Today is the third official day in the tournament and plenty of headlines are swirling now that the tournament is officially underway with all teams completing their first games. The Emperors, Hugh-Napri, and the rest of the top teams had strong opening starts to the campaign and left a great impression on how the rest of the tournament will shape out with some big performances from Siot, Carmichael, and Romaine alike. Kippy of Kalebrough and C.C. of the Bluerings were also the talk of the tournament thus far as the hottest names, dozens of scouts and fans alike digging up their profiles to learn as much about pair who were likely to turn the tournament upside down. Coverage is in full swing for the day as anchors, commentators, analysts, and pundits alike all pinpoint the key matches for the day while also reviewing yesterday's matches. There was some lengthy discussion on the ranked teams of the tournament that didn't captivate the audience like the aforementioned teams but still showed a strong performance in their opening game, and there was plenty of talk to be had about the group of death that saw a pair of ranked battles and one surprising match the nobody expected to outshine the highly anticipated matches within the same group. The key theme regarding Squid Academy's performance that they are a team with room to grow and they must take the lessons learned in their defeat and buckle up for their next game. One polite analyst highlighted that he saw some potential with their squad and enjoyed watching them play with ferocity but made it a keen point that they need to play with that fire to the end, criticizing them for practically giving up at the end of the match. His bold and brash colleague had no intentions of giving them praise, instead ripping them to shreds for their performance late in the game and already counting them out of the group. All in all, they both agreed with the moderator that Squid Academy dropped the ball on the this defeat to Towson Senior and it would likely have repercussions as they continue their group campaign.
"Damn, these people are ruthless. I understand what they mean, but give us a break-it was our first ever match!" Reice said in a dejected tone, his head lowered and body sinking into the sofa while holding a glass of iced tea in hand; outside is so hot that despite the refreshment, he's still parched and sweating much like the glass that drips onto his pants.
"It can't be helped, man. We knew that coming into the tournament it wouldn't be easy and we were likely going to sustain damage from some losses." Jory sighed, wiping the trickling beads of sweat off his forehead; "We'll just have to turn it around in the next game, even if it'll be against that team. Put this loss behind us and on to the next-easier said than done, yes, but we still have to do it." he said fanning himself with wandering eyes at his surroundings, doing everything in his power to avoid looking at his low-spirited friend.
Together in the lounge area just behind the lobby, several television monitors display the news of today's game and serve as a bitter reminder for the pair as they review the highlights of yesterday's matches and watch the previews of the matches for the day. A swirl of noise enveloping the room, the pair had trouble concentrating on just one thing. The television running in the background loud enough to be detected but still too indistinct to be listened to, then there is the sound of employees organizing the tableware and holding light conversation to pass the time by. Over in the kitchen beyond the pair of doors, they can hear the chefs preparing meals along some of the whirring machines that'll be in use for the entire day. The bell continues to ding from guests entering and exiting the elevator, and then on the opposite side of the building could the splashes from the pool be heard, along with the clinging glass of drinks held by patrons lounging out by the poolside enjoying the rays of the sun; Reice envied them, finding the piling stress is sapping away at his energy, only able to stir the ice his drink and wear a gloomy attitude. Nearby the pair but sitting alone close to the television monitor with their attention on the news is Violet wearing a focused look with the light from the TV reflecting in her glasses. On her lap rests a notebook that already has several bullet points jotted down with detailed notes from her observation of the other teams playing last night and her thoughts of watching her own highlights for the first time. Upset over her defeat against Towson Senior, she thought the best thing for her to do during her day off was stay behind and do some reflection. She found it strange that despite the exhausting venture she underwent that put a strain on her mentally, her body felt energized and her mind in a rare state of tranquility.
Something isn't right about that. I was so tired yesterday, so why does it feel like I'm brimming with energy today?
"That's because all those worries about the first game have been lifted off your shoulders." A hand rests a cup of coffee next to her with another flicking her behind the ear.
"Pearl?" she jumped, spooked by her senior who took a seat beside her; "You scared me there!"
"Yo." she greets in a casual tone doing a two finger salute; "Taking notes?"
Violet looked at her notebook with a melancholy smile, "Yeah...I want to know what I did wrong in that match. For so long I felt confident in my ability with a charger, but now I'm not so sure anymore. I played to the best of my ability and that clearly wasn't enough to get us over the hump."
Pearl's eyes scan the notes quickly and then dart to the monitor before Violet can notice, clutching the handle of the mug as she memorized what was written, "Don't blame yourself for this defeat, alright? This kind of result was to be expected given our circumstances as a fresh team experiencing this tournament for the first time. We have rusty third years and our entire roster is inexperienced when it comes to this competition, not to mention there are some restrictions in place and we aren't the best in team chemistry either. It'll take a while get comfortable, but I think we have the aptitude to pull it off-just need that little push to give our mentality a positive outlook."
"You're pretty calm about this, so I guess that's reassuring." Violet said flashing a tiny smile with a laugh, glad to see someone she respects so highly show care for her and her trivial feelings.
"I've been around, you know? I haven't competed at Natty's or anything like that. But those tournaments where we went up against the big four of Inkopolis were something else, the likes of Jin and Special Forces, Gin and Beacon Hills, Princess Magenta and Octo Valley, and Carbon and Squidops. I felt the same way whenever we played against those opponents, my body felt heavy like lead and my mind clustered from all the unnecessary thoughts crammed in there mixed in with my worries. I always got nervous before every big match thinking about the pressure on our shoulders and what the consequences were if we lost, but after that first time I realized it's only a natural feeling-nothing wrong having them, but it can't hinder you. There is always a day after tomorrow and time will continue to flow regardless of your feelings, so why should you be hung up and be stuck in the present when you can pick your head up and look forward?"
Violet nods with an appreciative look, "Only now am I understanding our predicament and now I know why our school was having trouble with getting to this event; everyone scouted us already and knew about us from the previous tournaments. Crazy to think they had plenty of time to decipher our styles and create countermeasures, on that same note we know little to nothing of them for comparison." she said with uneasiness, a little tense after noticing the explosiveness she had that made her such a pivotal piece going into this campaign was already exposed by her opponents and teams were already figuring out how to contain her; "After doing some thinking, I've realized that Towson Senior just needed to play to my weaknesses and go for my reloads, cooldowns, and blindspots. They effectively tracked down my movements and synced their attacks for situations where I'm more vulnerable than ever. I understand it's a team effort and my comrades share the blame but I can't help but feel responsible to some degree. When we defend, I'm the cement to Reice's brick wall. On the attack, I'm the thunder that quakes the turf to its core when the others are the lightning, and yet...Towson figured me out; if they can do it, I can only imagine what our tougher opponents have in store."
"Fair assessment, I admit." Pearl concedes making a face, "If they were able to save the hassle of fighting you head-on by neutralizing your presence, then what will our future look like when we go up against the scarier teams that'll make Towson look like a mercy pick. Look, I might be stuck on the sidelines for a bit, but that doesn't mean I can't help you out. Let's think of it like this…" She grabs the notebook and pen and flips to a fresh page and begins to doodle; "Obviously our success rides on how much you can contribute, and for starters, you need to read the turf. They all set up countermeasures to handle you since you're a charger user, and if they take you and lover boy on roller duty out of the mix, their lives become easier. They're willing to cut their losses if it meant they could deal with only the shooters. Follow me?"
"I-I'm following along...basically, I need to read them before they read me? I should know what to expect and adjust for that possible attack? Teams have a tendency to gather and flank a side when they are under pressure rather than continue in solo battles that can lead to pick-offs."
"Mm, and don't forget that you need to stick to your strengths! You're a damn good sniper, so remember the basics: Always be mobile, conceal your presence, and take the vantage point. When you start a match-wherever you are on the map, the first thing you need to do is focus on locating the vantage point and securing it for yourself without revealing it to the enemy side."
"Got it, and to throw them off, find several dud locations to work from as well."
"I knew I saw promise in you." Pearl winks elbowing her; "Yes, you need to account for that possibility. Also remember to be careful with your temperament on the turf, nothing wrong with showing some aggression, but don't get reckless-you're a charger. Learn to pull out and always take the high ground since it's harder for someone to aim higher with the same level of accuracy than on the ground where they can be lazy and just take away your footing and trap you."
"Right…" Violet said looking down at the doodles drawn, memorizing the directions drawn out in the mini-charts; Pearl couldn't help but beam watching how hard Violet was trying, happy to see her making such an effort and starting to understand how Aaron and Sky felt being seen as mentors to the younger years. After completing her memorization, Violet looked over to her and noticed how warmly she was staring at her, clearing her throat to bring her back to her senses.
They weren't the only pair from the team who were interested in today's games and reviewing yesterday's faults as also in the lobby watching everything in deep concentration are Todd and the Sealions along with Evelyn. Together since they shared a common interest, they analyze the matches and discuss a little of what occurred in the previous game. As for the others, they too are off on their own ventures for the day. Zaneki and the Rebels were back at Shamsa stadium this time as spectators for the Monarchs game, interested in seeing what all the fuss is about surrounding the team and their star captain who was called the "King of the Seas" by many. Fuchsia and her core staff of Kosami, Cobalt, and Tangie are over at a local cafe discussing the previous matches and highlighting what the focus should be for their match with Crystal Coast tomorrow. After a few minutes of analyzing the stats and data sheets from the match, Kosami notices a pattern after scanning the heat maps from their battle with Towson Senior; quick to follow-up is Tangie, who appeared far more serious now than she ever did about competition. From there Fuchsia took a peek and erupted with frustrated laughter, upset that she never saw this much sooner. Cobalt requested they make several adjustments for the upcoming game and invoke the usage of substitutes, finding it unfair for the core unit to battle through that type of punishment without a rest. Fuchsia understood where he was coming from but highlighted that once a player is subbed out for a round, they can't come back in until the next one and by then it might be an unfavorable move to make a switch. Substitutions were meant to be utilized in dire situations, and she had plenty of confidence in this squad to avoid using substitutes altogether for most of the games. What she did agree with is that the main squad will need to undergo some changes, but that shouldn't happen for this next game since it's not enough of a sample size to warrant change. Instead, she suggested they make major changes to the starting lineup after the third game in the schedule. Elsewhere undergoing training of their own are the Elites who have the company of their underclassmen Mason and Evelyn, who so desperately wanted to hop in the game last time and help out in the fight. Frustrated together for the different reasons, they all burnt off some steam and calmed their nerves to an exhilarating endurance run throughout the city followed by some light workouts in the gym room of the resort. Lastly, the remainder of the starting squad spent their day off resting in their rooms. Parker and Nelson made sure not to disturb Pastelle on orders from Taylor who was rooming with her, the order came after Taylor noticed Pastelle was running a low fever after over exerting herself, even hearing her talk in her sleep where she expressed his dissatisfaction with the result quite emphatically. As for Azule, he spent the day looking up at the ceiling of his room, his senses dulled by how sharply he focuses on the detail of white cover. Hit the hardest by the loss, he was so stunned by loss that he couldn't get himself out of bed, instead using this precious time to order his thoughts together and come up with a better plan for attacking his opponents. In his moments of solitude where he could hear himself think, locking himself in this room served as punishment and therapy at the same time.
"Squid Academy, huh? Hey Siot, that's the team with that crazy sniper you were crazy about, right?" Zaza, Crystal Coast's Number Ten spoke with a chuckle after hearing their name come up in the team discussion; the starters gathered together to have a free discussion before their game tomorrow.
Lulu looks over with vibrant eyes at her captain, "Wasn't that the girl you traveled all the way to Inkopolis to visit on that team? I heard she's the star of the team but can't play under certain circumstances."
Rikki gasps and then pouts while folding her arms, "Siot would never...!"
"I guess there's something that girl has that you don't!" Zaza laughs, finding it hilarious that despite the nature of his captain, he still couldn't take a hint.
"Shut it!" Rikki responds, her face red with humiliation.
Siot was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't even hear them, "All that matters is getting to the knockouts. Indeed I did want to go up against her one time, but that was months ago and I don't think she's got the same fire as then." he looks disappointed, wearing such a somber expression recalling the shine Sky carried when she was still active. She had radiance, a certain beam that couldn't be described. It was difficult to put his emotions into words, but watching her play when she was serious was like a work of art-her expressions full of life and her body moving with grace yet wild at the same time. She was like an untamed beast that had refinery, she stole the spotlight whenever her name got mentioned, the novelty of her unlikely ability paired with her personality such a bewitching moment for many of the players who considered her a rival. But that is gone, and all that remains is the diamond in the rough who was her little brother. "I doubt we'll get to face her since we're so early in the schedule for them and they will likely try to reserve her for later games. I understand their reasoning, but it somehow irritates me that they can think that way in such a competition. And then their captain-her little brother, I noticed something from that match in regards to him…"
"Before you continue, Siot-" Kailaloa interjects; "They lost their first game and their next three will be far more challenging, especially when it should be mentioned that if they lose four games they're out of the tournament with the way things are projected."
"Kaila's got a point. They might put her in sooner if they want to avoid getting bounced before putting up a fight. I mean, did you see that first match? They looked so promising up until that final game, maybe even the fifth? If they want to stand a chance, they better put her in."
"Not that simple, Zaza…" Siot sighed; "Their coach has something planned-that much I gather based on what she attempted in that first match, but there is still something else that bothers me."
"What is it? Also, what do you think of their captain? You mentioned that you noticed something about him?" Lulu asked with a curious face that gets the better of him as she pokes him on the cheek like a cat playing with their owner.
Siot thought about it with a cold gaze, "He is the thing that bothers me. He doesn't carry the same presence as his sister, but he has that same mysterious power up. I don't know whether he'll live up to the potential that his sister had, but I'm interested in facing him if he brings out that super form. Don't you find it strange that for six consecutive games, he didn't bring out that form at all?"
Rikki's smile fades as she noticed her captain was being serious about this, "Well, when you mention it...it is strange that he didn't bring out that form that proved beneficial in his spring tournament."
"Right? Something is up. Why would he refrain from using such a powerful tool in a game that could've been winnable? Was it arrogance? Perhaps. I think it may be something else, though. I believe that he reached a limit since then and has become cautious of when to use it. He probably feels like the only time he can use such a form is for opponents like us that seem like an impossible task to overcome."
After listening to his thoughts for the upcoming battle, the others fell silent until Arian broke the ice with a curious look to his captain, "I've been meaning to ask, but why do you put her on a pedestal-Sky Royale, I mean. She played for a school that couldn't even get to the tournament, but her brother found a way. If you ask me, it seems to me like she's riding his coattails and trying to maintain her status as the boogeyman but lacks the firepower of old. She's washed..."
"You don't understand." Siot said with a terrified laugh and empty irises as he remembered watching some of her games; "She was that terrifying of a player that it was sort of a blessing that she ended up there. If she played at a school like Beacon Hills or Special Forces, I'm sure we'd be calling them the champions instead."
"I mean, it makes sense." Lulu said returning to the conversation; "She was the only player to ever get ranked within the top ten without ever getting to the Nationals or the Grand Slams. Everyone thought it was her team holding her back and that if she went to any of the rival schools, she would've easily floored the competition, but she stuck with that same school for some reason."
"She might not have the same radiance as before, but she's a force to be reckoned with. This Squid Academy side we'll be facing I suspect are no joke, so don't go around and take them lightly like Towson Senior did. They barely escaped the pressure after underestimating them in the early rounds. Tomorrow, we'll come at them like they're one of us, got it?" His sights set on having a blazing match with Squid Academy, Siot and his Crystal Coast side have their own agenda to carry out. The final tournament for their captain, they wanted to deliver him the ever elusive title that always escaped his grasp no matter how hard he tried. Even if it meant crushing the potential of a fun talent in Azule or Squid Academy, he'd do whatever it takes to carry out his final wish before graduation.
"Right!" they respond, ready to put on a performance for tomorrow.
The next day nearby Alqamar stadium…
The hot grainy sands burying the feet of visitors, the crystal blue sea sparkling under the sunlight kissing the shore of Mutrah. The salty sea breeze is calm and its voice alluring as the waves in the distance subside the closer they reach the shore. A soothing period of rest for the usually active waters, the peaceful moment is drowned out by the growing noise of spectators occupying the nearby stadium out at the beachside; off to the distance laid a rocky cliffside that carries the opposite aura of Mutrah Beach is the Ramino Cliffside. Alqamar stadium is rocking thanks to the rowdy nature of their passionate supporters donning turquoise and gold beating the drums and singing their song, hopping and bopping in anticipation of another easy victory. The atmosphere isn't dominated by them however, as the fans of Squid Academy raise their voice in response led by a blonde inkling whose voice carries across the stadium while a flag waves behind her. Down below on the turf, the two teams are out in their colors and at spawn awaiting the start of the match. In one corner, a team of six don shiny golden jerseys with trims of turquoise and red, their hair also matching the cool color that puts the "crystal" in Crystal coast; their starting six consists of Zaza, Kailaloa, Lulu, Rikki, Arian, and their captain Siot-not only did they have a solid starting team with players who were all ranked within the top 50 best players, but they also had some amazing talent coming off the bench in Arihi, Leila and Tiki. Their opposition wear salmon pink uniforms this time, an inverse of the colors they wore in their previous game; despite opening their campaign in stinging defeat, Jory, Reice, Violet, Todd, Pastelle, and Azule once again have their numbers called as the starters for the Squid Academy side with something to prove after their humiliating debut.
"D'awww! They look so cute in those uniforms!" Tangie chirped with a look of accomplishment, holding her cheek like a mother fawning over her children wearing something she picked out at the mall.
Cobalt tiredly looks over to her, "Uh, why are you reacting like that? It's just-"
"No offense, darling, but you have no fashion sense. Honestly, how can you be so cool and be terrible at that?"
"What? What does this have to do with uniforms?" Cobalt scoffs, unsure if to be offended or worried that he just got grilled that easily-looking over at Fuchsia and Kosami and seeing the pair do their best to contain their laughter.
"Can't take a hint? It means you wouldn't understand the first thing about my feelings when it comes to effort put into making those uniforms. To you, it might seem like articles of clothing, but to me, it's a testament to our bonds as a team and a connection to our community." flashing a soft smile, she looks over to Kosami and gives her a pat on the back; "I owe it all to you, as well. If it wasn't for your help I wouldn't have gotten such an order prepared so swiftly!"
Kosami got flustered, "N-no need to thank me for it! Jelfonzo was happy to help us out since it'll make good advertising, that's all. Besides, the designs came out even better than I expected. I don't know if anyone has ever told you but you have a great talent!"
"I heard our jerseys are already popular with the audience too, which might explain why we're getting plenty of coverage too." Apollo said looking around at the crowded stadium; "Who would've thought that we would be competing here?"
While they all look friendly with one another, optimistic about today's match and did their best to stay in constant conversation, sitting off to a corner with her arms folded and one leg crossed over the other with her chin raised sat their star third year player that still commanded the attention of the many spectators who wondered why she wasn't activated for today's battle. Though she's silent, her irritable attitude is apparent as she wears a scowl studying the enemy team; beside with a similar expression sat Sally, who had her hands in her jumpsuit pockets and her legs spread out like a delinquent, showing her teeth with eyebrows furrowed, she studies the body language of Crystal Coast-scaring her team in the process who could also feel the anger in her aura. Azule and the others knew why Sky and Sally would be so intense on today of all days, aware that it all was a natural response that alphas like them would elicit when crossing an enemy beyond their strengths: Sky remembered that sly smile of Siot, and the suffocating presence he masked behind that insufferable personality. Sally wanted to face them, hungry to make a difference for her side but lamenting at her hopeless wish, aware that she was only there for support and would likely not participate in another match until the next rank war, only making her angrier; both of them had their reasons to want to stand on the turf and fight for their school, and yet they are stuck on the bench for different reasons. Not only that, but they were also worried about how the others would do after how badly their spirits got crushed in the previous game-this opponent is far stronger than Towson Senior, and if they weren't on their games today they might find the tournament ended by the likes of them.
"Looks like she won't be starting, after all." Arian mumbles, listening to the announcements; "Well then, shall we crush them?" he asks turning to Siot, who looked so focused with his thousand yard stare that he ended up ignoring Arian, who only made the comment to get some reaction out of him, but clearly it was to no success. For the first time in a long while, Arian could tell that Siot meant business today...
A highly anticipated match for several reasons, many neutral spectators were interested in seeing what the third best player on the continent would do in his second appearance for the tournament. An impressive performance in his previous showing, many were wondering if luck would be on his side with the squad he had around him and then there was also the talk about Squid Academy's Azule Royale, who went against expectations and didn't use his mysterious form at all in the previous outing; some expected that to change as his team plays one of the best teams on the continent, expecting him to bring out the big guns to challenge Siot and his crew. In attendance for this by himself is Takahashi, who decided to come watch for many reasons. Not only were Crystal Coast one of the rivals to watch out for, and his teammates stuck the job on him, but he found himself interested in seeing how Squid Academy would fare against their toughest opponent yet. He felt lonesome since Shiore skipped out on watching the game with him after watching their crushing defeat in the sixth round. When he asked her why she refused to join him, her answer was simply because she didn't want to witness a massacre, highlighting that the team she saw get their spirits broken would only become punching bags for today and she didn't want to watch that. Takahashi couldn't argue with that decision since he also felt like something similar would occur as well, but his curiosity got the better of him and he was intrigued by the idea of the underdog pulling off the upset.
"Mind if I sit here?" a voice intrudes on his concentration, looking up to see an octoling man wearing shades.
"Not at all!" He beamed, glad to meet a fellow octoling.
After getting settled in his seat, the octoling man notices the royal family crest on Takahashi's shirt. "Rukovna Emperors, huh? Must be feeling good about this tournament after that great performance."
"Thank you, but I don't think so…" Takahashi nods, "I mean, we're looking to win it all this year, but I don't think it would be wise to treat this tournament like it will be a cakewalk. There are some very exciting teams competing this year..."
"I respect that, but I must say that your side looks quite impressive this year and even better than the side that won it all just a couple years ago."
"You're too kind, but I must say that I do agree; the team we have this year has all intentions of avenging last year's loss." he said in a serious tone, recalling that difficult seven game war with Rukovna; "But this year excites me because there are plenty of talented teams this year and I feel like even the underdogs have a chance to upset those at the top."
"Like this one?" he said, pointing over to Squid Academy on the turf.
Takahashi wears a warm smile looking at them, "Mm...yeah, this Squid Academy side has caught my interest. They boast one of the deepest rosters yet have only relied on their starters for six consecutive rounds. I won't question their coaching, but I can definitely see where they are green by not utilizing all that talent."
"Think they can go far?"
"I think so. I don't know why, but something tells me that this team will become a problem if they get the chance to grow. Right now they are just feeling out the group stage and getting used to the environment, but if they can catch a break with some luck...they'll be a devastating force that even the rank teams will find troublesome. From their captain who can be explosive and carry them, to their talented starters like the girl wearing number six, and the boy wearing fifteen, who are both just as talented to help ease the load for him. Then there is the octoling boy who wears number ten who still has plenty of growth left, a solid roller user who I find is often overlooked, and a dangerous sniper. Who reminds me of a prototype to Shiore."
The octoling man smiles, "Insightful take."
Takahashi beams, "Right?"
As the pair share a laugh, the pregame activities have concluded with the match about to begin. The audience roars in anticipation as the two teams down below prepare themselves; a tale of David versus Goliath, all the expectation sat on Crystal Coast continuing their dominant run and steamrolling over their opponents, but some optimists were calling for a historic outcome that saw Squid Academy getting an upset victory. A long awaited battle that was in the making from the moment Siot stepped foot in Inkopolis, finally, Azule and Siot would have their clash. Could Squid Academy pull off an upset of which the likes none have ever seen? Or would Crystal Coast cruise to another convincing victory in the group stage? The first round for the match would be a rainmaker battle, with both sides already familiar with the layout of the map well thanks to spending some few minutes getting a feel for the map through recon. In just a few moments, the clock would begin the countdown. Siot looks over to his teammates and holds up his fist, then extends his arm for everyone to join them, to which they follow and do one last group cheer before the round begins. Azule closes his eyes and inhales the fresh air to put himself into a comfortable zone, the match before them likely the most difficult on their journey in the group stage. An opponent that even Sky was wary of, Azule knew he and his side had their work cut out for them, but that didn't mean they would roll over and concede. He remembered the humiliation of the sixth round, the sting of the fifth round, and the eternity that followed their defeat. He didn't want to spend another day feeling disgusted for still having enough left in the tank and simply giving up, instead preferring to leave it all out on the turf without any regrets. He knew this was an opponent unlike anything he ever faced, and win or lose, he would end it all swinging with all his strength. As he opens his eyes with a clear mind, he looks over to his teammates and finds the same calm light in their irises, that alone enough to tell him they share the same resolve as him; their jitters are gone and they have been humbled, and now it is time for business...
"Squid Academy…!" Azule chants.
"FIGHT!" they respond full of energy, the whistle blowing for the start of the match.
