The arena filled with cheers with everyone in anticipation of this round, the talks circulating through the place was that this might be the last meaningful round for Squid Academy as a loss here would eliminate them from contention in the knockout stage and bolster the Titans' chances of making it up the group tables, currently sitting in the fourth spot behind the trio of Kalebrough, Crystal Coast, and the Bluerings. A game of Last One Standing as a fitting mode for this nerve racking scenario, the teams engage in a critical contest. The lineup for the Titans stayed the same, but Squid Academy saw changes to their squad as Audrey and Austin stepped in for Parker and Sandra. A test of consistency versus freshness the sixth round began with teams proceeding with caution, the context of the round so lofty that neither side wanted to play carelessly. A minute passing by, it was light touches all around as the teams dodged one another like it the enemy ink was toxic, bobbing and weaving through the map detecting enemies and dodging fire like the plague-that is until a sudden splat shifted the momentum of the game in an instant. It was one of the first years from the Titans who were the victim, accidentally getting too close to Sky and finding themselves within her range, they paid the price in the worst way. Drawing first blood, Squid Academy's approach changed entirely all thanks to an accidental encounter that proved beneficial. Pastelle, Austin, Audrey, and Taylor went on the sweeping attack while Sky and Pearl laid back and read the field, keeping track of the flow of battle and staying wary of any ambushes from the Titans. A scattered field that leaves everyone open for attack, Sky found herself facing danger from her blindspot as another first year from the enemy side attempted to take her; Sky knew she'd become their primary focus since she's too dangerous of a target to ignore. Immediately erasing them with a swift shot fired after doing a spin, Sky registered her second kill-soon followed by another member from the enemy side getting taken down by Pastelle this time. A score of 6-3 in favor of Squid Academy, the audience gave their pleasant reaction to the surprises unfolding before their eyes as Squid Academy looked far more ferocious than they did in the previous rounds-the feeling of knowing they're facing elimination weaponized and being used effectively. A shift to defending a losing contest, the Titans turn their sights on enduring the punishment and allowing Squid Academy to burn out-aware that Squid Academy were likely going all out to force that final round; if they could tire them out, they had no qualms about dropping this round and in turn unleashing everything in the final round like they did in the fifth. But the same way Valentina and her squad were thinking on damage control, so too were Squid Academy. Their attempt to bait Squid Academy going south, the Titans pay the price as another one bites the dust to leave only Valentina and Miguel.
"What should we do!?" Miguel panics, looking up at the scoreboard to see the score at 6-2 in heavy favor of Squid Academy; he's bewildered by what he's witnessed, stunned that his opponents hit the ground running after taking a beating in the previous rounds.
Valentina grits her teeth, "They aren't playing around but this was to be expected given the circumstances. They're fighting desperately for their tournament lives just like us. We've been blessed enough to get to the knockouts before, but this team has such amazing talent and never made it this far until now. They've finally gotten a taste of what it is to be on this stage, and they don't want to let go…" a fire shines in her eyes as her competitive spirit strengthens; "They have my respect!" the Heartbreaker says, prepared to meet their resolve. A brisk pace in her step, Valentina reveals herself to Squid Academy and immediately targets Audrey of the squad, using her discerning eye for their potential to figure out her to be the weakest of the bunch. She's fresh and strikes me as someone who doesn't have the same kind of experience as the rest of the field, which means I can't pass up easy pickings like her! Valentina thought as she closed the distance between them in an instant, using the confusion of Miguel's suction bomb launcher to avoid the detection of the others.
A swift splat that eases the burden, Valentina pinpoints her next target while Miguel focuses on diverting their attention. The most dangerous position for Squid Academy to be in at this moment was a state of comfort-having taken a huge lead, it's easy to take the foot off the pedal and relax as they unconsciously think about the battle ahead; Tangie warned them already and yet some of them were still giving in to the temptation. Valentina goes after Taylor this time, looking to strike again and focus her remaining efforts to chipping away at their numbers, sure that if she could even the score they could take this win easily. A display nothing short of her reputation, Squid Academy realized that they were getting set up for a "Heartbreaker" finale, aware that the pattern they're seeing from Valentina was her signature play she always did when she prepared to snatch a victory from the jaws of her opponents. Valentina rushes at Taylor and leaves them in a state of confusion, zipping by swiftly and splatting them with their sights set on Austin next. The bodies taken in a flash, the score became 3-2 still in favor of Squid Academy but the momentum started to sway back to the Titans-that was until an untimely exchange unfolded in the same period. Splatted in a trade off, Miguel went down to leave the score 2-1: Valentina the lone member left for the Titans while Squid Academy had their pair of heavyweight hitters in Sky and Pastelle. An unfavorable duel, Valentina knew she couldn't run away-especially when the opponents in front of her were worthy ones. An intense confrontation, Valentina showed the pair why she's one of the best, immediately isolating Pastelle after seeing the spread between the pair. Pastelle goes on the defensive and dodges the near accurate shots, desperately attempting to keep the numbers in their favor; Valetina doesn't let her out of sight. Sky interferes, knocking on the door to Midnight as her irises glow yet again carrying a fierce glare; Valentina can feel the intimidation from her position but knew that the best way to confront Sky would be to remove the troublesome Pastelle first. A flash of blue and pink as the game reaches a messy end shortly after, the entire dome gasps at the result as everything settles.
A conclusion reached by Pastelle and Sky, their heads lift to the lights suspended high above with gratitude that there will be a final round to play, though they are beyond exhaustion for different reasons. The crowd erupts in cheers and awe in response, all of them surprised by Squid Academy's emphatic performance to send into the deciding seventh round. Looks of relief worn on the many faces of Squid Academy fans, they look at ease as they see the concentrated faces of their fighters on the turf; Titans fans were a little concerned as the tension built on their sidelines. After dropping the critical game that would've put everything to rest, they now found themselves in an unfavorable seventh round. Valentina wears a focused glare as she wipes the sweat off her face, looking possessed heading into the final round.
The final substitutions made for Squid Academy, Sky gets subbed out of the game-her efforts more than appreciated as she kept her squad in the fight the entire way. Taking a seat on the bench next to her little brother and Sally, everyone walks over to thank her for pushing herself so far, aware that this was her first ever match back since retiring in the winter. Sky didn't have any reservations about getting taken out since her replacements happened to be the most reliable juniors imaginable. A swift break that concluded in no time after the tension built for the next round, Squid Academy's fanbase roared in a frenzy as they recognized the players who stepped on the turf. Pastelle was still on the floor as expected and joined by Nelson and Hannah, she felt comfortable knowing she'd have some fresh legs to support her for this final round, but the true relief came from seeing three familiar faces already wearing focused expressions amid the growing cheers for them; the trio stepping up to the plate are Jory, Reice, and Violet.
Sky lowers her head and sits forward watching the droplets fall, "It's all up to them now." she mumbles.
Sally leaned back with her arms crossed, "They've waited patiently to get in there, they'll get it done." she mumbles, studying Valentina instead as her presence alerts her.
Azule sat forward with a focused stare deciphering everything in front of him, soaking in everything like a sponge and rushing through his thoughts at the same time. As the whistle blows for the final game mode, the rainmaker battle gets underway to a hyped up crowd expecting a fantastic finish. Right out the gate, both teams come strong and compete for the barrier, trading ink on the barrier until it explodes in favor of the Titans. An early possession right away, Violet brought the game back to deadlock by immediately taking down the rainmaker that led to another dogfight. Valentina shouts out her commands desperately, ordering her team to hold tight and prevent Squid Academy from getting any advantage on the barrier, her mind racing for ways to take over the situation; now that Sky was on the bench she felt a little bit at ease since that overwhelming pressure was erased from her mind, but the current situation wasn't any better as she has to deal with a monstrous main squad of Reice, Violet, and Jory all led by Pastelle. Another burst of the barrier, this time it falls in Squid Academy's favor after a joint effort from Reice, Jory and Nelson that followed with Pastelle taking up the rainmaker. A decent advancement scraping away at the lead, they knew they'd get met with heavy resistance from the Titans. As expected, the giants in blue came roaring with a solid defense-their captain at the center. All targets locked on the several Squid Academy shirts protecting the rainmaker, it was Valentina who landed the critical hit to disarm them and stop them before they could build momentum. A game of philosophy, the two sides changed their playstyles dramatically as the game continued. The leading Titans played aggressive and looked to overpower their opponents with overwhelming numbers and crush them before it's too late, aware of Squid Academy's capabilities to spark a comeback. Squid Academy played with patience however, calmly advancing in every chance they got and defending well whenever it was the Titan's possession, all led by an experienced Pastelle who took over now that Sky was out of the mix.
A score of 22-51 in favor of the Titans, they once again had possession and marched down the turf yet again looking to discourage Squid Academy with their aggressive push. A growing Titans lead, the clock winds down to the minute mark with Sergio pushing the rainmaker accompanied by Pablo, Nate, and Miguel with Valentina and Jose off in isolation but assisting in their own ways. Watching everything unfold a little bit off from the main group, Valentina studies the response of Squid Academy as they teach the fifty second mark with the rainmaker breaking into the teens mark for points.
Alright, we only need sixteen more points for the knockout. She keeps track in her mind, eyes wandering from left to right looking out for any spies that might attempt an ambush. They have all their members within sight-three engaged on Sergio and the others and two more pressuring Jose and the captain got taken down just now. So we'll have six seconds to act and stretch the lead-no, go for the knockout! Carefully observing the turf, she spots Violet's hair light up followed by a stingray getting taken out.
An attempt to disarm Sergio, Violet wipes out the entire team from left to right with Sergio taking heavy damage from the collateral hit. But Valentina and Jose won't let it fly, also sweeping in to attack the gathered Squid Academy members amid the confusion. Valentina knows what they're up to and maneuvers around the stingray, getting to Violet's flank and uploading fire. She splats Violet but Reice and Nelson finally get close to Sergio to splat him; Jose slides in to support-Sergio fires the rainmaker at the right distance and pockets the pair in an instant. The floor favoring the Titans as they have a 3-2 advantage with only Jory in their sights, the trio do quick work with him now that they have a clear path in sight. Jory doesn't roll over however, wearing a ferocious glare as he grinds his teeth and rushes at them. Able to land heavy damage on Sergio, he unfortunately can't eliminate him to stall the game-getting splatted by the numbers instead and leaving an open path for the Titans to take advantage of.
Allowed to proceed without any resistance, the trio have nothing to worry about after eliminating the last threat on their radar. Their guards relaxed aware that they removed the most problematic of targets, they hurry towards the goal to build more of a lead and head for the ultimate knockout; their fans are loud and proud as they can taste victory. All seeming well, little did they know a lone inkling stalks them in a pink puddle a little removed from where they were, which ticked off many people's minds as she revealed herself behind them. The noise gets louder as Titans fans try to warn their team while Squid Academy scream for her to attack, the trio unaware of their lurker since they thought the voices of the audience were reacting to their impressive lead and possible conclusion of the game. After slipping away during the mayhem and stalking the trio during the encounter, Hannah waited patiently for her moment to strike-nervous about how to ambush them now that they had their guards lowered. She wanted to attack them and save as much time for her team, but she knew any moment now she'll get back up-but she can't let these precious seconds go to waste either now that the goal is nearly in sight after tailing them for a bit. Her heart thumping like a drum full of water and her breath escaping her body with a blank mind, she watches the three bodies proceed hastily with time reaching under half a minute now-time working out of their favor. Should she attack now or wait for backup with the current scenario even more unfavorable for her as the lone star state against a trio of powers. If she hesitates on the attack, their tournament dreams are finished-that much she was aware of. If she lets them get away here, there won't be a next time for Sky and the third years. Even if they get another opportunity, there is no guarantee that they'll make it to this stage again or even have a team capable of going far-the squad they have at the moment is the perfect squad, almost as if created by destiny. A moment that she knew would be the kind that makes legends-that define an entire run in a tournament, she bites her tongue on the decision with trembling eyes watching the backs of the Titans. A presence that flew under the radar because they were preoccupied with finishing the match and didn't detect the resolve of Hannah, it all changed the moment Hannah reached a decision. Valentina felt an immediate disturbance and sensed imminent danger approaching from the rear, but as she turned around to confirm her thoughts, it was too late. The audience rises to their feet in disbelief as a shocking splat occurs, their mouths drop as they notice a little under twenty seconds remain in the match and a critical play has just occurred to throw everything out the window. A brace that saw Jose and Sergio get taken down thanks to the right angle Hannah attacked them, Valentina's jaw dropped as the most unlikely of players just spoiled an easy path to the rainmaker. But before she could even react and take Hannah down to at least save the trouble of letting the rainmaker fall into enemy hands, she felt a terrible chill run down her spine as another presence arrived-this time behind her. In the spot where Hannah was before she decided on the attack stood a terrifying Pastelle who smelled blood in the water, her eyes carrying a sharp glint as she finally got the moment she was waiting for. A blast that felt like a representation of the Titans' feelings in that moment, Pastelle took down Valentina and immediately aided Hannah in bursting the barrier just in time to claim the rainmaker before time expired; the buzzer sounds and the last words the Titans players and fans alike dreaded to what have finally been uttered.
"We're heading to overtiiiiiiimeeeeee!" The commentator shouts happily, followed by a wave of satisfied cheers following Hannah claiming the golden weapon; the Squid Academy sidelines is going ballistic hopping around and coaching the pair frantically, hurrying them and telling them to get moving.
A last gasp effort to save their tournament lives, it all rests in the hands of Hannah and Pastelle. A lengthy march to the goal with the score 11 to 51 in favor of the Titans, they end up getting joined by Reice and the others along the way. A critical decision to be made on the part of the Titans, they decide to stick to their roots rather than get sucked into the tempo of Squid Academy. Pastelle and the others knew it right away the moment they didn't see any resistance on the march, using that precious chance to make up as much of the lead as possible. A risky move on the Titan's part, they placed their faith in their impenetrable defending to guard the goal rather than get caught on the run trying to defend; they knew Squid Academy would come to them, so they'll end the match with guns blazing, and likewise did Squid Academy know that this is it-their season is on the line. A crowded path to the goal, the Titans hide in their blue ink and await their moment of attack as Squid Academy erase the deficit and approach for the final clash. A 6v6 with everything on the line, both teams feel their bodies getting lighter as the adrenaline kicks in, the next few seconds passing by in an instant. A collision full of chaos, the sound amplifies as guns fire followed by the desperate battle cries of those on the turf, pink and blue fusing together on impact as they crash into one another, all eyes are on Hannah; if she loses the rainmaker even once, it's over for her squad. An indescribable sensation weighing her down as she advances, she felt her legs weakening under the pressure from carrying not only the heavy rainmaker, but the future of the entire team. The overtime siren singing as they cut the lead down to just a 15 point difference, the 6v6 turns into a 4v3 as Pastelle, Violet, and Jory protect Hannah on the final stretch. The final push activated, Squid Academy creates the clear path for Hannah by trucking the Titans and pushing them back with their heavy fire; She has no clue how far she needs to go, but she knew all she needed to do was move forward and eventually she'll reach the goal. Ignoring the battles surrounding her, splashes of blue cloud her vision while her teammates do their best to keep her from taking damage. Valentina locates her immediately and plans to attack her, but she has her hands full with Pastelle, who stuck to her like a lockdown defender in an iso battle with seconds remaining before the buzzer-refusing to give her an inch of space to break away. The Squid Academy sidelines shout furiously with some shouting so loud their eyes are shut, the fans supporting them are screaming at the top of their lungs praying for a comeback, and all over social media floods of messages and posts are dropping like a flood. Able to get just an inch of space, Valentina fired away at the advancing Hannah-placing everything on this final shot with her heart sinking as she prays for a hit. Everything unfolds in slow motion: mouths are wide open, sound seems nonexistent, and their bodies feel light overall. A flash of pink and blue followed by a whistle blowing following after the overtime buzzer, the arena went silent as the game concluded suddenly. Everyone's hearts dangle from a thread as they wait for the result, the players looking up at the big screen as well as the fans of both sides, they feast their eyes on the close score. Did the Titans prevail? Hannah was splatted after all. Or did Squid Academy reach the tiebreaker in time and that was what prompted the match to end? The answer is just a moment away.
All eyes on the scoreboard, the results are revealed. One team falls to their knees, the other jumps for joy and races to the turf to hug their winning members-both sides letting out tears while doing so. A match that went down the wire, it's the team in pink that emerges victorious after winning back to back rounds and sealing the improbable comeback in overtime fashion. Hugs shared all around by the emotional Squid Academy squad, the fans are boisterous as they wave their team flag proudly and do a chant afterwards, glad they survived the wrath of the Titans and witnessed another "Giant Slayer" moment from their team. "Upset Alert" trends globally on social media as everyone gives their reactions and opinions about the shocking result. In the beginning everyone doubted them and now after five matches with their backs against the wall, it was a complete turnaround as their names are sung throughout the arena with an echo. Appreciation given to Hannah for her clutch performance despite coming off the bench, Squid Academy found themselves being greeted by their defeated opponents, Valentina leading them without any show of regret as she flashed a genuine smile. Glad to have crossed paths with a promising team like them, she noted that they were the first opponents she ever played where it felt like a matter of life and death. A sensation that was foreign to her it was thanks to this battle that she truly understood the desperation of fighting for survival-a lesson learned for moving forward. Confident that her side will bounce back next match as their reputation holds, she told them to take responsibility and not lose to any other teams until they get their revenge. Appreciative of her competitive spirit, Fuchsia praised her for being such a tremendous leader despite the adversity thrown her way, aware that as a second year, she'll surely become a monstrous threat next year along with their bundle of talent that'll likely blossom into an even better team than they already are. A frustrating loss that sunk in on the way home for the Titans, the first years fight back bitter tears as the weight of the loss rests on their shoulders-now understanding why their seniors were insistent on staying in the game. Sure, it was only a loss in the group stage, and of course they could bounce back in their next game to still advance to the knockouts, but the problem was that their next opponent happened to be the 6th ranked team. As for Squid Academy's sights, it's all about the 17th ranked team in the country that boasts a troublesome roster. They might have survived sudden death today, but nothing is assured for next time as it wasn't assured that the team could last another full series against a ranked team. A pair of back to back victories for the team that lost three in a row, they all were too tired to even celebrate-all of them falling asleep on the bus ride home.
Final Score at the end of Round 7: Squid Academy 90, Titans 89. Squid Academy wins the series 4-3.
