or would it be the Elites of SAHS, the dark horse team that captured the hearts of the entire nation with their determination.