The wooden bench creaks a little with minute shift of the body with the calm, refreshing air enveloping like a comfortable blanket as leaves fall into the river from the tree on the bank. A peaceful sight of twilight just before the sunrise, Azule rests and stares up at the slowly transitioning sky letting his thoughts wander like flowing river before him. Today is the day before the Finals. Unable to get any sleep after the victory yesterday, Azule figured the best way to calm his nerves was to listen to the voice of nature and hope her song would put him at ease. He sits forward and hunches his back holding his phone to look at the time. "Not even seven yet…"

"What about it?" A familiar voice replied from behind.

Azule turns around and meets their gaze, "Sky?" Approaching him dressed in a black leather outfit with her biker jacket being custom made, her sportbike sits over on the sidewalk

"You called me out here, right? What's up?"

Azule pauses for a moment looking at the ground before her and then gives a nod meeting her gaze, "It's about Midnight."

Sky scowls and continues over to him and takes a seat, "This call better not be about advice on using that cursed form." Sky stubbornly crosses her arms and looks away with disgust; "I'm not aiding you in that form. It's bad news. I suggest you stop using it too."

"How did you know?"

"We're siblings, Azule. I can read your mind like a book. The moment you do something strange like call super early in the morning just to open up talks about Midnight, one can only guess what you're thinking. Oh-Nice job in the semis. I know I sent a text after your victory, but again, nice job." She smiles with a relaxed shrug of her shoulders, tucking her hands in her sweater pocket and leaning back.

Azule chuckles, "Thanks! Guess there's no fooling you, after all..."

Sky's eyes narrow warmly as she pats him on the head, then turning to a rub until finally she reveals her true intentions: A power noogie so hard his hat falls off. "Muhahaha! You fell into my trap, little bro! Now say your prayers for this is none other than signature number nine, Falling Sky (on your head)!"

Azule squirms as Sky's hands accelerate in pace with a burn starting to settle as Sky laughs maniacally,"S-stop! That name doesn't even make sense!" He yells with a struggle; "Why do you always do stuff like this? I'm in high school!"

She releases immediately, "This is my way of showing affection, dummy. Also, I'm still older than you so show some respect-don't think you're old enough to escape my wrath!"

"F-fine! It hurts! Did you forget you're strong?"

Sky relaxes again and releases him, "Now that's more like it. I hate to see you in deep thought. You're young, so you shouldn't think of all the pressures in the world, yet."

"I-I wasn't in deep thought though."

"Sorry, you just resembled a little bit like you did when we first reunited. Though there wasn't an emptiness present like before, I could see in your body language that a massive weight was keeping you from thinking straight."

"I guess I couldn't stop it after all. This is uncharted territory for me and...I need guidance. I'm not sure how to prepare for this final, or for what lies ahead."

"Yeah. You never played in the playoffs, and your team never made it to the finals before-that's fair. To make the odds tougher, your opponents are a seasoned team that know the finals all too well. Then there's the fact that their captain taught you quite enough as a mentor."

"Why did that last statement sound like it had more weight than the others?"

"No reason." Sky crosses her arms with a pout, looking away with jealousy lingering with rolling eyes.

"Well, you're right. This is pretty new for me and the others. I know I said we'd get here, but the feeling is all too unreal. Like, we're actually at the finals for the competition. One more victory and we'll be the school representatives until the Fall Rank Wars. We're almost there. It's exciting, but also very frightening. I think I'm starting to understand the pressure you underwent for three years."

"Hey-hey...here's a thought: Don't look too far ahead. Focus on the now rather than the future. If you don't watch your step, you'll trip over yourself before you even reach the destination ahead."

"Follow each step…"

"Right. If you're only thinking about the future then you'll be setting yourself up for failure. The team you'll be facing tomorrow is no joke when they're serious. You can bet Pastelle and her team won't hold back."

"I know…"

"Soooo what else? You can tell me anything, right? Still making a harem? Body working fine? Good grades?"

"Ew, why the weird talk? You're sounding like dad right now." Azule snickered.

"I haven't been getting enough appearances lately. Does the author hate me or something?" her sarcastic tone blending to a believable tone as she shakes her fist to the sky.

"Who knows?" Azule laughs.

Around the same time on the train making his way to Sally, Reice is brimming with energy after having gone for a morning jog to get his blood pumping after waking up around the same time as Azule. He's got a bag of fresh pastries in his hand, knowing his sister would love them and also wanting to be the first one to visit her since the hospital visiting hours would be open by the time he gets there. His thoughts on the ride were blank, looking to pass the time by through gazing out the window or surfing the news on his phone, even exchanging glances with a girl here and there as they recognized him from the turf wars. After stepping off the train and taking a bus over to the hospital, Reice arrives only to be greeted by his parents, sister, and (future) sister-in-law. Already he feels bummed about being the last one there, especially with Sally's smug grin reassuring him of being a loser.

"Honestly Reice what am I going to do with you?" Sally sneers with a shrug bringing her shoulders up as she lowers her chin; "Being the last one to see your precious sister? Even mom and dad beat you here~"

"Keep laughing and I'll eat all these fresh sweets in front of you!" Reice retaliated with cat eyes holding up the bag.

Sally's mouth widens with childish eyes, "You demon! You wouldn't!" she shouts with energy like a grade schooler; Hatsunika chuckles at the playful sight.

A light shines Reice's eye as he pulls a donut from the bag and eats it with a taunting moan of satisfaction before Sally; Sally's ready to jump out the bed but gets restrained by Mika and her sisters. Hanna snatches the bag from Reice and scolds him while Carson snickers and sneaks a few macaroons from the bag to give to Sally and the others. After the scolding is over, Sally addresses why she wanted them there so early in the morning.

"I'm gonna go forward with it. I'm feeling better ever since I started taking the blood thinners. The pain isn't as immediate when I apply pressure but I won't know until I put it to the test by walking again." Her family looks supportive as they encourage her to continue; "I'm gonna start rehab this week. It might take a bit of time, but I'll get there!" She expressed with a feeling a burst of motivation tingle down her spine, she felt that jolt of energy needed to start her mission; Everyone looks relieved by her conviction after knowing these previous days have been some of the darkest in her young life.

"It won't be easy, but if anyone can overcome an obstacle like this, it's you." Hanna approves.

"That's right! So expect me for the Spri-"

Reice karate chops her before she cold finish, "Idiot! Take your time!"

"B-but I'm feeling better!"

"Goodness, didn't we tell you we'll be fine? You'll need to be at you peak strength. If you're still concerned about us, then cast those thoughts aside. We're winning this all for you. What good is our motivation if you wont even place your trust in us huh?" He scowls; Sally admits defeat and reserves the victory to Reice, finding it difficult to argue against his reason.

"That reminds me, I'm worried about Gramps and Granny. So, I have another goal in mind. Aside from getting healthy enough to play again and work on music, I'd like to go and visit them."

"That's fine and all Sally but you know they're all the way in the west in my region, right? Are you sure you'd like to go so far?" Hanna asks with worry since by that time she'll be busy with work and can't show her around and look after her.

"Of course!" she nods. "I'll bring everyone along. Reice, Marigold, and Canary. My friends. It'll be fun!"

"Well then, when you do decide, call me so I may purchase however many tickets and book a place for you to stay."

"Thanks dad, I appreciate it!"

Though it was sudden, Reice appreciated the thought of Sally still being selfless enough to think about others even at a time like this where it was fair to be selfish. With Sally's focus turning to her rehabilitation, he felt the pressure on his shoulders disappear as he could hear his own thoughts for once, burdening himself with so much worry for her well being up until then that he'd put himself on edge. Finally, he could just enjoy his day with family and prepare for the war that awaits him tomorrow. For the rest of those involved with tomorrow's final, they spent their calm before the storm coping with the anxiety in their own ways. For Parker, he's over at a library brushing up on some research for his classes while his teammates Nelson and Taylor enjoy a "date" at an ice cream parlor per Pastelle's request, afterwards taking a stroll through downtown sightseeing and stopping by different landmarks to take pictures for Pastelle. For Squidcom, they're at a spa in the mall. Since Azule and Reice were busy today, Fuchsia took it upon herself to book the morning for spa and spend the rest of the day exploring this particular outlet known for its vast selection of stores and huge food court, giving the team a chance to unwind and enjoy the rare moment of inactivity. Among the group, Violet seemed the most relaxed as she put away her usual emotionless mask and instead looked more rejuvenated as she shared laughs with her squad. As evening approached and night came shortly after, Pastelle rushes from her quarters in response to a call from Sky asking her to meet her urgently. At first she thought it might've been something urgent but then remembered that this was sky of all people-would she really need her help? Losing the zip in her legs from doubt, she kept moving forward. Over at Sky's apartment, everything looks tidy as she rests her textbooks on the table next to a tea set that looks like it'd just been finished being made. Her mind is visible through her mannerisms as she can't seem to quite sit still, constantly going on her phone to keep herself occupied. A knock at the door interrupts her zombie-like pattern and she's welcomed by a fatigued Pastelle. She went through a wave of emotions on the way there remembering that Sky was a friend and rival at the same time, fuming that Sky would call her so late in the evening.

"At least you had enough manners to prepare something for me…" Pastelle said pompously grabbing the tea and saucer and having been greeted indifferently by Sky..

Sky gives a sigh, "Would you rather have tonic water? I can take the tea away."

"N-no thanks, I appreciate your hospitality..."

The atmosphere feels awkward as Sky gazes at Pastelle taking loud sips after blowing gently to cool the tea. Pastelle blushed furiously with embarrassment as Sky doesn't bat an eye. "Y-your reason? For inviting me over?"

"Oh, that." Sky responds plainly, finally blinking; Pastelle's irritated by her boring reaction. "I wanted to wish you good luck on your game tomorrow."

"Good...luck? You're joking, right? Shouldn't you be supporting your little brother?"

"Don't get it wrong, I'm supporting Zule completely for the match and hope he crushes you to oblivion." she said without any amusement.

Pastelle narrows her eyes and leans back a bit moving the tea away from her mouth, "That's quite the bold statement."

"Not really. Your weakness is us. You can't beat a Royale."

Pastelle grips the handle, "Oh? You're quite the host inviting a guest over to belittle them, huh?"

"It isn't an insult, just the truth. From your days as a first year struggling to keep up with the Elites to the moment you realized you played second to Squidcom, you've never overcame us. When we retired, I could sense the change in your demeanor as your team played with more anger-vengeance consuming your hearts, furious about our decision to retire at the moment when it seemed like you and your team had finally prepared yourselves to overtake us-to prove your worth. You stopped being Azule's mentor because your concern was that he'd surpass you and leave you behind. Am I wrong?"

Pastelle doesn't answer. Instead she places the tea and saucer on the table before her and stares at it, ashamed to look Sky directly. Sky doesn't help by keeping her gaze locked on the averting eyes of Pastelle as she slowly looks away crestfallen that Sky would throw such a harsh jabs.

"To become the guiding light is like a martyr, and it comes in many forms. Desire isn't always manifested before you. It might take a day, year, or maybe an eternity."

"...What? Is that it?"

"I'd like to discuss Rapture but Cap'n said he'd notify us when the time is right so we're on standby. Not to mention I don't trust speaking about that in living quarters."

"I see. Well then..."

A disappointing encounter that left her with more questions than she initially had, Pastelle ponders on the cryptic message of Sky, knowing there's more to the question than just the surface. She shrugs it off as she reaches home, instead returning to preparing for the Finals. The eve of the rank wars ends as midnight arrives-all competitors for tomorrow are wide awake as their minds are filled with visions and scenarios for the upcoming game rather than dreams. Some toss and turn trying to tire themselves out, others simply stare up above and let the silence and darkness ease their nerves.

The morning of Championship day was filled with an abundance of support for both sides as they reached the venue of Blackbelly Skatepark, the home for today's final game, both teams are met by a sea of supporters clad in their team colors already giving their pregame songs that they'll be singing through the game; the longer this went on the more it resembles a splatfest with the way festivities were going. A huge pregame celebration that had a local song artist warm up for everyone paired with delicious food being served at food trucks and carts all around the skatepark with even skaters at the other areas passing by to participate. During that time, Squidcom stood together and exchanged words of encouragement and good luck, then splitting up so that the team would get into a focused mindset while the others went out to get some food. After the conclusion of the singing and dancing, the televised event was ready to begin with people from around the continent ready to watch an event that'd last less than a few minutes; A spectacle similar to the major televised events, the nation of Inkopolis took great pride in Squid Academy's prestigious Rank Wars-including this season's narrative. The core four of Squidcom gather together for their final pre match huddle with the audio of the loud electronic music in the background slowing fading away and instead getting replaced by the voices of the oceans of spectators, the aroma from the street vendors and food trucks playing with their senses. Azule and Jory look hungry as they munch on special snacks brought by Fuchsia courtesy of Crusty Sean, who'd set up his truck there for the occasion to root for them. Violet and Reice looked focused with their eyes never blinking as though they were under hypnosis with their only thoughts being on completing the game. Though they knew of the venue, the game mode was a great surprise to even them. Learning from Fuchsia and Kosami that today's match would be none other than a Turf War, it was the modified time that caught them by surprise as well. A ten minute match to help in dragging out viewership as well as give meaning to this being a championship final with the element of stamina and strategy playing a role, Fuchsia and the others spectating felt the pressure of this stage as all eyes turn to the two teams on the skatepark. That pressure was amplified thanks to all the other teams who missed out on this opportunity being present for the finals with their expectations heavy on their shoulders as Todd and his Sealions, Mayhem, Legion, Meta, and many others were present for this final game.

"To think we were just short of being here competing. It's a little surreal to imagine us in such a spotlight given the massive crowd here…" Sandra gasped as she looks around at the sea of spectators taking seats and crowding the edges of the barrier surrounding the map. "But I know we'll get them next time, right?" she nudges against Todd.

Todd gives a defeated sigh and smiles, "Damn right we will. For now, let's just enjoy the day. The pre game festivities were fun, but what I'm excited for is this final. I sure hope he plays his best today."

"Pretty weird for you to be so positive towards Azule, do you like him or something?" Audrey teases; Todd laughs and shakes his head.

"I hate his guts with a passion."

"Saying something like that with a pure and innocent smile…"

"But...I do respect him. He's come a long way from that annoying sprite who just had bark and no bite. He's bested the likes of every team in this competition and now he's reached the finals just like he predicted that day at orientation. I hate to say it, but he's worthy of leading the school."

Azule gives a quick sneeze, rubbing his nose as Reice and Jory joke about the pollen affecting him. Todd smiles as he gazes at the back of Azule, proud to see his rival grow up to not just a fine competitor, but into a fine person capable of affecting him as well. If it wasn't for Azule, he wouldn't have ever made friends with Sandra, Audrey, and Hannah nor would he have humbled to accept himself. Though he hated everything about Azule, Todd knew he had to be grateful for the impact that the blue haired idiot (his words) had on his life. As Azule tightens his cap and gives a radiant smile of confidence, cameras zoom in on him to get a good luck at the man of the hour. The dominating headlines were all of nostalgia as social media and local press turn to the blood relation of Sky Royale as a reason for Azule and Squidcom's rise to the finals, that the family ties were showing as the young first year show glimpses of talent like his older sister with many believing this game to be his ascension to the next level. From the Far East of the island of Ikayumu to the Western Isles, it wouldn't be much of an exaggeration to say that everyone on the continent is watching this game with some expectation in mind. Who would be crowned the new royalty of the school and challenge the world in Sky's stead? Would it be the fiery second in command who played with the same intensity as her predecessor in Pastelle? Or perhaps did blood run thicker than water and the true royalty of Squid Academy was instead in the hands of a young king rather than a prepared queen in Azule? Two notable personalities leading two popular teams, the Finals are finally upon us.

Ready to begin the Finals, both sides are in spawn and waiting. A turf war to decide the champion in classic fashion, it all comes down to who can ink more. Azule, Reice, Violet, and Jory are in Blue; Pastelle, Parker, Nelson, and Taylor are in bright Red. Without another moment's hesitation, the game begins. The packed bleachers and spectators close to the turf are all making a ruckus with enthusiasm as the two best teams in the school finally meet each other face to face. Azule goes right, Violet takes for the center with Jory backing her and Reice goes solo for the left; Kidvel has Parker, Pastelle, and Nelson going straight for the center with Taylor roaming around. The weapon choices for both sides varied: Squidcom's got 1 dualie in Azule, 1 charger in Violet, 1 roller in Reice, and 1 shooter in Jory, while Kidvel has 2 shooters in Pastelle and Nelson, 1 slosher in Parker, and 1 dualie in Taylor. A battle of the best, the atmosphere around the area is electric as the many people packed in bleachers and nearby were generating as much noise as possible to make the skatepark rival the sound of a packed arena. Pastelle zooms below the high central point and into Squidcom's territory with intention to disrupt Squidcom's concentration by doing a focused attack behind their backs, but it isn't as if Squidcom's unaware of the attack; they're wary of Pastelle and her tactics, knowing not to bite on such a baited play and instead focus on the turf before them and reclaim what is lost much later. A shifty but even score nonetheless, the effective teamwork of Azule and Jory against the likes of Parker and Nelson catches most eyes as ink splatters in different sections with both parties submerging to their ink for cover.

Two minutes pass by in the blink of an eye thanks to the fast-paced action with Kidvel having a narrow lead in part to Nelson's tremendous hustle to snag some turf on Squidcom's side while the rest of the team did a solid job of avoiding any deaths while playing efficient in applying pressure. For everyone watching, this was nothing short of a shootout between two gunslingers as both sides threw everything at one another, but for Fuchsia and Kosami spectating, this was a nerve racking game to watch since they had so much invested and with every second that Squidcom falls behind in score, the more their hearts sink with terror of defeat.

"They're playing good but I'm uneasy about how Kidvel's responding." Fuchsia said biting her nails, for once she was wearing her emotions entirely on her sleeve as she felt every hit the team took and channeled the power of every punch thrown in retaliation; Kosami and Bianca were with her, though this time Bianca wasn't leading any team songs and instead wanted to simply watch the game as a supporter.

"What's so worrisome? The game is still close…" Bianca blinks with curiosity shifting her gaze between the octoling and the turf, genuinely interested about what made Fuchsia break into such a cold sweat.

"It's the flow of the battle that has me concerned so greatly. Even though Squidcom's playing solid right now, it's the body language of Kidvel and that composed rhythm in their movement that leaves me so petrified. They look so experienced having been on this stage before that they're controlling the tone of the game even though we're playing with urgency. If I had to find an analogy to match this, it's like Squidcom's the boiling soup looking to escape from the pot while Kidvel calmly places the cover over the pot to keep the broth from escaping."

"Ah, I see. Containment."

The teams jostle for the lead as the scattered formations enclose with both sides wanting to claim the turf in the middle rather than over extend and quickly positions are placed in this careful trench war. Violet takes to one of the balconies on her side while Reice looks to fire an attack on central tower that's being occupied by Parker who makes it rain with his slosher. Jory takes to the open area on Kidvel's side with the intention of creating a diversion since Kidvel occupied the other central area looking to overwhelm Squidcom and take their forces out there, eyeing an attack from the balcony with his escape route being a vertical retreat to the alleyway. 4 minutes remain in the match as neither side shows signs of slowing down. Jory has the backs of Kidvel lined up perfectly in his sight as he unveils the tenta missiles and fires. Kidvel are forced to dodge the incoming missiles but for their efforts are met by the falling Reice who squashes Nelson swiftly and adds a fair amount of damage to the others. Even through all that, Kidvel stands their ground and puts up a fight keep the lead in their favor.

"Under four minutes left in the game and they're still struggling to break through. I'm impressed by Kidvel's consistency to hold the lead for so long."

"In a game of stamina, the team that conserves their strength will be the one on top so long as they know when to land the finishing blow. That Kidvel team has great discipline that all boils down to the captain's leadership. Pastelle-was it? She'll make a fine professional some day."

"Could you to not be on Kidvel's side right now?"

"Don't worry Sal, we're rooting for Squidcom. It's just impressive to see such a talent show spurts of their potential in the way that Kidvel are. Squidcom are impressive in their own way based on they've kept their fighting spirit up. Even though Kidvel continues to deliver body blows and slow them down, they aren't giving up and continuing to push through. I don't know which is scarier: To be the team in front gradually throwing out stronger punches as the game continues or the one behind eating them with vengeance apparent. One wrong move and this could turn into a landslide." Hanna said with her experience as a pro kicking in as she behaves like a talent scout looking to recruit the kids.

Over where the Elites are, they've got their eyes on Violet and her thunderous shots as she instills panic into Kidvel. The scattered crew separate as Violet continues her objective to spread the floor and give room for Squidcom to press on the attack. Kidvel retaliates with Pastelle and Taylor swapping spots and focusing fire on Violet to run her off as Parker takes the weight of inking turf and defending against the attacks of the others while Nelson respawns. From here on, Kidvel solidifies the same strategy yet again of a man to man strategy as one player is designated to another, continuously frustrating Squidcom as ever push they make, they're rejected and forced to fight an uphill battle to keep the score close.

Less than a minute remains as Pastelle gives chase to Azule, finally deciding now to be the best time to confront him; Everyone is scattered as Kidvel's plan for a Man-to-Man approach instead of Zone works perfectly as Squidcom gets overwhelmed by the encounters. Parker has Reice over by the alleyway on Kidvel's side, Violet struggles to avoid fire from Nelson who's chasing her away from Kidvel's turf over the balcony near central tower, and Jory meets Taylor head on over in Squidcom's turf near spawn. Azule swims up the central tower and sets up a trap, awaiting Pastelle. Pastelle feints by inking the wall and instead performs a pincer attack looking to close him off from the other side by accurately inking a vertical path that allows her swim at a slant; Azule's stunned by the move, but it's not like he's unprepared as he tosses his burst bomb and catches her at point blank range, but it isn't enough as the captain saves herself at the last minute-though she's heavily damaged. Pastelle smirks as she catches the silhouette of Azule at the last moment before disappearing into her ink. Throughout the match, Sky's message provoked her thoughts as she tried to decipher the cryptic message of 'To become the guiding light is like a martyr, and it comes in many forms.' left her speechless as she tried to figure what her rival was getting at. However, the longer she played against Azule and Squidcom, the more that she gradually found her answer. A team capable of pushing through all adversity placed before them, gritting their teeth absorbing the wounds and licking them while they rest, sharpening their fangs for that instantaneous moment of attack. Pastelle's answered lied in this final game, where the birth of Squidcom as the next successor was starting to become a realization. But even then, Pastelle wanted to win this too! To receive the torch passed on by the line of greatness in hopes of etching their name into history, Pastelle wanted to be the one to lead the way, to guide the school out the dark slump of inconsistency.

Like a moth to a flame, I knew you wouldn't resist chasing me! Now I understand, Azule. You're almost there...

Pastelle darts away and closing behind her is Azule with full intentions to splat her before she gets any farther, but as Azule makes another step forward he hears a mine detonate; it was only a split second to react but Azule felt like it was an eternity as he saw Pastelle's eyes glimmer with anticipation-not of enjoyment in his sudden defeat, but of hope that he'd pull off a miraculous save and meet her head on. If he survived this, she'll be waiting for him openly to settle the score as Student and Teacher. His vision dims as the ink mine detonates with a geyser of red ink blinding him, his head filled with thoughts and memories running wild...

"You're serious about this?" Sky's uncertain tone telling enough that she wasn't on board with her brother's decision. But as they sit under the morning sun together, the illuminating smile of confidence on his face was enough for her to assured that he could lead himself outside the dark tunnel of consequences he'd face for using Midnight.

"If I'm ever going to surpass you and take the school far, I have to master the same mode you did so well."

"You know this will destroy your body in the long run, right? If you continue to use Midnight haphazardly it'll cause insufferable recoil."

Azule's eyes sparkle with light, "I won't let that stop me."

Sky hid her smile but knew that he had a way with convincing someone with words. How could she question someone with conviction like that? That answer was enough. The resolve she wanted to see from someone sharing her blood was a high expectation that up until this point she found little doubts creep in from concerns and underestimation, but being reminded of his track record of how far he's willing to go to meet his goal, and locking eyes with him once more, she saw the stoked fire in his eyes burn passionately as he furrows his brow to convince her once more that he's ready. A sharp glint cuts through Sky's irises as she raises her chin and crosses her arms with a narrowing glare at Azule. Azule can sense the chill and immediately looks up at the clock and gawks, snapping out of it quickly and instead proceeding to move forward through the detonation; desperate times call for desperate measures.

Pastelle's still standing there wondering if she splatted him or if he survived, convinced that he must still be alive since the map registers him as still active instead of respawning, however before her is the detonated explosion that would've tossed his clothes everywhere or at least forced him to go around or retreat, but neither happened. Back-stepping with a hop in her step, she knows there's only one option left to do in the dying moments of a match like this, and immediately braces herself for the challenge awaiting her since the opening minutes of the match. A pair of sharp glowing blue eyes paired with glowing midnight hair cut through the trap and comes at her with swift speed. With 30 seconds remaining in the match, Midnight mode is finally activated.

The place erupts into a frenzy with everyone cheering at the top of their lungs as for just a brief moment, the nostalgia of Midnight Sky resonates with Midnight Azule. To Pastelle, it felt like she finally got her wish to play Sky one more time as the boy before her finally looked everything like his sister as charges at her without warning. Pastelle dons a satisfied as she acrobatically avoids Azule's pacey attacks, the audience too giving their awed reactions with many rising to their feet as the two duel it out.

Sheesh, to think I'm partially to blame for you getting this way. I guess the Royales really are my weakness…

Pastelle smiles warmly as Midnight Azule is about to splat her, "I finally understand what you felt, Sky-that day when you retired…to think I was so blind before, the true successor worthy of passing on the torch would be none other than little blue..." Azule closes in with ferocity; He's our best chance… She accepts heartily, bathing in blue as Azule fires.

Time is up. The entire turf is covered in red and blue, with barely anything else visible on the floors and walls of the skatepark with even the occasional bird flying getting caught in the war. Both sides are exhausted after such a match, with the results still withheld as everything is being tallied; everyone directly involved from the two teams to their supporters all felt a terrible knot in their stomachs as the meters filled until finally a score was shown. After a grueling season filled with various narratives, at last only one mattered and that was the winner: Squidcom with a final score of 52-47. After a rally initiated when Azule went midnight for just a few seconds to sway momentum on his side and splat Pastelle, they overcame their biggest obstacle. Squidcom are the champions of Squid Academy, and the new representatives for the big stage. A surging roar envelopes the entire skate park as everyone who'd witness Squidcom's inception to their gradual rise felt as though they were watching the team take their first steps onto the stage of relevance. No longer were they just another team in the rank wars vying for a chance to be noticed, instead they were the pride of the school, and the target of many others. Everyone spectating swarms Squidcom as the barrier holding the game dissolves with many rushing to congratulate Squidcom with others looking to record them and capture the moment; despite all that, the first thing the team does is have a group hug with all four of them in tears, understanding that after months of overcoming obstacles and even seeing some precious friends have to miss this moment, that they're finally champions-winners of the Rank Wars! Some minutes later a podium set up from pregame is displayed with the two teams standing together to receive their awards with Squidcom getting gold winners medals and holding up a trophy that serves as proof of their accomplishments. Microphones are set up for Squidcom to take questions from everyone regarding their victory. First expressing their thanks and showing gratitude to their competitors then to thanking the council and principal for allowing the competition to proceed, especially thanking those for supporting them and the competition. Accepting questions from the audience, immediately there is one question that catches the eyes of everyone there as a random inkling asks…

"Are you prepared to face off against the new big four? The rumors are that the two newcomer teams are stronger than the previous entries of Octo Valley and Squid Ops."

A heavy atmosphere emerges as Azule and Squidcom realize that they're being watched by the masses. That their enemies for the Spring and Summer have seen their skills on display and will know how to counter them. However this doesn't bother Azule, who gives a cheeky smile so wide that his eyes shut, opening them with a deadly glow in his irises as he addresses the question. Violet and Reice already know their captain by now and with confident smirks crossing their arms lean back in their seats lowering their head as Azule leans forward with that same glare, "To those who're after us. Whether it be the nearby schools, the big four, or anyone from the others...we're crushing them."

The audience goes into a frenzy as once again Azule makes a bold claim but unlike before where witnesses doubted his claim, this time he had their support. He knew he was being observed to some degree by teams, but Azule didn't know that he just openly declared war against all competition with those words as Team Emperor, the top ranked team on the continent were watching, nor did he know that Shiore and her squad, Sylvester and his team, and Carmichael and his team were also watching; garnering the attention of the big fish in the ocean, Azule's about to face off against the best of the best. If he and Squidcom thought the Rank Wars were enough of a challenge, then they'll be in for a rude awakening. Siot laughs hysterically with his team, telling them 'I told you he's a fun one!' while pointing at the screen; his teammates looked amused to see that there's a gutsy captain still around over in the far east. Over at Beacon Hills, Gin and team are serious about the captain's claims since they saw first hand that he has the aura of a predator-it'd be no time before he comes after the Big Four, or rather he already had them in his sights since it was assured that the Big Four would be in the Spring Invitationals and Nationals; if Azule is as serious as he predicts, he'll go through the four strongest teams in Inkopolis soon enough. But where Siot found amusement knowing he wouldn't face the captain until Nationals, and where Gin found none since it was a direct challenge issued to his team, a third individual simply stares at the television screen that she'd been passing by when she recognized Azule's face. Her short green hair blows under her hat as she keeps her face covered by the face mask.

"So we'll meet soon, huh?" she whispers with narrowing eyes, glued to the footage of Azule.