A deafening crowd serenades the teams below, as horns sound and hands clap, the chants of the respective teams heard as ink flies from left to right. It's the heart of the second game at the Spring Semifinals and it's off to a bang as Azule brings the crowd to their feet after bursting the barrier of Special Forces in this Clam Blitz showdown at Rellan Forest. For a solid minute, the scores were even as several attempts to score were nullified by solid defense. It started when Reice made the first attempt after gathering enough clams to make a Power Clam and sneak his way to the goal while his teammates stalled Special Forces, only to run into Kary and lose possession. Afterwards, it was 18 of Special Forces that looked to open the way for his team, only to meet the barrel of Violet's charger just before the goal-under throwing the Power Clam and just missing the barrier. However, everything has changed now after Azule steadily avoided getting hit by anyone and gradually collected his clams while sticking to defensive duty and sniffing out anyone who might attack, and then going on the attack once the threats were eliminated.
"We're in the lead now, but it won't be enough against Special Forces. At most I'd like a two or three possession lead against that golden squad." Fuchsia bites her nails nervously watching on, the ongoing thumping in her heart consciously echoing in her mind watching them play. Along with Kosami who couldn't even muster a word from being so frightened of what might go wrong, everyone on the Squid Academy side was a nervous wreck through this second game with the realization that another loss here would put them down a couple games and staring at an elimination in the third. However, Squidcom were quelling those concerns by turning in an untouchable performance. From the short lead gained from the catalyst shot by Azule, it started raining clams yet again when it was Reice who delivered the second punch to the barrier.
"And Squidcom stretches their lead! 43 counted to nothing from Special Forces!"
Already at the halfway mark for scoring, Squidcom were doing well in their pacing. Azule told them as much as they made their retreat after sending in their set of clams and returning to defense where Violet sat locking down an entire area with her guard up like a sentry, ready to fire like a turret and dispose of anyone in her sights. Azule and Reice are darting back while Jory is already posted with Violet-the group expecting a hard counter after successfully landing two hits to Special Forces. From what they discussed after the first game, they decided that the best way to counter the power and speed of Special Forces was to play their own style and slow down the tempo: force Special Forces to play their game instead rather than get baited into the comfort of the enemy. The same way Squidcom managed to surprise the golden team with their organized play, the young team led by a dangerous captain quickly were adapting after Jin gave a new set of commands following a view of the score and a status of the map which saw Special Forces nearing a knockout loss and no hope of controlling the tempo yet again based on how much enemy ink surrounds them. Shifting their priorities, no longer were Special Forces focused on being the attacker and instead, played with a different approach. As Jin's glare scans the nearby turf, he orders them to remember were the clams spawn, and do their utmost to gather more clams than Squidcom. Instead of an approach targeting an immediate scoring, Jin instead wanted his team to focus on gathering clams-neutral and enemy. If they could shut down Squidcom's pattern of a focused attack by rupturing their flow through a concentrated attack of their own, they could turn the game around and deal a major blow to the confidence of Squidcom and make the final game an easier bout. Prioritize a kill before a score, everyone disperses on their own to collect the neutral clams on their side while also steeling themselves for a possible encounter, the air around them evolving as they march onwards. For Sky who watches alongside her family, a cold sweat drops as she senses something different about the approach of Special Forces. Up until now, she's hidden her emotions watching the game and instead chosen to be as confident in her juniors as much as possible, choosing to believe in their strength and resolve rather than her own logic. But a glimpse of that golden glint that vanished like the wind as it submerged in the ink, Sky couldn't help but feel like something was wrong with the sudden change in the attitude of Special Forces. They were leading the series, and yet in a way it was Squidcom who had the momentum in the first game and now in the following game it was Squidcom once again taking control. So why was it that Special Forces didn't look so panicked? Why was it that instead of getting caught up in Squidcom's play, they were ditching the strategy that won them the first game and instead go a new route? Why was it that Jin's mentality was resembling what his brother's was in the winter? As she made the connection, her face turned pale. The memories of her defeat returning like a slap in the face as the pain she felt in her body that day with her face buried in snow returning tenfold. Was this the destiny that awaited her brother? Rendered useless in the stands, the thought of her brother suffering the same defeat-maybe worse, while she's forced to watch on, felt more agonizing than being the one in defeat. Even though she came to terms with the result that day and had no regrets about her decision, it was only now in this moment watching her dearest little brother-the one she loved beyond imagination-that she realized the consequences of her retirement.
Maya's maternal instincts kick in with a powerful shudder as she quickly turns her attention to Maya, who had glassy eyes as her hands reach to grab her bobble hat and pull it over her face, as though she was readying to hide herself from the results. "What's wrong?" Maya asked with concern look, only to have her eyes soften watching as her daughter struggled to watch the game nearly hiding her face under her hat.
"N-nothing…" Sky muttered, unable to process her thoughts into words. Such a genuine tone that released a fear for the unknown, Maya knew that this was the time for her to show up as a mother.
Without a second thought, Maya brings Sky in for a hug from the side and wraps her in warmth. It's an awkward moment for Sky, who found the warmth to leave a strange sensation as her nerves eased, instead feeling fuzzy in the head with dizziness as she heard a different tone from her mother as she whispered into her ears, "He's your brother, isn't he?" Sky's thoughts became clear as she looked up to her mother, who had a gentle touch on her forehead moving the hat from over her eyes to expose her brows and forehead; "I haven't been around long enough, but as a mother I can tell you've spent an incredible amount of love raising him to become the strong fighter he is. Take pride in watching him fight through these trials."
Even if she didn't want to admit it, Sky couldn't deny that there was no better feeling than being held by her mother. The touch she always yearned for in those dark days at the orphanage where she preferred death than the suffering, it almost seemed to disappear as her mother held her, the wavelength they shared connected through their hearts as Maya's soul spoke to her soul and simply whispered, "I understand."
On the turf, the battle rages on as Special Forces and Squidcom clash yet again. This time taking place nearby Squidcom's goal, what led to this encounter started with Azule and Reice returning to the barrier guarded by Violet, only to have the eagle eyed sniper inform them of the movement of Special Forces as their splitting set off a flag in her mind that perhaps they were up to something. Alarmed by the sudden change in Special Forces' pace, Azule issued a new command as he thought ahead to what might be up, instead thinking that perhaps the goal of Jin was to flank from a weak spot of Violet's view and attack her when they least expected. His guard placed highly on Violet, who had managed to be a gatekeeper of sorts to the entrance of their defenses as solo threat, Azule decided to rearrange the composition and instead places Reice with Violet in a swap with Jory for mobility. A new setup in place, Azule and Jory sprint and dive to the left in pursuit of the scattered Special Forces players while Reice takes a few steps away from Violet to go on guard of the barrier, surveying the area picking up any stray clams to prevent the enemy from swiping them and creating a power clam at the last moment. At the same time, Special Forces were going well as Jin had 8 clams, 18 had 6, 12 had 3, and Kary already had a power clam. Now that they were in position for scoring, the next step was to find enemy players and take them down-the goal of attacking the barrier when half the field remained serving as their strategy. The focus turns to Kary, who had the power clam and essentially the most important player Squidcom had to intercept at all costs. As she does an end around turn spotting movement in Squidcom's trail of ink, she gets jammed in a pincer attack to the surprise of Jory emerging first to initiate the attack; Kary freezes for a second as her priority is protecting the power clam. Just then, she's met by 18 and 12, who although said nothing had made it clear that they'll cover for her should she get caught in a pinch. Azule notices what Special Forces are up to with their reinforcements and joins the fray to assist Jory. If they could eliminate the trio here and drop the power clam, it'll force pressure on Jin to hastily make a power clam and fall into their hands should he try to score. A thought so far into the future, Azule doesn't lose a second to hesitation as he darts past Jory and rolls through the shots of Special Forces. The trio watch the blue body body roll from left to right effortlessly avoiding their aim and get caught in a tough spot as he emerges and fires away at them. His target is none other than Kary and her power clam.
"This is taking longer than I thought…" Jin mumbled peeking behind the corner in his ink only to retreat once again as Reice chases him away from the barrier; he had enough for a power clam but by no means could he bite the bullet with a pair of bodies in the vicinity-at most he had to take down one, but even that would be difficult given the matchup. A roller and a sniper. Of all the people I had to get pegged with… he wondered why the others hadn't met up like planned since their goal was to at least break the barrier. "They didn't go and get themselve-"
"FOUND YOU!" Reice yelled crashing from above with a menacing grin; Jin's eyes dilate as he dodges, his body's sensitivity rising tremendously from the spooked nerves. Even if it was by the skin of his teeth, he couldn't deny that the concealment Reice used was impressive. "You've been poking around here too much to the point that you got a power clam! Can't have that." Reice teased, looking over to Violet who was already in position to fire.
Jin looks up and spots her, "Uh oh-"
Violet fires a thunderous shot and grazes the leg of Jin, who once again makes an escape, but gets denied mobility thanks to Reice timing his flick in sync with Violet. A double dose of enemy ink, Jin can't escape with the power clam and he's forced to make a decision right then whether to super jump to his teammates or stick around and fight these two. It's irritating to think that him of all people would run away from a fight, but at this point it was clear to him that fighting Squidcom in a situation like this wasn't ideal. A rain of sweat pouring to his hands, Jin tightens his grip and clenches his teeth as though to hold back the anger he wanted to express. That confident look on Reice's face, the cold eyes of Violet as she prepared to aim again-reading her lips that said "I won't miss this time." he prepared to super jump when the notification hit that a barrier had been hit.
"Special Forces are on the board! A direct hit from Kary covered in Squidcom's ink sends this game back into play! Can Jin pile on the opportunity?" the commentator shouted with energy to the roaring cheers of the Special Forces supporters who were getting behind the hype of a comeback.
Somehow surviving the confrontation with Azule and Jory, Kary brought the game back to within a single possession, the addition of Jin likely enough to possibly overtake Squidcom. Even though he was relieved to see Kary alive and well enough to launch an attack, the absence of the other two made it clear to Jin that there were some sacrifices involved that led to this opportunity. Regardless of the pinch he's in, he can't let their efforts be wasted and in doing so, he gathers enough strength to push back against the duo. He lines up Reice and times the release of Reice's attack to Violet's-like he's reading their movements ahead of time through foresight. There's no turning back. No backing down. The next move he makes will greatly influence the outcome of this game. Like a dash of glittering gold fluttering through the breeze, Jin's gone. A vanishing move to escape the clutches of Reice and Violet's radar, Jin reappears and launches his power clam to add more points and bring the game back to a competition. Unfortunately, they couldn't extend time now that the time extension limit had been reached thanks to a couple clams Kary threw in after splatting Azule. After two power clams and a couple clams, the score was much closer as Special Forces took the lead, 46-43. The barrier returns and thus, Special Forces can be satisfied with their efforts as Reice and Violet eliminate the pair. The reaction from the crowds were ecstatic on the golden side and worrisome for the other as the game that was slowly becoming an indicator of a competitive series had within a single possession returned to Special Forces assuming complete control once again. From Sally's point of view, it's a little concerning, but she's not panicking just yet since she knows that it's at times like this that she can rely on her captain to cover for them. She knew better than anyone that the person who was most frustrated about that defeat in the first rank wars wasn't her teammates that competed, nor was it her, but Azule, who couldn't even get to fight side by side with them, nearly robbed his memories. She watched him fight to earn redemption by his display in the second rank wars and how much growth he underwent leading up to then, and now, when it counts the most, the moment he'd been waiting for was just on the horizon. If there's anyone who can defy expectations, it was him. In the audience, the whispers in the crowd grew as people gave their input on how the game is proceeding, much to the dismay of Maya and Sky, who felt like their boy Azule was being critiqued too harshly for his blunder in the pivotal moment where Special Forces took the lead; Julian had to calm them down once their vicious aura started leaking into the public and scared a few of the spectators nearby.
"Not much has happened since that move pulled by the kid from Special Forces. I'm a little entertained by watching how close Jin was from crumbling again." Siot joked while putting aside a tray of drinks to watch the game; he nudges a boy on the back who has his focused gaze glued to the monitor deciphering the game. "What's wrong? You're way too into this. Come join us!"
The boy shakes his head, "Ever since you went over there to pick a fight with him, I've become interested. This Royale guy you always rave on and on about. He's a little underwhelming for someone that caught your eye."
Siot's joyful expression soon transitioned to a disgusted one, "You're questioning my judgment?"
The boy smirks, "You might be our captain and the face of this team, but aside from coach and some select others on the roster, I'm the true heart of this team. The main cannon of Crystal Coast, It's me who has control. After your exit this year, I can finally take the reigns. Although, I'd like to snatch away your spot this year."
Siot's frown is paired with a fierce glare as a gleam covers part of his irises, his hands clenched ready to punch his successor in the mouth. But before he could let his emotions get the best of him, he forces a smile. "Come on now, I went through all the effort to host this party and here you are stinking up the place with your childish remarks. Honestly, I wish you'd grow up for once."
The two exchange vicious glares at one another when they get interrupted by someone calling their name from outside, "Siot, Arian! We're about to start! Come on!"
They put aside their differences for the moment to go rejoin their group that awaits them outside, leaving the game on the tv. With more time passing by, the score underwent some changes as now Special Forces were up 72-43 thanks to another barrier burst but at the hands of Jin and the extra clams thrown by 18 and 12. Throughout the contest, Squidcom seemed to be lacking a decent opportunity to answer back after giving up the lead. Azule refused to access midnight on the account of energy conservation, which proved problematic as Jin and his squad easily read his moves and eliminated him so frequently he was nearly irrelevant for the game. Jory became a non existent factor as well since he could neither gather enough clams in time to create a power clam. Reice and Violet were the brightest side of the game so far as they switched between defensive and offensive approaches to alleviate the strain on Azule and Jory, but unfortunately carrying such a load also compromised their quality on defense, which left them on their heels when Special Forces carried out a misdirection play that allowed Jin to slip behind them and score unnoticed. There's still time left in the game but time isn't on Squidcom's side at this rate. The concern grows for Squid Academy as the fans are starting to become less vocal as they shrink under the pressure of the elevated noise from Special Forces. In the current situation, Azule and Reice are respawning after having been splatted by 18 and Jin just moments prior, and right now Jory and Violet are isolated in separate battles with their barrier wide open. If they wanted to survive and have a chance for a comeback, they needed to score immediately and bring it to within a single possession before it's too late. For Special Forces, they're in a solid spot with 18 and 12 handling Jory and Violet in separate areas away from the barrier while Jin and Kary gather up enough clams to form a power clam in an attempt to hopefully end the game in a knockout. So far the plan has worked for Jin and his squad, who saw that turnaround score earlier on bolster their confidence tenfold and allow them to think clearer after accumulating so much haze from the attacks of Squidcom. Right now, they had enough power clams and a few spares from 18 and 12 to end the game, but the problem as usual laid with how to avoid choking in such a scenario. Though Squidcom weren't as sharp as they were earlier in the game, they always tend to heighten their ability whenever the situation looks dire and thwart any of Special Forces' attacks. THe one time they were caught slipping was when they devoted all efforts to a defensive battle hoping to draw out overtime, which finally gave in as the golden spear proved to sharp and pierced the shield of the pink and blue.
"Time is limited and based on the map here it looks like they're on their way for the barrier. There's two power clams nearing there and our team is scattered. So, here's what we'll do…" Azule said whispering the rest to Reice before darting off in another direction while Reice takes to the barrier.
Reice shakes his head as he headed for the barrier, "Honestly, how gutsy can you get at this time in a game?"
Whatever it takes… Azule responded in his head with glowing eyes as his features sharpened. Two enemies approaching with power clams.
It was at this moment that Squidcom felt the chill in the air-the same that was visible at the end of the clash with Beacon Hills-that only meant one thing had occurred: Azule brought out midnight. Maya's gave a bewildered look as if she sensed a great disturbance, and she wasn't the only one as Sky too wore a similar bewildered expression. Julian had a few droplets of sweat forming as he felt the chilling uncertainty clouding over his son, and Lime and Verde too could also sense something was wrong. While everyone else cheered at the top of their lungs finally getting to see one of the wonders of the tournament finally revealed yet again, they all arrived at a terrible conclusion. In only a matter of seconds, both power clams drop to the floor as only Azule remains unscathed, he looks above to see the two streaks of ink flying towards Reice's coordinates. Like planned, they were able to control the damage but it was unknown if they could survive another hit like that. As he drops to one knew to catch his breath, Azule felt something pierce his chest every time he breathed. Even if he managed to stop them, not all threats were eliminated for him to let his guard down, but based on the amount of distance between him and the numbers, he estimated that he had enough time to recover and turn the game around. Violet and Jory return to Reice, who gives them the orders Azule wanted to relay to them once he'd given the signal.
"What!?"
"What do you mean he wants us here on defense? We need to create a chance to score too!"
"Not to mention he'll need someone to back him up if he's going through with this."
Reice holds up his hands with a serious look-one that rattles Jory a little and reminds Violet that even he was capable of being imposing, "Our captain gave his orders, and we'll follow them. If you have any objections, then too bad. We all decided to place our trust in his guidance no matter what."
The two keep silent and instead carry out their orders: to defend the barrier at all costs. With Reice patrolling one side of the map keeping it in his side's colors and Jory on the other doing the same all while Violet returns to being a sentry on the lookout for danger, Azule can be at ease as he finally gets to unleash the same energy he stored up for Gin and Beacon Hills in the previous round. On the other side, Jin and his squad could sense the serious blood lust surrounding the lone inkling, who so stubbornly marched forward with a few clams of his own he collected on the way prepared to battle an entire team by himself. For the two who just returned from collecting clams of their own looking to regroup with the spawning teammates, the sight of Azule proudly wielding his dualies with a menacing look was enough to remind them what type of team they're facing. In the same way they're fighting for their reasons, Azule must be fighting for something of his own. But what was it? Through the eyes of 18 and 12, and later Kary, what was it that pushed Azule so far over the edge? To make him push his body into a state that no normal inkling could handle? Though they'd love nothing more than to swarm him and take those clams from him, the fear of what he might do left a sudden terror that they never experienced, leaving their body in a tremor as he neared.
"Using such a cursed form this late into the game can only mean you've run out of options. Do you plan on dying here with that poor heart of yours?" Jin taunted with a serious tone, a mixture of disappointment at Azule's buffoonery and willingness to throw caution to the wind for the sake of a mere game when his health is on the line. "Anyone with good eyes can see your body can only handle so much, and yet here you are looking to fight all of us by yourself. Honestly, I don't know whether to be impressed or amused."
"I've endured plenty of hardships on my journey here. I watched my sister break down as her body failed her. I watched my school nearly have their hope shattered to smithereens, only to repair it through the efforts of my team's resolve. You're nothing more than just a roadblock in the way. So move." Azule said with no emotion, the radiant glow in his irises marked with pupils filled with ferocity as he looked one step closer to a monster than just a mere inkling.
Jin raises his chin narrowing his gaze, "Then have at it."
What started out as a game soon became war as Azule threw the first hit by going after Jin; expecting as much, Jin was already one step ahead and took the measures to bait him in while the rest of Special Forces scatters to make their escape and attack Squidcom's barrier. Azule knew this would happen and quickly backtracked by splatting a pair with his burst bombs before finishing them with a kill and then rolling over to the next and taking them down in less than a trio of shots, all before refilling his ink before an unfazed Jin who hadn't even had a chance to react. Unparalleled speed accompanied by a great weapon, Jin realized after that display it'd be far tougher to simply escape Azule's presence. But what of it? If his goal was to simply contain them, it was pointless since they had the lead. Jin thought these efforts were foolish unless he had a grand scheme, but what was he up to? He went after them by himself all powered up as if he was about single handedly change the game by himself and cast his team aside. This selfish style of play would only hurt him, so why do it? As he and his teammates continue to prove Azule wrong by escaping his vicinity they each meet the same end as before, and each time they do so, Azule gains clams scattered nearby before returning to the same spot as they respawn. Some people were amazed at his speed while others were outraged by the unrealistic buff with everyone thinking and saying the same thing: No normal inkling could perform how he did. The Royale family were still silent, but now all of their faces darkened as they anticipate what comes next. For Sally, she finished her tasks a moment prior so she could soak in everything on the monitor, and she was glad she did based on the awesome coverage Azule was getting because of his Midnight ability.
"At the stroke of Midnight, he becomes invincible. That's what Midnight mode is all about." She chuckled with relief, knowing there's no way Azule would lose in Midnight mode.
Floating behind Azule is a power clam as he glares at the beaten Special Forces players who are stuck having to defend their barrier against the likes of Azule, "It's time to end this." he said with conviction, staring down everyone.
"It doesn't matter how many times you contain us. It's impossible for you to turn this game around this late all by yourself. You may have managed to keep up here, but you can create of firepower to break the barrier and collect enough clams in time to turn the game around, so...what will you do?" Jin mocked, looking to remind Azule how futile it is to keep up the act of bravery.
Azule relaxes as his eyes return to the soft blue instead of the sharp glow, "I know." he said confidently with a beaming innocent smile.
Three circles lock onto him as drop shadows loom. Jin and his squad realize what's going as streaks of ink soar through the sky on their way to the point, but by then it's too late. Of course he would plan for this since time is nearing expiration. Either in regular time or overtime, he was prepared for everything as he brought the house down with one last trick up his sleeve: a swarm of inklings with power clams and clams of their own. With so much happening in so little time, Special Forces have no way to mount a proper defense as Squidcom unloads everything from their specials to the power clams to break the barrier, splatting the team during the chaos and reloading in time to fire once more after the barrier returned. An ending unforeseen by anyone, Squidcom took game 2 by knockout with Azule bringing out Midnight to survive the challenge of Special Forces. A thunderous response from everyone, no one could've imagined this outcome even if it was set up right under their noses. Azule brought out his trump card to stall Special Forces for as long as possible while his team gathers up everything necessary for an attack and more, risking his health and morale of the team by choosing to fight alone. But was the payoff massive! A tremendous blow to the psyche of Special Forces, Azule succeeded in getting in their head. As he high fives his teammates who were worried that the plan might've failed, Special Forces are left reeling. A chance to catch their breath, Fuchsia and Kosami as well as the rest of Squid Academy's vocal supporters, felt like they could breathe again after holding their breath throughout the match. It would've been very dangerous if Squidcom fell down a couple games since Special Forces were looking very strong after the first game, but thanks to a wonderful team rally by Squidcom, they managed to tie the series instead! Now, not only was this series a fighting chance but Squidcom could also take advantage and win the next game to put all the pressure on Special Forces; as it is, they're still the underdogs that no one is seriously considering to win, but would love to see the narrative of a surprise team upsetting a couple of the best teams in the tournament on their way to facing the final boss like it was a video game. After losing such a contest, Special Forces were once again reminded of their reality: Aside from Jin, this team was a group of inexperienced players similar to Squidcom. Kary was a talented player but by no means did she hold a candle to her seniors who chose to skip participating in preference of nationals, and for the siblings who were known by their numbers, they had much to learn as young first years. Kary's face is wrinkled with sweat pouring and steam arising from her head, her hands clenched as she exhales furiously. It's a nightmare scenario that's developing before her eyes, one she wanted to avoid at all costs after learning what will be on the line. As she looks over to 18 and 12, who are both slowly showing their nerves after failure to grab the security blanket victory, she knew that things might turn out worse if they get it together in time for the start of the third match. Replaying in her mind like a reel, Kary couldn't forget the day she eavesdropped along with her teammates listening in on the conditions set…
What was a sunny day filled with nothing but the normal regimen for the students training at Special Forces would soon become unforgettable. Unfortunately for the young squad who got eliminated in the semis of the winter tournament, the talk of the campus was of Jin's status as captain after his performance in the winter and of what punishment was to be given. Prior to this day, the trio pleaded to their coach and upperclassmen to spare Jin or give him a light punishment, taking responsibility for being unable to play to a standard that didn't force him into such a predicament. However, they were denied as the coach explained that Jin's actions were deeper than their lackluster performance. As the trio were set to focusing on team training with the rest of their seniors on the squad, they overheard the gossip spreading about the potential punishments awaiting their captain. From the consideration of suspension and stripping of his role as team captain to the very severe possibility of expulsion, Kary, 18, and 12 all had sinking hearts at the thought of something happening to Jin. They knew he regretted his actions that day and more than anything would like to make up for it, and yet the rest of the team wouldn't hear them out. As the trio do a set of laps around the indoor oval track trying their best to maintain speed with their seniors who were further ahead, Kary spots Jin working out in the infield alone with headphones in. As she looks over with bewilderment at her gentle faced captain and his focused gaze on the objective ahead, she couldn't help but think that the accident she witnessed from him was nothing more than an oddity-a lapse in judgment. She believed that he deserved a second chance. Noticing that he's being watched, Jin's head jerks in the direction of the running team and quickly he notices the sprinting Kary gazing at him. With a wave of the hand, he flashes a smile before returning to the focused expression he had previously. That was enough for Kary to know that he was accepting of the situation and of what would become of him. Later that day during practice, Kary noticed that Jin was called to the side by the coach and then accompanied by one of the head scouts who escorted him out of the gym. Whispers filled the place as other teammates and underclassmen gossiped about the possibility that Jin was receiving an official judgment from the athletic director with a possible suspension in mind. A flow of fear courses through Kary's veins as her skin runs cold, staggering a bit as flashbacks of her first games with Jin resurface. Even if it wasn't anything special that she could recall, the giddy feeling she had that day playing alongside an iconic person who also was a genuine person left such an impression that she couldn't help but cherish that memory as a building block of her of her career with the team. And now, he's on the verge of disappearing for good. Tugged at the sleeve by 12, she comes back to reality, then accompanied by 18, who proposes that they follow the pair and skip the training; if they get in trouble, it'd be for the sake of their captain.
"Ri-I mean, Twenty Four, said she'll cover for us so we're good to go." 18 said motioning to the smiling inkling wearing a white and gold sweatshirt with matching pants and a stylish bandana hiding her bronze hair; nicknamed number 24, she was the older cousin of the siblings dubbed as the numbers also known as the Karot brothers, she was one of the senior leaders on the team waiting to play at Nationals and regarded by many as the big sister of the team.
Kary smiled and waved back and made a thankful gesture, "She's so kind." she said returning to 18 and 12, who looked embarrassed having to get help from her.
After managing to sneak away thanks to the efforts of 24, they were able to tail the pair unnoticed due to the careful suggestion by Kary to stay about two hall lengths away from them, only managing to get a glimpse of the pair and their indistinguishable conversation only for a half second before they disappear around corners. Making it all the way to the director's office, they wait until the scout and Jin enter the office to finally close in on the door and place an ear to listen. From how it sounded, only three people were in the room: Jin, the scout that accompanied him, and the athletic director that called him in. After the pair arrived, they immediately got to business once the director requested Jin take a seat while the scout moves to the wall to take audience, all unaware that there were more people than expected who were witnessing this meeting. The director addresses the results of the winter tournament and of his faulty actions in their defeat to Squid Academy's Elites, highlighting the damages that followed on Special Forces and their brand. The public outcry that came as a response led to the image of Special Forces taking a massive blow with their reputation tarnished singlehandedly because of Jin, and to make matters worse, it was Jin's brother Gin who won the tournament instead-a bitter rival!
"I'm ashamed." Jin solemnly pledged while maintaining eye contact with the stern director; "My actions were disgraceful and brought embarrassment to this institution. I understand that it is only right that I relinquish my title as team captain and accept my suspension."
For Kary, 18, and 12, hearing this from Jin was unreal. Never before had his tone ever been so apologetic and rueful, but this was only the beginning of the shock they'd absorb as the conversation continued to surprise them.
"Yes, My intentions are to do exactly that: Strip you of your status and kick you off the team entirely. You have no business wearing our prestigious golden uniforms with that behavior of yours." the direction responded sternly as his tone slowly grew louder with spite, venom hiding behind those words as his eyes reddened with rage.
Jin closes his eyes and nods painfully, "Yes, sir." he grimaced.
The director leans back in his chair and exhales through his nostrils looking over at the scout before looking up at the ceiling as if asking for divine protection from what he'd do to Jin if it wasn't for him being such a powerful asset. Sitting forward and keeping his gaze on Jin he gives an irritated sigh, "With that said, I must take careful consideration of what the damage will be to the team's morale if I were to strike you down in the place you sit. Whether I like it or not, you are the face of this team and have been for the past couple of years. So, with that in mind..." he teases closing one eye and raising his chin proceeding to place his arms on the armrest of his chair, "I believe a trial of worth will be necessary." Quiet for a moment, the air between them is nothing but confusion as even the scout witnessing everything was lost on what the director was planning. On the outside listening in, the trio were befuddled by the director's hints as none of them had the strangest idea what he meant by a trial. At first, they wondered if he meant a trial involving him having to perform some sort of challenge in order to keep his position or maybe something else that involved the judgment of the collective team and coaching staff. Either way, they kept quiet as they awaited the director's clarification. "A trial of worth."
"-So that means…?"
"It means that your punishment will be this trial: You will continue being the team captain and will take the same roster you had in the winter tournament and grow them through the trials before the spring invitationals. At the tournament, I expect you to make it to the finals and secure our placement for a higher ranking in preparation for the Summer. Failure to do so will result in your suspension from all activities regarding the national tournament. This means you will miss the entire tournament and sit out on all competitions afterwards."
Jin's mouth dropped. Kary's eyebrows trembled. 18 and 12 had blank expressions but both whisper under their breath if it was true. Jin is a third year, which means his days are numbered as a member of the team's roster. Under normal circumstances, the summer nationals and grand slams were the last chance to put on the team jersey and represent his school. To rob him of that opportunity if he failed in the spring...
"I-I understand…" Jin struggled with a whimper, trying his hardest to keep his composure after realizing what the director insinuated.
"Failure to reach the finals in the spring will result in your immediate suspension. You will be retired from all competitions and banned from ever showing your face on campus." the director clarified with narrowing eyes.
Jin nodded once again, "I understand. I'll make it to the finals."
"Victory would be preferable, but I at least want an appearance in the finals."
That's right...Jin's fighting for his right to play on. If we fail here, he can't go to Nationals! Kary sat up, the fatigue from before vanishing as she returns from her memory; she looks over to her teammates, wondering what they must be thinking at this moment as well, noticing that 18 and 12 both wearing the same determined look as her. Setting her sights to her captain, who is taking a knee catching his breath while reviewing the strategy laid out earlier.
"We'll get this done, captain. So, leave it to us." the trio in unison stated with conviction, managing to bring a smile to his face as he rose and patted them all on the head. Even if this would potentially be his final appearance in a Special Forces uniform, it was reassuring to see that even when the world was against him, when even his own comrades abandoned him, at least he had a loyal trio of subordinates.
With time passing by, the third game arrived in no time. A return to Rellan Park, the series resumed with greater intensity than what was displayed in the previous couple of matches with both sides viewing the critical game as the crucial turning point of the series, their mindset under the notion of whoever won this game likely had the series. Since it'd only take one game to end the series, and with the way both sides were playing, it was fair to assume either have a great chance at closing the series strongly. The story of the first half was of the strong start Squidcom showcased through the efforts of Jory, who took over for the fatigued Azule until he was able to catch himself. A riveting rainmaker battle that mostly saw Squidcom making the little moves to grow a lead, it was after the desperate move by Kary to seize the rainmaker that the game made yet another drastic turn. A newfound thorn in the side of Squidcom during this series, Kary once again became the catalyst for Special Forces as she took possession of the golden weapon being chased by the only remaining member of Squidcom to survive the skirmish. Her shots shook the ground like an earthquake as she just narrowly missed Kary once again.
"Th-this is crazy!" Kary shouted in a panic as Violet tailed her; "Why are her shots like thunder strikes!?"
Ended by a merciless splat, Violet's elimination of Kary was just another example of the story of this game as possession changed by the minute. The game went back and forth with Special Forces steadily catching up to Squidcom thanks to the continued efforts of Kary and 12, who were on rainmaker duty most of the time. In the stands, the energetic crowds of both teams are reaching an all time high as the current possession looks to be promising after a surprise splat by 18 takes down Reice and severely damages Jory. What led to this moment started with Azule leading the trio for the fallen rainmaker after Violet got taken out by Jin and 12 who got revenge after she took down Kary. Eliminating her by applying pressure in a close quartered battle, Special Forces went on the rebound and took the rainmaker, then marching forward and successfully defeating the counterattack of Squidcom. Special Forces were on the rally. Azule has something to say about it as he recovers from his near death encounter that saw his teammates get flattened by the enemy attack and brings out midnight once again to even the fight. Though not carrying the intensity as seen in the previous game, his presence was enough to instill fear in everyone on the opposing side except from Jin, who couldn't help but give a smirk watching the efforts of Azule come to fruition. Even though he failed to defeat Sky, he dealt enough damage to the point that her retirement was partially his doing, or at least that's what he thought. Able to find closure in her departure, he saw the emergence of Azule more like a shadow of what Sky was, and in this, he knew no fear of the first year inkling. Cracking a menacing smile, Jin brought the same intensity shown in the winter-catching Azule off guard as he's surprised by the sudden switch in attitude by Jin. Like a heavy punch to the gut, Jin meets Azule head-on and forces the young captain to rethink his approach. From the glare in Jin's eyes, Azule could read that he had no intention of entertaining him in a solo battle, and instead looked as though he prioritized the objective instead-much like Gin would. Without a moment's hesitation, Jin's in Azule's face and that forces Azule to backtrack as Jin applies pressure; Special Forces make their move at this moment and breeze by Azule with trust that their captain won't fail them. Azule's frozen as Jin towers over him like superior with ravenous eyes of a bird about to grab a worm.
"We'll settle this in the next round, Royale." Jin said with condescending eyes as he brushed past Azule to aid his teammates to the goal; Azule had no clue why Jin spared him rather than take him out there, but quickly realized the plan Jin was up to. If he got sent back to spawn, he could group up with his team and plot a counterattack, but with him isolated at such a distance, the risk of grouping up in the middle of the turf would prove risky, hence why he rather keep Azule in isolation and at the heart of the battle than give the opportunity for his team to regroup and come back stronger. Convinced that this was Jin's strategy, Azule feels a cold sweat fall down the side of his face as he played out the different scenarios that could occur, forced to simply chase after them and stall for as long as possible.
Not here, and not now! Azule shouts in his mind, as Jin's words sink into his thoughts while he gives chase, understanding what the golden inkling meant. He plans on ending this in four games, so that means we have to stop them here and take the next game. If we don't… Azule didn't even want to imagine what would happen should he fail. Prepared to risk it all, Azule marches forward.
