A gentle breeze with a chill in the air, the morning sun makes its appearance over the horizon of Giande after pockets of showers dewed the mountainside and forests-roads still moist from the rainfall overnight. The windows of the hotel where Squid Academy are staying have fogged windows, but the students wouldn't know since none of them are up at dawn after having partied for entire evening after Squidcom's upset victory over Beacon Hills; luckily for them the semis don't start until the late afternoon with their game getting the prime time slot at 7 pm. However, there is a group up early sitting in the lobby collectively waiting until the breakfast hall opens. The scene of the quiet lobby: A whining Jory whose belly growled for food, Fuchsia karate-chopping him on the head, Reice checking his watch for every ticking second, Violet reading a book with her headphones on, Azule playing a game on his phone, and Kosami looking at highlights from yesterday's games; a groggy bunch who all woke up early so early after skipping the post game party, they all waited together as a team for a morning feast worthy of their recent accomplishment. The concierge at the front desk snickers aside watching the lively group, finding entertainment in the shrieking Azule who fumbles his phone after having one of his characters get one-shotted by an enemy in his game. Once the hall opened for breakfast, they filed in like they were on a conveyor belt, occupying a table outside on the courtyard.
"So good!" Reice marveled as he felt the buttermilk pancakes melting in his mouth.
"It looks good, especially with those blueberries-" Azule said, jabbing his fork into Reice's pancake filled fork to force the piece into the air, ricocheting it off his own fork and into his mouth. "Mm! It really is go-"
"Spit it out!" Reice shouted grasping Azule by the neck and shaking him with force to cough up the pancake.
Violet shakes her head watching the two, "While those two kill each other, let's use this morning to be productive. Fuchsia, what do you think?"
The octoling nods her head and finishes chewing, proceeding to take out her phone and flick the screen with her thumb. She gulps and gives a relaxed smile, "It was a great game. Really, I'm so proud of everyone." her thumb stops; "However, today's game and yesterday's game are two separate matters."
"I figured…" Violet sighed.
Even though they managed to defeat an impossible opponent and rewrite the general audience's narrative of the tournament, there was still much work to be done as an appearance in the semifinals of the competition meant Squidcom were one step closer to Nationals. With their conditions almost satisfied, they needed a spot in the finals of the tournament to secure birth, but that was easier said than done since their opponents for the round will be Special Forces-the team that was formerly considered the best team in Inkopolis prior to their defeat in the winter, and with Gin's early exit, their next tall task to conquer. An open path to the throne, half of the Big Four remains, and there is certainty in the Inkstinct advancing, so all that will be left is the deciding game in the evening between the giants Special Forces and the newly titled giant killers Squidcom. As the team reviewed the sequence of events that led to this moment, that air of nervousness and anxiety was instead replaced with smiles all around as they looked more relaxed than they did yesterday prior to facing Beacon Hills; oh, what a difference a day makes. As Fuchsia outlined what she saw from her point of view from the strengths of Squidcom, they soak it up like a sponge. Praise for following her directions in the first game to scolding them for failing to close them out in the third game, she stressed the importance of the luck that followed in surviving a full series against Beacon Hills. If the situations were altered just a bit, they would've lost. She turns to Azule and immediately scolds him for his actions in the final game-first ripping him for how lackluster he was in the fourth game and how underwhelming he was in the third, then thanking him for saving them when it counted the most. However, she didn't stop there as she sang everyone's praises from Violet's emergence as a deadly opponent when in the charger role to Reice's master abilities on the roller and Jory's fulfillment as Sally's substitute, she also added that before they leave to do their own thing to spend the rest of the morning studying film and plotting what strategies to use later on in the game. As such, they headed to a conference room afterwards and sat in the comfy chairs while Fuchsia brought her laptop and hooked it up to the projector. From there, the team began studying the little errors made from every game they played. Like Fuchsia pointed out earlier, they looked great in the first couple of games where they played hastily and aggressive but in the following couple of games afterwards they played sloppy and instead of focused attacking and coordination looked clumsy. Everyone noticed little mistakes they made but also highlighted some key plays that they needed to replicate once again against Special Forces. Next, Fuchsia put on the film of Special Forces in their previous couple of rounds and highlighted especially the game against the Fangs. She believed Special Forces were far more dangerous than Beacon Hills because unlike the unity seen by the experienced Beacon Hills, Special Forces revolved around Jin's superb abilities. Now that his supporting cast of first years improved their abilities as well, they were a threat unlike any Squidcom have faced thus far.
"Even if we faced similar opponents in the Rank Wars, we're going up against one of the best players known. Jin doesn't need any introductions as we know he can be just as ruthless as anyone while also as flawless. The true terror is his team of first years. KNown as the number siblings by some, 18 and 12 are a versatile duo capable of playing most of the weapons in the catalog. What's worse, Kary is just as impressive. A team like that differs from Beacon Hills by the way they understand their roles while also having the edge being faster on their side. So, for that…"
She begins writing on the whiteboard different strategies and approaches for every player, also factoring in the terrain as well. For the next couple of hours, the conference room became busy as they formulated together on how to battle Special Forces. By the time noon approached, the white board was covered in markings and drawings from everyone who had their outlook on how to beat Special Forces. A decision to wrap it up after a consensus is reached, Fuchsia dismisses everyone except for Kosami, noting that she wanted her to grab seats for the Inkstinct game so they could scout ahead while the others enjoy the day; Kosami had no reservations and happily awaited their departure. For the rest of Squidcom, their day saw them splitting up with Azule choosing to spend his free time with family who messaged him that were in town and wanted to spend the day with him before his game, Reice wanted to visit some of the local food joints scattered in the immediate vicinity and caught the company of Jory who was also craving some of the delicious rarities that could only be found in Giande, while Violet opted to stay inside and write since she had the time. As Fuchsia and Kosami have there bags packed for the day ready to begin their scouting, the octoling's phone buzzes. She reaches into her pocket to read the caller id is her sister. Almost fumbling her bag, Kosami has to catch it at the last second as Fuchsia nervously answers the phone.
"...And so, that's why we're all getting lunch. You already ate so it's fine not to order anything." Sky said putting her hand up to her bobble hat as a breeze blows; her bland tone and expression left Azule a bit concerned about if she was fine-with his knowledge of what she's been up to, he couldn't help but worry about the dangerous missions his sister was getting into. Sky takes a glance at him and reads him like a book, chuckling and flicking him on the cheek, "Don't give me that gloomy face. We're finally together again-Us and the others…"
Azule rubbed his cheek and gave a slight smile looking down at the ground, "Are you ready for this? I mean, it's been so long since we've done anything together. It seems so sudden that we're all together as a family."
Sky plants her hands on the bench and shrugs her shoulders, "I'm still pissed off about mom leaving us at that place, but she has her reasons. That much I could tell in her eyes when I hit her. I'll forget that trauma, but the least I can do is forgive, right?" Azule doesn't respond, only giving her a worrisome look as his sister stared off into the distance with a gaze that felt otherworldly, like her soul wasn't present; "But I guess there comes a time when the wounds have to heal. I mean, she showed up, right? It shows that she cares at least." she grinned showing teeth hoping to at least cheer up her brother, but on the inside it wasn't over-she still needed some way to vent those years pent up.
"So, about the future-the Ravian Conference-I mean, what-"
Sky brings her hand up and looks him sharply, "Don't bring up anything unnecessary."
At first he felt spooked but then he realized it was only obvious that they couldn't speak of treason in public. A tense moment between the two, the topic of the upcoming game is what brought them back to a conversation after an awkward silence. Azule brought it up wondering if she ever had butterflies in her stomach when it came to such big moments since she had participated in these events for two consecutive years, starting from her very first year. Sky responded like any endearing senior would, offering her insight about what to expect and what to avoid, giving a rundown on how the atmosphere will feel, the weight of the pressure, and the indescribable sensation at being at the center of the tempest known as fierce competition.
"Special Forces, huh? Can't say I'm surprised to see them make it. They narrowly defeated the Fangs. I like their captain, Janice. She's got a spark like fiery boss. Passionate and stubborn haha."
"A shame they had to lose. I would've preferred them instead."
"Regardless of the result, you'd be up against a giant. Remember what I told you before you came here?" Azule nodded with a smile and recited her words, afterwards getting a surprise headpat as she brought him in close; "I'm really proud of you, Zule. I didn't foresee this happening back when I took you into the academy. You're really something…" As he looks up to her, he saw that her gaze is still far ahead as if she saw past what will happen today and was looking into a distant future; "When one door closes, another opens. Our era ended with our loss in the winter and thus, opened the door to your era. This is your moment, Zule. Don't let the pressures that surround this unforgettable period disrupt that. Soak it in. Let it simmer. Whatever will help you understand that all the negative and unnecessary noise buzzing around are just pointless distractions."
"Thanks. It's a little overwhelming when I remember we're fighting for more than just ourselves."
She loosens her grasp around his neck and smiles heartily, "You're still a first year. Go have fun!"
At that moment, they were met by the surprise of Lime who swarmed at them like a bear and hugged them both so tightly their face turned blue, all while she professed how much she missed and loved them; shortly following were Verde and Julian and a little further behind, Maya.
"Take it easy, Lime! You're killing them."
Lime eases off them and pouts at Verde, "I'm only doing what a good big sister should!"
"At least pay attention to when you're suffocating them, you're kind of skilled in that department."
Lime's face darkened as she looked at him with disgust, "Gross."
"I didn't mean that way!" Verde shouts.
"Man talk about noisy! Are you sure we're related?" Julian laughed; "Congrats on that win, kiddo."
Azule blushed, "No need to praise me that much. I'm just doing what's necessary."
"Ah...right, sorry about that. However, I'm really proud of you. Played like a legend out there! Your mother was on edge the entire time!"
"Speak for yourself!" Maya said entering with a cruciform of veins on her fist about to knock Julian on the back of the head when she's met by her two youngest children.
"Mom!" Azule beamed.
"Mom..." Sky mumbled taking her gaze elsewhere.
A stop at one of the local food attractions of Giande, the Royale family were once again united as a family with a chance to do what normal families would do. Lime used this chance to spend more time with her youngest siblings by entertaining them with every chance she could get, Verde and Azule spent more time talking together with the occasional interruption from Julian, and Sky still ignored Maya no matter how many times she tried to start a conversation. When the food arrived, Lime was the first one to baby Azule by feeding him her food with a spoon while Sky played a mischievous role to Verde by stealing his food. Julian did his best to tell corny jokes and Maya once again gave the impression of an uncomfortable hermit forced to make an appearance. A hopeless situation to be in, Maya looks over to a nearby TV monitor and notices that the game is on, immediately grabbing Azule and Sky's attention by pointing and notifying them of what's happening. Around that same time, the first match of the semis was already halfway through completion as the Inkstinct are crushing their opponents. From the start of the match, the tower was under the control of the Inkstinct, although they weren't moving as swiftly as preferred, they were managing well thanks to the efforts of everyone collectively. Tower duty went to Kappa and Virgil who kept possession thanks to the spacing forced by Virgil and the rapid fire rate of Kappa. Kippy and Zepp were on the offensive with their continuous pressure, drawing the attention while their teammates finished them off. A dominating performance by the Inkstinct, they took the first game with ease and went on to replicate that performance in the following pair of games and complete a sweep. Everyone in attendance sang the praises of Zepp for his leadership that he highlighted in the match in addition to his surprising day of marksmanship, leading the stat sheet with the most kills despite Kippy playing at her usual skill. For Fuchsia and Kosami, this was nothing more than end game now that it was written in stone. If they advance to the final, they'll have a full day of preparation for how to handle the Inkstinct, that much they agreed on as they left the Rellan Complex to meet up with the rest of the crew.
From the sights of the pink and blue glow sticks, to the energetic song by the students, the appearance of Squid Academy looked similar to a crowd ready for a concert as they danced around and engage in a merry atmosphere-thankful to participate this far in the tournament. On the other hand, Special Forces were showing their passion in a different way, doing team chants and clapping routines while waiting for the game, their echoing voices clashing with the melodies of Squid Academy. The octoling man from before stands with his arms crossed soaking in the surrounding environment, overlooking the stage that'll serve as the battleground for the highly anticipated match between Special Forces and Squid Academy's Squidcom. From the adoring fans who are rallying behind the rookie first years of Squid Academy, to the confidence of the Special Forces supporters, the historical implications for both sides who have something to prove-Special Forces on their road to recovering the top spot and Squidcom's journey to recognition as a serious threat to the big Four. He knew after watching the previous game against Beacon Hills that there's a different air about Squidcom that carries a unique perspective-they aren't like the Big Four by any means, but they deserve to play at Nationals, the tenacity and desperation they exert in every match as though their life depends on it, the fearlessness of their young squad facing the giants of their country-that type of team has a place of the grandest stage. But he knew they needed an appearance in the final to clinch a spot among the 120 teams who automatically get in by placements through merits and positioning in the leaderboards, anything worse and it'd take luck to see them through. How would they approach this game? Now that the country is watching them and some even rooting for them, how would they respond? Would they shock everyone again and slay another giant or shrink under the spotlight? All the answers await the whistle to be revealed. On the turf, both sides are ready to begin their clash to a welcoming audience. Donning their Pink and Blue outfits this time with pink ink, it's Squidcom. In their alternate attire of multilayered Gold colors, it's Special Forces. For Today, the map lineup is the Park and Forest and the modes are Tower Control, Clam Blitz, and Rainmaker. A peculiar choice of maps and modes, the advantage beforehand looks to go in favor of Special Forces since they have the skilled Jin at the helm and a pacey duo in the 18 and 12. But by no means were Squidcom necessarily an underdog like in the previous round as this time they had some merit in their achievements by boasting a 25 game win streak and a victory over one of the prime favorites in the tournament. To some people, they earned the nickname of Giant Killer with expectations ascending the more they make an appearance in the tournament. With each side ready in spawn, there's a countdown. The weapon lineup is the usual for Squidcom as they open up with a Dualie, Roller, Blaster, and Charger combo, while for Special Forces it was Blaster, Blaster, Charger, and Slosher. Once again in attendance to watch Squidcom's performance is the afro octoling who had has his shades on despite it being dark out, his hands resting cozily in his pocket with a gold chain dangling around his neck. His eyebrows are furrowed as he stands in on the walkway of stairs overlooking the turf that'll serve as the battleground, his thoughts turning to Jin Ika of the Special Forces and recalling the events that led to this moment.
"That's your stipulation for him? Quite harsh-understandable though." he said proceeding to take a sip of tea; the backdrop of a massive mural sitting behind him.
"I had no choice. As the A.D. of Special Forces I expect nothing but the best from my students. His behavior in the winter was deplorable. However, his teammates came to his rescue and pleaded that he be given a second chance. The other seniors on the team sitting out for nationals agreed that he deserved this type of punishment. And so, that's what I've arrived at."
"Still, to throw at him such a condition…"
The athletic director massaged his forehead, "He's the captain of this squad, and we expect him to carry on as one. Such immaturity won't be tolerated on a national campaign-not after the previous couple of failures."
The octoling nodded, "I understand."
Two years ago they made it to the Quarterfinals at Nationals, and last year they got an early exit in the Round of 32. I'm sure the higher ups of Special Forces expect a deep run this year with a prodigy like him entering the prime of his career. He thought with narrowing eyes as the countdown began; I'm looking forward to seeing this match after all: the team of rookies looking to win a tournament for the first time in several years and go to nationals versus the team who has always eliminated them every time they face one another. Truly interesting.
An overview of Rellan Park, the first game would take place on the much larger map as seen before with the goals remaining near the spawn like it was seen in the rainmaker. In the spawn by the poolside is Squidcom while Special Forces is on the opposite side near the sandy playground and maze. Both teams hit the ground running full steam ahead for the tower at the center of the park, the time lapse of the green and brown trails and trees turning Pink and Gold as both sides rumble to the center. The crowd is electric with many even screaming at the top of their lungs as players from both sides appear within the view of the other. Everyone takes their aim: Azule darts for the tower-Kary does so as well, Jin cuts to the right while Jory takes to his right instead of facing him head-on, Violet throws her splash wall just in front of her as a suction bomb lands right before her, and Reice takes aim at the numbers, who are also eyeing the tower. Ink flies everywhere as soon the sounds of wailing is apparent with the first splat registering. Jory's down. An accurate shot from 12, he's the first on the board for Special Forces but it doesn't last long as a thunderous shot fired like a cannon and blew him to smithereens right afterwards. A shot that could be heard from anywhere in the Rellan complex, many of the supporters for Squid Academy felt pumped up knowing whose shot that belonged to; the barrel of the charger smoking, Violet shakes her head glaring at the remaining players for Special Forces; "This isn't a cake walk!" her eyes shouted, sending chills down the spines of the first years, and only forcing a grin on Jin's sneering face. Soon after, the game settled in as several times throughout the game it was Violet taking the initiative wearing the same intensity as though steam escaped his skin. A boiling arrival of a known threat, Special Forces were rendered to taking the battle up a notch after Squidcom's latest push saw them go past the halfway mark and dip just under 40, there's plenty of time left, but for Jin, this was as much freedom he'd allow for Squidcom to do what they wanted. To him, letting that team get within 30 was as good as a knockout this early in the series, learning from the mistakes of Gin that under no way can he let an explosive team like Squidcom threaten a lead of such a gap.
"We're closing them out, now. Numbers, you're on duty for taking the tower and going to goal. I want a knockout." Jin ordered, his tone sounding more intimidating than usual. 18 and 12 gave a quick nod and made no hesitation; Kary was the one unable to escape the latest skirmish between the teams after Jin ordered a retreat that led to Kary being sacrificed to keep them occupied until a proper defense could form. Now that Jin saw the flow of the game and had an understanding of Squidcom's intentions, he had no qualms about showing his arsenal. Kary makes her return shortly after making a super jump from respawn, learning of her captain's orders thereafter; they'll be responsible for getting the kills while 18 and 12 will focus solely on capturing and guarding the tower. "They'll defend themselves but I want them to solely focus on staying on the tower. If we allow Squidcom to bully us off the tower, we'll continue facing a battle where we're simply chipping away at each other until we flinch and they take the advantage. In Jin's eyes, he felt as though he understood the mentality of Squidcom and why they were able to last this long in an event they had no prior experience: someone on their roster was gifted enough to read the field and operate accordingly. Whether it was to slug it out with heavy hitters and overpower opponents, or endure the hardships long enough for an opening to present itself, Squidcom managed to find victory at the end. Against his team, that wouldn't apply. He'd take them out of their comfort zone and force them to play his game.
For a while, it seemed that way as Special Forces counterattack following those orders changed the momentum of the game. Down by the score of 67-39 with Squidcom under the halfway point and steaming ahead for a knockout, 18 and 12 ambushed the team occupied on the tower and forced them into and somehow managed to force everyone off the tower with their blitz. Jin and Kary soon followed and swiftly the possession changed, however that didn't stop Squidcom from answering back with more power and pace with Jory and Azule taking charge with Reice as their support on the attack and Violet sticking to being a nuisance for Special Forces to handle. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough. Even though it was rather early in the series, Jin took it to another gear and obliterated Squidcom's defensive force by overpowering Reice first, then aiming for the heart by adding Azule to his hitlist, and finally, taking down Violet and leaving Jory to be finished off by his teammates. A quick turnaround like the snap of a finger, Special Forces took the first game with the time expiring just afterwards with the score: 82-75, almost running away with a knockout if they had more time. The audience responds positively with cheers for both sides and a growing number of people chanting Jin's name after he sealed the deal with that late rally where he recorded a triple. For Sally at her bed, she could only frown much like her little sisters who were with her rooting on Reice and the others. Squidcom's corner of fans who were energetic in the first game were still keeping that same intensity with Bianca leading the charge, even getting some assistance from Pearl and Austin of the Elites, who are seated just a few rows away from Sky and her family. Though they would've loved to sit together with them, they wanted to respect moment Sky got to share with her family, aware of Sky's history with her family. Sky looked like a statue as she kept her gaze glued to the turf while the rest of her family communicated and discussed their thoughts after the first game. Her arms are crossed as she resembles a stern coach trying to decipher the enemy's strategy. Resorted to having a sideline role, she felt aggravated that in the biggest game of her brother's life, all she could do was standby and pray for victory, a bittersweet feeling. Maya looks and could sense that turmoil in her daughter's heart, resonating with her that same frustration.
Maya's eyebrows lowered, her sorrowful gaze on Sky feeling helpless to ask her daughter if everything was fine. The thumping beat in her chest paired with the uncomfortable knot and churning in her stomach reminded her of the anxiety she had to overcome if she had any intentions to close the rift created. She might've defeated government officials and entire nations, but this was by far her toughest challenge since it hit her in her weakest point. Her concern grows watching the lively eyes of her daughter focus on Jin of Special Forces, the burning intensity in her irises denoting that there was bad blood present. Unable to utter a word due to the sheer awkwardness, Maya simply crosses her arms and gives an agitated groan while wrestling with the possible phrases she could use to open up the conversation. It doesn't get any quieter either as the murmurs that grew into loud chatter multiply as many of the spectators nearby began questioning whether Squidcom could replicate the performance from the previous round, scrutinizing the team for their failure to steal the first game. From how it looked, Squidcom were in grave danger if they allowed another consecutive defeat with their battle becoming an uphill rally being down a couple games. Under no condition must that happen! The next game will be the pivotal moment the team in blue and pink need to seize if they want to keep their journey alive.
