The arena growing louder as the spectators made their emotions felt following a thrilling first round of action, the performance of the two teams made it difficult to predict how the rest of the match would unfold thanks to both sides hitting the ground running. From the perspective of the masses, C.C. looked like he was just getting warmed up despite the impressive play, Sky was also looking good already with how well she matched up with C.C., and all the notable players on both sides were showing their potential to make big moves throughout the match. During the break as the teams got situated on the sidelines, focus intently on what the coaches must be preaching to their players. Despite their loss in the opening round of play, the Squid Academy sidelines are energetic and upbeat about their performance and it was all thanks to an animated Fuchsia doing a convincing pep talk reminding them that such a result was to be expected early on in a competitive match against one of the best; there isn't a hint of doubt on her face as she delivers her message. Letting her players catch themselves and rehydrate, she went over the key takeaways from the first round. After catching a glimpse of the highly rated Bluerings in action, she had plenty of adjustments to make moving forward and found it lucky that she could identify the flaws early on versus later when it might be too late.

"Stay patient everyone, we know what we're up against. We've been here before and we've certainly faced their type already and it's thanks to those prior experiences that we can tweak our game to suit. It was only for a moment but I saw some vulnerability. Once again, it was a slither of a moment but I saw the opening that Sky referenced. As long as we continue to pressure them, we'll get our chance. They aren't immortal. They aren't flawless. We can beat them!" she claps her hand, trying to keep them upbeat; "If they're showing cracks in the armor this early, we can break through them-no doubt, but we need to stick with our strategy most importantly. Play your game-not theirs! Attack them when necessary and pressure them as much as possible. Force those errors and make them beat you on the punch, don't allow them to get comfortable because the last thing we need is them establishing a rhythm and using that against us. Hey Kosami, what's your input?"

"We can expect them to maintain the same squad for the next match since there's a balance on offense and defense with assets like their captain and defensive mastermind Floyd in the mix. Their current composition allows them to have balance in their play but also transition to a specific style that can benefit them for any particular scenario-no way would they try to throw that away by subbing out their current pieces. As such, we should stick with our current lineup against theirs and set specific roles to carry: Pastelle and Sky are our leaders on the floor and will dictate the pace, Violet and Reice will specialize in ultimate defending and focus on turfing rather than poaching, and Todd and Aaron will be our main poachers. I agree that we're in a good position right now despite what the scoreline says, and that we can't allow them to get away from us." Kosami said brimming with hope, confident that they could make this a competitive match after seeing how tightly they stuck to the Bluerings.

Cobalt wears an analytical gaze nodding agreement, "We need to stick to them like glue for the rest of this match long enough to overtake them. It seems simple enough but on the turf make sure to be conscious of the enemy. The team we're up against is great when it comes to adaptability so it'll be imperative we make them static. Most importantly, don't lose your cool."

Over on the Bluerings' sidelines, the players are huddled by their coaches and soaking in the reviews-agitated from the noise around them and having to tune out Squid Academy's boisterous crowd just to hear their own thoughts; they expected the enemy crowd to get silent following that first round victory, but it had quite the opposite effect as they showed their defiance. Supposedly a neutral ground with no home field advantage, inside the arena felt like a home game for Squid Academy with how vocal their supporters are. C.C. embraces the enemy noise however with his face relaxed and teasing a slight grin listening to what the Squid Academy supporters were chanting. They were saying they would win it in six, but he had a different result in mind. Initially, he had the series going the full set but after this first game, he felt confident they could pull off the sweep. The energy they carried didn't seem to be all that imposing compared to the rumors he'd heard about them and at the most, only Sky seemed like they were up to the challenge. Excusing himself from the team huddle, he isolates completely and takes a rest on the bench closing his eyes and letting his head hang. Though Frazzy was irritated by his selfishness, this wasn't a rare occurrence for the Bluerings as C.C. often stepped away to be in solitude whenever he got so comfortable that it inadvertently put him in the zone. After just a single round of play, C.C. felt so comfortable. But that comfort was nothing more than relief, relief in knowing that his opponents weren't on the same level as the pair of teams that made him uneasy during this group stage and that their position in the group standings wasn't in any risk. In his eyes, this match was as good as over.

"WHAT!?" Shiori's jaw dropped in shock.

"No need to yell." A calm Shiore responds, unplugging her ears following Shiori's outburst.

Shiori shakes her head wearing a disturbed expression, "But that prediction is so bold that even hearing it from you-"

"You asked for my thoughts and I gave you my prediction. I wholeheartedly stand by my choice." Shiore shrugs her shoulders, keeping her gaze on the turf and on one specific player especially. "If games were decided on paper then there wouldn't be a need to play. We've been shown from their previous matches that they are more than capable of pulling off the unthinkable."

Shiori pouts watching Shiore emotionlessly look at the turf, "Even so, remember C.C. and the Bluerings are really good! You shouldn't disrespect them like that!"

"Why can't Takahashi hurry it up." Shiore mumbled under her breath with a sigh, annoyed to be stuck in this spot.

Shiori flashes a smug grin, "What's wrong? Don't wanna spend some quality time with me? We're joined at the hip you know?"

"Don't remind me. Anyways, my 'bold' prediction isn't baseless nor is it based on something as cheap as faith and trust. I'm noticing something off about the Bluerings today."

"And what would that be? They look red hot so far..."

"Everyone praises you as an empress but I think the title of airhead suits you better with how dull you think."

Shiori's jaw drops with a gasp, "Rude!" she punches her in the arm with a hint of pain in her tone, aware that Shiore didn't mince her words but didn't think she'd state it so blatantly.

"You are definitely correct about the Bluerings playing red hot to start the match, and their captain is looking like he'll put up another big performance. It was only for a moment, but I saw a glimpse of what the future will entail if things stay this way thanks to that break just now. Their captain-although probably unintentionally-is underestimating his opponent. He isn't accounting for the possibility of getting beaten by them, and that will be his downfall."

"Huh? What's wrong with having that type of confidence if he can back it up? The Bluerings are capable of even giving us trouble! As a fellow competitor, I'd hate entering a match with the thought that the opponent can beat me. I want to go in thinking that they can, but they won't and they won't do so because I am there. He's probably thinking the same thing with Squid Academy. Maybe he acknowledges that they have the skill to surprise him with the upset, but after that first round he's convinced that they won't threaten him. Perhaps he's already reached the zone and will put on a dominant performance."

"That's the problem. The Bluerings have already dropped a couple matches to fellow giants and those losses can be attributed to them outperforming the Bluerings, but if he's gauging Squid Academy based on those teams, he'll be sorely mistaken. What makes that team in pink such an alarming threat is that they only get better with each round they play in every match. They're battle tested through the group of death and there is no ceiling to their potential. They might not be as imposing as the top teams in this tournament but the acceleration in their growth is beyond belief, and if he doesn't take them seriously and stomp on their throats early on, it will blow up in his face."

Shiori's eyes dulled and shrunk after sensing the reason behind Shiore's confidence in Squid Academy, "What a fan you are. I wonder who will deliver for them on that team. They all look talented but there aren't many leaders on that team that stand out to me."

Shiore's eyes sharpen glow, "Her." she said clenching her fist and containing her latent excitement while looking over at Sky; "She will be the difference maker tonight."

"How shocking…" Shiori rolls her eyes with an agitated sigh; "Well, let's see if you're correct."

"Hey, I'm back~!" Takahashi sings holding out his hand.

"What took you so long!?" Shiori snaps.

"Wow, no need to be so crabby. I had to take a leak!"

"Ugh!"

The pair returning to their usual bickering, Shiore kept her focused gaze on Sky. A look of criticism wrinkling her brows and forehead, she glares as the star inkling. You'll do it tonight, won't you? You're going to send that declaration of war to all of us.

The second round of turf war beginning afterwards to a crowd of thousands under the bright arena lights making some noise watching the competing teams pick up where they left off, fascinating exchanges occur at every corner of the match like a chain of blasts-the audience thrilled to watch C.C. and Sky continue their duel that took them all across the map throughout the round with them trading shots with one another like blows between a pair of heavyweights in the ring. Pastelle showed her captain's armband wasn't just an accessory, leading by example and taking on the Bluerings-namely Frazzy and Ray who targeted her specifically. Throughout the turf war, there were scattered battles offering plenty of entertainment and insight for those spectating with the story of the round so far being about how rapidly the tone changes in what felt like a game of tug of war. At some times it looked like Squid Academy were finding their footing and other times the Bluerings just looked unbeatable. A map painted pink and blue with explosions and casualties springing forward like the bubbles from a blobobber, Squid Academy were managing to improve by the second with Reice, Todd, and Aaron, all putting in extra effort to scrap those kills and edge the game in their favor, but likewise were the Bluerings, who were doing a phenomenal job of controlling the tempo in the game and essentially manipulating their opponents to play into their rhythm; whenever it looked like Squid Academy could make their crucial break for the lead, the Bluerings were always a step ahead to disrupt them and shut it all down in an instant and make them start from scratch. With the game proceeding quickly thanks to the fast pace both teams play that make the ticking clock seemingly accelerate, an anxious Fuchsia and her sidelines are up on their feet sweating bullets. Although they were defiant about losing the match, they all knew reality would be miserable if they dropped the first pair of rounds.

"We're playing with a lot more urgency-makes sense considering the score is too close and we have much to lose but I'm sure the Bluerings are thinking they got us right where they wanted. Our hopes of throwing them off by challenging and baiting them into making a mistake is starting to backfire at this rate. They probably realized what we're up to and will play more carefully." Tangie said with a nervous sweat watching the game beside Cobalt and Kosami, turning her gaze over to the head coach who shouts orders at the top of her voice.

Cobalt put his hands at his hips and sighed, "Sky and Pastelle are playing at their peak, Reice is performing at his best as well and yet the Bluerings are unfazed. It's annoying but I have to commend them for staying true to their profile. They really are up there with Crystal Coast and Kalebrough."

Pacing up and down the sidelines cupping her hands around her mouth yelling out instructions, Fuchsia is active with a hop in her step watching her team battle it out with the Bluerings and hopeful they can make the proper adjustments moving forward. Given the exhausting task of coaching against the Bluerings, the coach of Squid Academy poured all her strength into her voice projecting to the others. The only game mode in the entire competition that didn't have a knockout and relied on a timer to expire for a result to matter, what was tricky for Pastelle and Squid Academy was to figure out when and where to attack to their benefit. Since it's a timed battle and there are obvious points where flanking and key attacks will take place, they need to not only figure out when to launch but also have to be prepared to be on the receiving end. From Floyd's contagious defensive tactics that spread to the rest of the team to C.C. and Evan's consistent accuracy pressuring Squid Academy, the inklings of blue and yellow are in control of the lead and momentum at the moment. North of half a minute remaining with both sides having a loaded squad on the turf following a series of uneven battles, the teams are locked in a critical showdown. Up to this point, the Bluerings did well to steer control in their favor but with Squid Academy hanging in the fight, their opening could arrive at a moment's notice. Several battles unfolding simultaneously, a storm is brewing on the turf.

Shaking a fizzy bomb in his hand and throwing it with considerable speed, Evan sends a bouncing threat in Todd and Reice's direction looking to disrupt their flow and have them scrambling; following how well the pair pressured him, this was his desperate attempt to stay alive, aware that if he falls in this moment it'll strain his teammates. The bomb bouncing a couple times on the way to the duo, they can sense the imminent explosion. Her watchful eyes following everything from afar like it's all under a microscope, a splash wall is thrown in time to block the blast. Reice and Todd saw her shadow for just a split second unaware that the one who bailed them out was none other than the reliable first year sniper that rivaled her seniors. A flash in her purple irises as she appeared behind Evan, the Bluerings player sensed a terrible feeling of fear spread through his body in that instance as his mind struggled to register the threat lurking behind him, but even so he didn't look the least bit concerned with taking damage. Watching his unusual reaction in that split second, Reice broke in cold sweat springing into action for a squeeze play; he sensed something wrong with how this situation was playing out. A gamble on Violet's part, she chose to sacrifice most of her ink to protect her comrades-though she recovered enough to let out a powerful shot or at least a couple decent shots.

Attack or retreat? I've closed enough distance to fire a shot at him but I'll surely run out after this. I have to make this count! She sharpens her concentrated gaze and takes a deep breath; I can't hesitate!

The shot is fired.

Hitting Evan square in the chest, it was enough to take someone out normally but unfortunately, he was a player with a much stronger durability than the average player. Violet's eyes widened in disbelief realizing she just made a critical error in judgement. Evan flashes a smug grin with satisfaction at her stunned expression, finding it amusing to see her lose her composure so quickly. Violet immediately retreats looking to return to her small puddle and recover enough ink to extend her path, but she can't get away from him in time as he prepares to fire with his gun aimed at her back.

"Oh no you don't!" Evan shouts with amusement like a demented hunter toying with his prey, about to pull the trigger as she submerges. But just before he can do so, the shadow of a roller appears behind him and forces him to move out the way rather than waste his shot-and possibly his life. A smart decision as the roller slams the ground and sends a splash of pink flying everywhere, Evan peers at the opponent who dared to disrupt him from his kill. Resting his roller on his shoulders raising his chin and wearing a fierce look, Reice brings his thumb up to his chest.

"She is off limits, buddy!" he warns in an exasperated tone with trembling pupils and a wrinkled face showing his anger; "If you're hungry for a whooping I'll hand you one happily!"

Stunned at first, Evan can only laugh at the honesty of Reice. "What are you, a knight? Pfft...Hahaha!"

Reice grits his teeth, "What's so funny? Think I'm joking?"

"Not at all, I just hope she notices you with how hard you're trying!"

That struck a nerve.

Reice lets out an exasperated sigh with the veins in his forehead pumping and a puff of a steam flowing from his nostrils like a bull."What kind of defender would I be…" Reice tightens his double-handed grip on the roller and lowers his head and bends the knee, lifting up his heel; "If I can't even protect a single girl!?"

A sight similar to a charging longhorn, Evan chuckles at the simplicity of Reice-appreciative that there are still idiots out there like him. Reice closes in with a burst of air blasting between them, ready to swing his roller with full force like a batter on a full count; Evan's focus sharpened so keenly it felt like he could hear his own heartbeat. A duel between two tanks is about to unfold. Able to escape thanks to Reice stepping in when he did, Violet is thankful he came to her aid and proud to see how he has become one of the most reliable players on the team. In the same way he can deliver for her, she had to return the favor for the others. Rushing to where the rest of the action is along with Todd, who rushed in that direction after hearing multiple enemy firings arrived at the other conflict happening simultaneously: an uneven team battle. Aaron and Pastelle were holding their own against the unfair matchup of Frazzy, Ray, Polo, and Floyd. A four on two battle that saw each of the Squid Academy players having to struggle with a pair of troublesome Bluerings players, Todd and Violet's arrivals couldn't have come at a better time. As it stood, the Bluerings were firing on all cylinders thanks to the defensive prowess of Floyd-the best defensive player on the Bluerings and their architect with defensive scheming; he gave them a set of commands to carry out when rotating between their attacks and has worked to perfection thus far as the enemy pair have struggled to find an answer. Of course, Pastelle and Aaron already identified that they needed to take him out to weaken their opponents, but how could they do that when the target enemy was so difficult to tag? Essentially trapped in a pressured situation unable to attack and simply defend-even when there seemed to be an opening for a counterattack, Todd is thrust into the mix helped them greatly and finally…

"Just get the bald one right!?" Violet shouted, immediately firing her shot to force Floyd to break away from his team attack with Polo on Pastelle, who responds by giving her a nod and thumbs up, thanking her for reading her mind. "Alright! Leave him to me!" Violet shouts, determined to make an impact after getting bailed out by Reice.

"Watch out for the sniper, she'll be troublesome!" Floyd commands; "Retreat when necessary, we still have some time."

"We need to spread them!" Aaron commands Todd who helped him out with Frazzy and Ray.

Todd doesn't hesitate to close the gap, "I've got this one!" he shouts targeting Ray.

"Gonna dance with me!? Come at me!"

"Then that leaves me and you." Frazzy comments staring down Aaron.

Aaron shakes his head, "This is a team battle first and foremost. Take your eyes off the objective and you'll regret it."

Battles erupting in that moment with a plethora of duels occuring in the same territory, Floyd adjusted to the added numbers and executed a new defensive strategy of shifting assignments with those nearby until they found themselves in favorable matchups. As it stood in this instance, Squid Academy's squad were pretty skilled individually that they could give them trouble, but it wasn't like the Bluerings weren't even with them skillswise as they boasted a good squad with players like Frazzy and Ray on the attacking end and Floyd and Polo on the technical and defensive side of things. A team battle that soon raised the stakes the longer the players stayed alive, everyone watched in anticipation on seeing who would be the first to give in between the two competitive sides. In a heated contest where casualties were assured, it was amazing to see two teams play so well that no kills were getting recorded even in a heated battle. A switch in assignments, Frazzy is on Pastelle now and was finding it difficult to take down the one he considered to be the most dangerous player in the vicinity. From her slippery movements to her hard hits, he considered her to be a moving bullet with how she operated on the turf. Likewise, Pastelle respected Frazzy's ability to keep up with her, finding it amazing that in such a stressful situation he still didn't give away any openings. Going around in a back and forth exchange looking to land the critical hit on the other, Frazzy finally catches Pastelle making a misjudgement and makes her pay, landing a bomb on her that blasts just in time to inflict her with the right amount of damage. Proof of his efficiency, he views the moment as his chance to turn the game in their favor completely and goes all-in for the finish, but despite the looming pressure of the killing blow, Pastelle refuses to give him the kill and continues to shake and dodge him without a hint of hesitation. Unable to keep up as she breaks away, Frazzy lines up his shot in hopes this will be enough to take her down while she still has some critical damage.

"DENIED!" Aaron shouts entering Frazzy's line of sight and coming to the aid of his captain. Stepping in to counter Frazzy's range with a close encounter instead, he gives Pastelle a chance to recover in the meantime while he deals with Frazzy. Frazzy doesn't get fazed by Aaron's appearance as he knew none of his teammates were taken down yet which meant Aaron brought someone along with him; what was supposed to be Aaron's chance to down Frazzy in a bang-bang play ends up working against him as another body for the Bluerings shows up. An ambush from Ray, Aaron sidesteps him and still keeps watch of Frazzy. Faced with a pincer setup from both sides, Aaron knew he just dug himself into a hole-that is, until Pastelle returns with a third quarter-full tank

"I'm not letting you take all the glory." Pastelle said with her tongue in cheek giving him a wink.

"Old habits die hard, huh? You're still the same as ever." Aaron laughed, thankful to see Pastelle hadn't changed since he last played against her.

Pastelle wears a big smile, "Appears so, either way don't slow me down gramps!"

"I'm only a year older than you."

A tag-team battle of Pastelle and Aaron against Ray and Frazzy, neither side wastes any time going after one another. A bang-bang contest with both sides hitting hard right away with Frazzy and Aaron taking damage early on taking the brunt of damage, it was up to Ray and Pastelle to cover for them and maintain that intensity. They used their surroundings well and coordinated their attacks and movements relative to their environment, able to narrowly survive and recover thanks to the map setup. A few seconds elapsed since the duos started battling, the Squid Academy duo noticed that the Bluerings pair were playing a more passive style rather than their usual aggression. This patient approach by the Bluerings made it difficult for the Squid Academy pair since it was like playing an opponent who didn't show any openings but also didn't bother to attack either, looking to draw out as much time as possible. Pastelle and Aaron knew that time was working against them thanks to this scheme by Ray and Frazzy that was likely a product of Floyd's philosophy, but even if they knew the problem, solving it was another matter entirely. With how well the enemy duo kept their distance and continuously covered the group back in blue, Pastelle and Aaron knew the only way to work the clock back in their favor was by quickly disposing of the pair and reclaiming the turf-but once again therein laid the problem: they couldn't pin them down no matter what they tried! Whether they attempted to isolate the pair or tackle them together, they wouldn't give away an opening. Racking their brains together looking for a solution, Pastelle and Aaron aren't the only pair in a bind as further away in their own battle are Todd and Violet facing the duo of Polo and Floyd who played a similar approach.

Pillars and walls spread everywhere to offer plenty of cover and support, an overhead view of pink and blue can be seen from where Violet stood as she perched herself away from immediate danger. Putting a greater strain on Todd who had his hands full handling Floyd and Polo, Violet took the high ground to get a better view of the map and figure out the next approach-occasionally assisting her teammate by firing a stray shot when the enemy entered her peripherals. Todd tried to bait the pair into coming closer into Violet's range but they wouldn't fall for the obvious trap being set up for them; there wasn't a single player in the tournament who hadn't scouted Todd and Violet thanks to their profiles, one already known for being a troublesome slayer and the other identified as a terrifying threat hidden behind the big trio of Azule, Pastelle, and Sky. Quickly emerging as a top class playmaker on the team thanks to her devastating shots that felt "like a cannonball" and her intellect on the turf, it was only natural for defensive minds like Floyd and Polo to proceed with caution in this scenario. Tasked with trying to tag the pair, Todd grows frustrated after several failed attempts to eliminate the pair finding it insufferable with how well they've eluded him despite all his efforts. Whether it be through his special, sub weapon, or craftily combining his available tools to work to his advantage, the pair didn't have any trouble escaping his pursuits and keeping themselves out of harm's reach, seemingly teasing him by refraining from attacking at some of the openings he left in hopes they would bite.

"Argh! This is ridiculous!" Todd shouts with a stomp after failing to splat the pair once again; "That elusiveness is really starting to piss me off. Why won't they just come at me like men!?"

"Probably looking to eat up time on the clock, we're almost into crunch time and they're probably thinking about running off as much time as possible to pressure us into playing hasty in hopes we'll make a critical error. If so, we shouldn't lose our cool since it's very likely that's what they are targeting especially." A calm Violet tells him from up high; Todd looks irritated.

"As reassuring as it is to hear your calm voice in such stressful times, being all along the watchtower and away from the action down here really makes your words seem empty. How about a little help here!?" Todd shouts with a puff of steam simmering off his scalp.

A cruciform of veins sprout on the back of Violet's head as she does her best to hold her poker face, "I don't recall you being such a whiner." she said with a twitching eyebrow.

"Hello? I'm facing a pair of opponents who are at a clear advantage to me with time working against us. I've tried everything and am still drawing blanks on how to succeed. It's not helping that time is working against us. Since this is turf war every single battle matters and us losing one means we'll be that much closer to losing and I REFUSE TO ALLOW THAT!" he said with spite, letting her know that he doesn't have any intentions of being the weak link-not when their tournament lives are on the line.

Seeing how heated he was getting from the feeling of being trapped in an unfavorable scenario, Violet gave a sigh and joined him on the ground. "Alright, since you've done your part and I've been following their pattern for a bit-I think I have an idea of how to combat them."

"As long as we can take them down before time expires, I'm all ears." Todd's tone softened a bit, glad that she joined him.

Violet lowers her head for a moment and digs through her thoughts. Floyd and Polo have weapons that favor mobility and range but are lacking in the power category and the reason they've played so patiently on top of what I mentioned earlier must have to deal with how they match up against us. Todd was onto something about a disadvantage, but it wasn't for us. Todd's weapon has good power and a decent reload rate, add that with my range and accuracy and it's understandable why they're parking the bus. Since we haven't been too aggressive and opened ourselves up for them to counterattack, they're defaulting to just turfing and letting time run out so they can still maintain the lead. They know we're going to get anxious and play with urgency and are likely banking on us making a mistake. Violet takes a look at the current map of pink and blue turf that gets covered by a new coat of pink thanks to Todd and continues to rummage through the possibilities. It's a gamble but if we can pull this off, we'll likely win given how much time is remaining. Alright…! Her thoughts all in order, she calls Todd over to listen to her plan while also keeping an eye out on their surroundings; at the same time nearby are Polo and Floyd filling up their charge, mindful of a possible ambush.

"Don't you find it strange that the pink fellow isn't following us anymore? Think they're onto us?"

"Always a possibility considering who we are up against but I doubt it in this case." Floyd responds while in the middle of inking the current area; "I made sure to separate with the two that are least compatible as a pairing. From the scouting report, it's clear this team thrives on isolated and group battles but they are significantly weaker in pairings. From weapon composition to overall chemistry between the players, they definitely show strains whenever they have to rely on one another in duos. To exploit that, I split us up and made sure to lure in this particular pairing of a sniper and a slayer that barely ever interact with one another on the turf. The reason they haven't played recklessly is because that girl has experience in battle and sticks to her instincts of proceeding with caution, and that guy despite being antsy to get us isn't stupid-he's aware of what we're plannning."

"Then-"

"That's where it can be a possibility, yes. But what are they going to do about it? If they try to get aggressive and come for us, they'll leave themselves exposed. The girl is a lethal shooter but she's vulnerable when within range, and the boy can be handled-simple as that. As long as we keep out of her range of attack, we can neutralize her."

"And if they continue to do what they've been doing, then the time will run out and we'll hold onto the victory by continuing to cover any pink spots left...alright, not much to do I guess."

"They've thrown everything at us to no success. Right now they should be frustrated and looking to come at us with everything given that time is working against them. This will be our chance to sucker them and cover this base. I'm sure the others will be fine, so we'll need to cover our ends to insure this ends in our victory."

"I welcome that plan, but we shou-"

In that moment, both of them felt their senses flooded with only a single message: run. Their heads turning in an instant to see where the commotion is coming from, it felt as though they crossed paths with a wraith. Carrying the presence of a reaper searching for souls, Todd's appearance gave them a ghastly feeling and in those precious few seconds they had before he reached them, they scrambled for an escape. A critical moment approaching, Todd's gut tightened as he took a deep breath realizing this is a do or die moment. Activating his special weapon right away, he reveals the ultra stamp and follows after the pair to a massive uproar in the stands. Continuous thumping slams similar to a giant's footsteps, Todd steers with precision closing in on the slippery duo. Despite the precarious situation they've been placed in, Floyd and Polo aren't the least bit desperate in escaping since they both have their specials charged and ready to unleash-only looking for an opportunity to unleash. As it stood, if they could survive Todd's ultra stamp for a few more seconds, they could double-team him and set their sights on Violet. A gamble on Todd's part to attack them alone, he's in a cold sweat keeping up with the pair.

Oh man! Oh man! This is a serious gamble! To think our planning gave them this much time to create such exits. All I can do is place my hope in this plan succeeding and handle my assignment. At any moment now, this thing should cease, and then our gamble will be tested…!

As expected of the gamble, Todd gets exposed as his ultra stamp disappears and gives Polo and Floyd a chance to turn the situation around. Just when it looks like all is grim for Todd now that he's about to be on the receiving end of a combination of specials, a curling bomb rolls in from three o'clock-a signal for Todd to go on the aggressive and rush them. Forced to split to avoid the obvious trap, Polo dips in the opposite direction from where the sprinkler was thrown and Floyd retreats adjacently; Todd cuts in Polo's direction wearing a huge smirk. The gamble has paid off! With the forces of Polo and Floyd separated, it was all up to Todd to handle his assignment before him and likewise did Violet have to pull her own weight now that her plan got carried out successfully.

"Looks like this one is my fault." Floyd said, aware that a gun is pointed at the target on his back; "You spent all that time on the high ground that it should've been obvious you were up to something with how you kept your distance, studying our movements. You knew that if you roamed on the ground it'd be difficult to deal with us, and there wasn't a way you could beat us as a pair so you had to resort to splitting us up."

"Half-correct. I agree it would've been difficult to bend things in our favor if I pursued the two of you on the ground rather than stick to my post, but you are sorely mistaken about the other. I'm not afraid of you nor did we run out of ways to beat you. The approach I took is just the most optimal given the scenario we're in, so don't get an inflated head. Or, do get one-just know I'll let the air out when I blast it." Violet said without a change in tone or expression, her bamboozler locked on Floyd. "I know you have your special...care to see who has the faster finger?"

"I didn't expect you to be quite the talker."

A glimmer of light shines in her eyes, "We're full of surprises."

An inkjet appearing as Floyd activates his special, Violet stiffens her shoulders and braces for battle. With several skirmishes occurring at different locations on the map simultaneously, there were many in the audience who couldn't decide between which battle to follow in the critical moments of the turf war, but for many there was one specific battle that stood out thanks to the stars at work in the heated exchange. Already lasting a couple minutes with neither side taking casualties, C.C. and Sky delivered a spectacle for everyone watching. C.C. performed his flashy plays, and Sky answered back showcasing her athleticism. Whenever it looked like C.C. was going to land the finishing blow by closing in to pressure her, Sky always responded by swiftly dodging and threatening a counterattack-tripping off his inner sirens each time; he immediately jumped back each time she prepared to return fire, feeling the pressure from her bloodlust each time. A stalemate of a contest, the tension brews between them to a boiling point as the crowd cheers on what feels like the climax of this second round battle. With three other battles happening at the same time, this particular battle seemed to matter more than simply winning the round; whoever won this duel likely would win the entire match with the momentum alone.

"Looks like we're the main event." Sky chuckled soaked in sweat after having to move beyond her limits.

C.C. raises his chin with a huff and puff, "Can't disappoint then now, can we?"

"Knees wobbling and out of breath...I got you on the ropes?"

C.C. flashes a cheeky grin, "Talking your way to victory? I'm still standing."

Sky takes a deep breath while keeping her focused gaze on him the entire time, her irises flickering with a glow as she attempts to suppress Midnight; her instincts starting to overcome her now that she's facing an obstacle beyond her natural ability, Sky saw this as the perfect chance to push beyond her limits. Removing the surrounding noise from the outside crowd, all distractions vanish as she places a spotlight on him. C.C. can feel it on the other end. Her intensity. Her bloodlust. The opponent standing before him rivaled the fiercest he fought in the ring, even more ferocious when adding in her mystifying hidden abilities she still concealed. He knew that if there was anyone worth getting serious against on the enemy team, it would be her. The two giants sizing each other up with walk, they finally answer everyone's plea and vanish without a trace, reappearing and releasing splashes of ink and accumulating damage from each other's fire. A battle between a pair of barbarians, they showed no remorse nor did they flinch when receiving the brunt of the other's attack. C.C. got quicker, but Sky got more accurate. Their cuts and jukes paired with their precision throws and shots became a seesaw battle filling the crowd with awe as neither came close to bowing out. Still standing but staggering, they knew this next attack would be the last.

I can't knock him down.

She won't fall.

He won't quit.

I can't make her give up.

Exhausted beyond belief, they both sensed time ticking against them as the next move would likely be the final. Their pride on the line, both superstars waged everything on this next move. Even though it won't decide the round directly, it had greater implications overall about who was the better athlete, better specialist, and better leader. A final staredown in the round, they both nod at one another with acknowledgement that this was only the beginning of their bitter fight and that whoever won this round would have a lot to answer for in the next. At the drop of the next bead of sweat, Sky lets out her fire with a war cry shooting in C.C.'s direction hoping to connect but C.C.'s concentrated gaze allows him to read the trajectory of the ink and transition to his squid form to avoid it. Tossing out a burst bomb in mid transition, C.C. closes in once again for the kill, but Sky does a hopstep to avoid the bomb and create some space to line up her shot, letting it fire in midair. C.C. returns to squid form to narrowly avoid the hair splitting shot, and with a roll and sidestep on the landing, is able to outpace for just a moment. Her eyes followed him perfectly and her reflexes even better, but when sky pulled the trigger-nothing answered. Her ink tank empty after using up everything, she didn't have any time to recover. It was C.C.'s victory. The crowd lets out a deafening response, adoring him for overcoming the star of Squid Academy, it's all short lived as more commotion grows; the other battles were still raging on in the dying moments of the round. Reice and Evan ended their scrap in a trade-off with neither able to gain an advantage, while Pastelle and Aaron's duel with Frazzy and Ray ended in a draw with Aaron and Ray falling and leaving their partners to pick up the pieces, and finally, Todd and Violet pulled through proving that their plan outmaneuvered Floyd's defensive strategy.

A close score as time expires thanks to the rally by Violet and Todd, all the sweating players look up to the scoreboard for confirmation of the result. The arena goes quiet as the percentage is tallied. The display of the team colors and their bars fluctuating in sync to the tally, everyone hollers at the official score. Pink shirts are jumping on the sidelines and in the crowds in response and many blue shirts are scoffing at the scoreline. Squid Academy have won the turf war and evened up the match. Sky does an energetic fist pump with a wide grin from the spawn, glad that their efforts paid off and most importantly, the message sent. C.C. isn't amused with the results, especially after sacrificing most of that round to fighting Sky. Her smug grin and her confident gaze now made sense. He thought she was competing with him as an equal-a fellow competitor, now he realized that she set him up in the best way possible. A humiliating defeat. He thought them to be a non-threat after just a measly game. He didn't believe they could give him any more trouble than he already accounted for, but now he knew otherwise, and it cost him a round. Loathing the idea of being wrong on a prediction and getting humiliated on national television, C.C. is silent on his return to the bench as he sits away from the team to take a quick moment in isolation; he needed to review everything in his mind and come up with a counter strategy to Sky and her teammates now that they made their declaration that they weren't going anywhere.

Up in the stands, many of the players in attendance all wear surprised looks in response to Squid Academy's answer to the first round. An amazing development to see not only Sky go head to head with C.C. but also witness the rest of Squid Academy challenge the mighty Bluerings successfully, massive praise was due with the entire arena cheering them all. Shocking all the doubters into swaying into believers and putting their supporters on cloud nine with an impressive win, Squid Academy are back in the match. Cap'n Cuttlefish grins from ear to ear watching that round, noticing that Sky looked a lot more like her mother did in her prime despite losing that one on one. Mack Netifla was also watching the game with a big smile on his face, glad to see all the students he watched over during his tenure as principal come so far. Bianca and the entire Squid Academy side dressed in pink and blue hopping and bopping in sync to the banging drums letting their voices be heard, and a little ways off doing their best to contain their excitement were the Galloway family cheering on Reice with Marigold and Canary unable to contain their enthusiasm after watching their brother and his friends pull off the stinger in the second.

The start of a long match, the series is tied at one apiece.