Mwhehehehehe! This is not an April Fool's prank. Instead think of this as my thanks for the awesome reviews lately (I've really enjoyed the feedback from Guest, especially the Mcdonald's one.) and once again I hope to have your continued support for this story and future projects *cough cough there's a lot* Also Happy Easter to anyone reading who celebrates and for those on the April Fool's route, unfortunately one of my friends already got me ;_;. Until next time, have great day and enjoy the chapter!
It's been nearly a week since classes started back for the students of SAHS, and already the excitement buzzing from the previous participation in the Winter final was still fresh in the minds of everyone on campus. From students to faculty, everyone was optimistic about the chances of the Elites to win the upcoming school competition and send them into the Spring Invitational where they hoped to end their seven-year drought of defeat. The 2nd Rank War was just over a month away, starting around the middle of February and lasting all the way until the end of March. It was the premier competition where many in the world of turf wars turned their attention to watch classmates go against each other in substitution of watching the regular season of competitions that all the other schools did. The campus however, seemed noticeably different from usual with rarely and students spotted. How come? It was a Monday morning...so students should be here…? As the empty campus stayed barren, with no students in sight, the noise of cheers and loud music can be heard from the auditorium in the main building. It was there that everyone must've been. The deafening cheers of students pumped up and anxious for the latest news on the plans of what the school would be doing for the upcoming events. Sports was the biggest spectacle for SAHS, much like every school on the continent. A massive pep rally featuring the entire student body and student council gave away prizes in raffles, performances from local artists hoping to make it big one day, and all was hosted by none other than Principal Telfin, the school's major architect in bringing prominence and restoration to an otherwise dying pulse. Azule and Squidcom sat together, and although there was an initial feeling of awkwardness and animosity, it quickly dissolved as all of them eased together and removed the tension thanks to the environment. Azule, Cobalt, Tangie, and Fuchsia sat together in one row with Sally, Reice, Violet, and Kosami sitting in the row directly behind them. Small conversations were made, but none of them really came together for a joined conversation until…
"What's a Rank War…?" Kosami asked Sally. Having heard the student council president reference, it a bunch of times earlier left her lost.
Sally laughed at the ignorance of the newest member of team, realizing that Kosami never witnessed the anxiety of the Rank Wars. "It's a school-wide competition. Last sea-er, in the fall Rank Wars...we participated in our first competition." she smiled, enjoying the changes of expression on Kosami's face in response to the information she gave.
"I can't remember how many weeks, but usually we had multiple games that same week. It was a typical standings type of competition that determines the playoff seeds." Violet added, unable to resist giving an input.
Kosami getting the gist, nodded, "And those seeded teams play each other in the playoffs...how'd you guys do last season?"
The expressions of everyone change in response to her question. Before, Sally and Violet seemed welcomed to tell her anything, but now they both had grimacing looks as they averted eye contact. They weren't the only ones either...Cobalt and Tangie both looked saddened once the images of last season entered their minds. Reice and Fuchsia both looked pale when they thought about it, but the only person who looked at her with a smile was Azule, who held up two fingers in the form of a "V" for victory. He didn't dwell on the dark gap between his coma and his return.
"Sally, Violet, and Reice all held down the fort and made it to the playoff semifinals hehehe" he chuckled, although he didn't think much about that incident, he was aware the others still must've felt sensitive about that night at Moray towers; that night when Azule took a bullet to the head to protect the others…However, the others look at him with contempt-offended by his carefree response and casual nature towards such a dark memory. How can you say it like that? Everyone's hearts were in shambles at the time! All of them were thinking as they watched their captain mouth off about how great the team performed. Azule wasn't realizing he was rubbing salt into wounds. We did what we did for your sake… the active trio of competitors in Sally, Reice, and Violet thought with a frown.
"W-wow... you guys must be incredible to go that far in your first season. Azule, are you one of the best in the school?"
Azule kept his smile, but on the inside, he was screaming in agony at the persistence of Kosami to keep up the conversation. "W-well...no one actually knows if I'm good…" he said rubbing the back of his neck, naively. All the members of Squidcom felt a snap in their head, recognizing that this comment was the last straw. The black auras and shining gem eyes of Reice, Violet, and Sally intensified the most as all the members gave Azule a death stare. They knew very well what Azule was capable of and to see him try to be so humble and airheaded was disgusting to them. What do you mean you don't know!? Don't try and be someone you aren't! The trio thought at the same time, their eyes saying it all as they looked at their captain ready to strangle him in frustration. They worked their butts off during part of the break in bettering themselves in anticipation that Azule was the key piece they were missing that season. Exhausting themselves to get as far as they did for the faith that they'd do even better when he came back, and here he was undermining everything. If felt like a slap to the face.
"Captain...sometimes that happy-go-lucky nature of yours can be an issue." Cobalt said in a surly tone as he lifts his mead to meet his captain's gaze. "For us, this competition means as much as life and death itself. I would like that you show some respect in how you talk about it…" speaking the minds of how the others feel, it was just like Cobalt to take action. Azule felt a jolt through his spine hearing that kind of tone from Cobalt, and it was then that he realized that Cobalt-too made a sacrifice, remembering his reason for taking part in the selection in the first place. It'd be a slap to the face of Cobalt if Azule didn't take the next Rank Wars seriously. "M-my bad…" he muttered, feeling ashamed for not reading the mood of his friends. Kosami could only watch, dumbfounded and unaware of what the reference was. Organized by class and grade, everyone settled down after the warm up of festivities ended as Principal Telfin greeted them once again, but this time with more important news to be discussed instead of his previous announcement, which was for everyone to enjoy the fun in store while every prepared for the latter end.
"Ahem…" he cleared his throat, his voice echoing through the microphone. "As you all know, after every major competition and at the start of a new semester, we hold a rally such as this one. Our last entry of competition saw us make it all the way to the finals and give an incredible performance...but in the end, even that wasn't enough to stop the solidarity of Beacon Hills." As he said those words, a chill went down the spine of everyone in the auditorium. To see Sky Royale, go all out to the point that even her body couldn't continue, dragging herself desperately to get the victory. Remembering that image forever cemented her status as one of the most beloved students to ever attend the school. She was indeed, the heart and soul of Squid Academy. Principle Telfin continues, "After a busy period behind the scenes, I have some announcements to be made. Although as usual, the Rank Wars will continue to be televised all over the continent. Some things are different. Teams will no longer be named after their sponsored brands, and instead, the team captains have full responsibility to choose a name and decide an outfit and color choice. The Rank Wars will have a total of twenty teams participating this year, meaning that the playoff seeds will stay at eight teams. There will be twenty matches in total for the season with five each week, so be prepared for the toll and plan accordingly. The stages will be revealed upon further notice, and the modes at which you all will be participating is NOT and I repeat, NOT Turf Wars. Stay tuned to the morning announcements for more information..."
The auditorium erupts with cheer and enthusiasm. The 2nd Rank Wars was usually popular because of the rule changes that took effect, but with fresh players and teams being formed and old ones disbanding it felt as though a massive evolution was taking place right before everyone's eyes. This was a sign that Squid Academy was making improvements in all the right ways until…
"I would like to welcome to the stage, the Elites of Squid Academy."
The entire auditorium roared in a frenzy as the core members of the Elites came up one by one, the applause growing louder with each member until Sky came up last, in which the roof of the building seemed as if it was about to explode. All of them were proud of the senior's accomplishments and efforts in growing the school's reputation positively. Thanks to the Elite's run to the finals and Sky's infamous pair of performances in the semis and finals, the Elites of Squid Academy had become a household name with the giants of Inkopolis. All four of the Elites looked down from the stage the stood on, watching their adoring fans chant their name, many wanting an encore performance in the upcoming Rank Wars. From Pastelle and Kidvel, to Todd and the Rebels, and then Azule and Squidcom, all of them couldn't help but smile at the defending champions of the school and runner ups to the winter title. Aaron led the school with his thoughts and experiences over the years as the king of the school, expressing his gratitude for becoming the captain of the team. Although many students continued to cheer and applaud, a select few noticed that something seemed off about all of this. None of them looked as enthusiastic as usual, in fact they all looked hesitant, conflicted even.
"The honor has been mine to serve as your designated sniper. Thank you everyone, for your support…" Pearl said with a bow, taking a step back as she let Austin take the floor. Many of the students began questioning the intent of the Elites and their messages. Instead of upbeat fist pumping for a new season of competition, it felt as though...they were saying goodbye instead. Sky steps up to the mic after Austin, and immediately the room shushed-their queen was about to speak.
"When I first came here, I was welcomed with open arms. I joined a team with a bunch of misfits and went far, along that journey we made new friends, new enemies and overall expanded the team to more than just four…" looking to the crowd, she spots the other members of the Elites. All of them had conviction to see this through, but they couldn't fight back the feelings in their hearts. This announcement to the school, it'd be devastating if Sky didn't choose her words carefully… "Sincerely, it's been my pleasure to serve as your ace for the school, become the face, and proud senior to all of the underclassmen. To my fellow seniors, hold your heads up high. Don't shed any tears because our role now is to support our underclassmen. We're the mentors that'll pave the way for …" she said in a shaken tone seeing some of her fellow classmates tear up. They caught on to what was on the minds of the Elites and as to why Sky was the one closing them out instead of Aaron, who usually closed out the team speech. "This last tournament. Was the last one in many ways…"
Numbness, shock, and fear. Those three feelings filled the air of the auditorium. Many students had gotten up to give a standing ovation for the Elites, but this news sat down like a pound of lead. It was heavy...the unthinkable, the future that everyone wanted to avoid was coming to pass. Sky closed her eyes, lowering her head as the tears fill the atmosphere. The other competitors were stunned. Azule was rocked to the core, Todd was frozen witnessing the end of his idols, but the one affected by it the most was Pastelle, who still had a date with them for one last match. One match that'd never come.
"Sky. Elites. You guys can't leave us yet!" one girl cried.
"What about our promise from our first year!? We promised to win at Nationals!" a boy shouted choked up on his tears.
"This isn't how it was supposed to end! We wanted to see you guys off at the top!" another boy cried.
Seeing the many crying faces on the students in attendance struck a chord with the three captains, but for Azule, seeing just how much his sister meant to this, how valuable she was to each and every individual spoke on a whole different level from how he imagined. Learning from the reactions in the auditorium, Azule understood the pressure that his sister had been handling, and unlike the previous times, the uneasy feeling in his heart intensified. Feeling a strange clamped and hold on his heart, he breathed heavily to take in as much air as possible and calmly stabilize. Holding his chest while looking down, he catches the attention of his teammates who all are all aware of his heart condition. So, this is what it means to be in the shadows of greatness… he thought as a wobbly smirk appeared, feeling a strange sensation course through his body. He didn't know what emotion to register in response to this strange sensation but feeling the tingly sensation in his nerves and the heart clamping in anxiety, he knew that this was something special happening within him that felt different from pains he felt previously. Things will change from here-no, they must change from here...remembering that question that Pastelle gave him at the winter tournament, remembering the defeat his sister took in the final, and remembering the bold declaration he made at orientation, his facial expression changed with a spark in his eyes.
As though it was a long time coming, those closest to Azule could sense the strange evolution taking place. Although physically nothing seemed different, with each breath he took the more he was evolving. The smirk on Sky's face, the recognition from Pastelle, and the awareness of his teammates. He's coming…they all thought instinctively as a new aura emanated from him. As though he had adopted a trait from his older sister, Azule's blue eyes sparked as he tried to go deeper. He was awakening his "form" like the Midnight mode that Sky possessed. If he had that type of ability, just maybe could he make trouble for the upcoming season. As the audience still had trouble receiving the shocking news of retirement, others didn't have a reaction to the surprise such as Principal Telfin and the student council committee who were notified by the Elites ahead of time. Broadcasted through social media thanks to many students who'd been recording the rally live in hopes that the entire world could see the resurgence of Squid Academy instead showed what the end of an era looked like with many around the continent witnessing the heart-shattering end to Squid Academy's finest team. Many of the top players from top teams smirked, some even breathing a sigh of relief now that a scary threat was calling it a career after reaching what seemed like just short of the peak. Gin and his team watched from Silvia's phone, all of them with mixed feelings. Jin watches on his phone, alone in a dark room as punishment for his actions from the previous tournament-a frown turns to a sneer in the light from his phone as he throws his phone at a wall, upset that his goal was stepping away after leaving his career in shambles.
"But, even if this is the retirement of the Elites...fear not, my fellow students. The next Rank War is upon us, and many new teams are coming. Newcomers have gained courage that wasn't present in the first. Newer formatting of matches, along with various stages to be played on. This upcoming Rank War promises to be the best yet!" she said with confidence, wiping away the crying tears in the room from the many followers struggling to accept that she no longer would be the flag bearer of the school. "I place the future of this school in the hands of the veterans like Pastelle and Kidvel...and in newcomers such as Todd...and you too, little brother…" she said, as she turned her attention to Azule, the blue fire in her eyes told the whole story to Azule as she glared at him with great expectation. She didn't want to give up her spot, both as an elder sister, and as a fierce competitor. She didn't want the limitations of her body to be her downfall in competition, and yet unfortunately it was. She'd have to place her hope in the same raw talent that surpassed her they were children. She knew that from the very start since his arrival that he was the rightful heir to the throne of the school, bearing the blood of lost souls and a tainted past. This was his road to experiencing the same warmth she had when she left. Feeling the mountainous weight of expectation transfer to her shoulders and sit on his shoulders, the expression on Azule's face turned cold as he stood up and lowered his chin to return the same pair of blue daggers.
"Yes sis!" His back erect and with pride, he put his arms behind his back and shouted with a strong as iron tone. The attention of all eyes inside the auditorium were on him with subtle whispers in the crowd. About to inherit the biggest burden any first-year student could possibly imagine, Azule welcomed the challenge with his chest out, ready to become a piece of meat fed to the wolves of a fanbase who would reject him for everything he did.
Switching her glare from the evolved Azule, she turned her glare to the favorited first year in Todd, who now had an open road to the throne with the biggest obstacle being his senior Pastelle and her Kidvel team. He stood up proud the moment she looked his way and a heavy nod, "Yes!" he yelled, also putting his hands behind his back. He too was ready to embrace the massive challenge of bringing a title back to school.
Pastelle's bangs covered her face as she stared at her feet, her eyes trembling with a flurry of different emotions. Frustration, sadness, disappointment, anxiety. She was unsure of how to feel about everything, frustrated that she couldn't defeat her biggest rival one last time...sad that she couldn't get to face her rival anymore...disappointed that this is how the rivalry would end...anxiety that a new weight of expectations rested on her shoulders in the absence of that rival. Her fingers trembling, she rose to her feet. "You're not fair, Sky…" she muttered under her breath with a painful smirk. Lifting her head and locking eyes with her rival for the last time before receiving her new burden, she nods in acceptance.
"Pastelle…" Sky said through the microphone, lowering her chin and focusing her stare on the person whom she battled in ferocious contests with the past couple of seasons.
"I won't lose!" Pastelle yelled, eyebrows shaking and lowering as her emotion went from one spectrum to the other. She scowls at the many faces around her who look at her with wonder and surprise at her uncharacteristic response. "I won't lose the next Rank War. Kidvel is going to represent Squid Academy in the Spring Invitationals. Book it."
Crossing her arms with static in her eyes, Pastelle made her declaration. Todd was ready to step up to the next level, and Azule was ready to evolve into a new competitor. The fate of the school now had three faces ready to take the throne, but there was still an entire season to be played as well as many new players and teams getting formed as well as some students transferring over, the upcoming Rank Wars would be the most competitive and dramatic yet. The rest of the announcements during the rally paled in comparison to the bombshell that was dropped by the Elites, but the entire student body went back to their living quarters with a queasy feeling in their stomachs. An unknown future awaited Squid Academy...
