Thank you for that comment! I always appreciate it when someone is honest and even more when they point out those kinds of things because sometimes I actually never take that into consideration and realize that a LOT has been written. It's been an experience writing this fic and sometimes it really does feel discouraging to see something you pour effort into not get as much interaction as preferred, but I'm thankful to those who do whether it be a follow, favorite, or a review. In my eyes that tells me I was able to reach the reader you know? Even if I fail in that aspect, just knowing someone had enough care to at least try to read is enough for me to be thankful. To all who take the time to read these before viewing the story, thank you and I hope you're having lovely day or night. As always, thank you for reading and please enjoy the chapter.


"With one round down and at least three more to go, Skolar and Squid Academy are moments away from resuming their clash. After such an amazing first round where these two contenders dueled on the court, we've got to wonder what will happen next?" the lead commentator said, looking over to his colleague covering the match with him.

"That's right, in the first round we saw Squid Academy throw the first punch but the response of Skolar was the true story of that game. Squid Academy looked aggressive to start and were electrifying but the problem laid in how predictable their strategy became as time progressed. Skolar figured them out quickly and as a result that fleeting moment of power crumbled in an instant as Skolar turned it around in a full three set battle to take the first round."

The commentators doing their best to decipher what happened moments ago and provide a thorough analysis, they entertained the audience with their explanations and opinions while the two teams were reviewing their strategies for the next round. The sidelines of the two teams full of expression after that first round, the leaders of their respective teams stood at the forefront. Although they managed to secure the win and jump ahead with the lead the Skolar players looked far from relaxed or comfortable-that was too troublesome of a victory for them to lower their guard and with at least three more rounds to go, it was clear to them that this would be a long day if that first round was any indicator. Carmichael stood before them however and drilled into their heads that it didn't matter how they got it done-just that they simply won when it came to the early rounds. In competitions like this where every round mattered and it was win or go home, the primary goal was all about winning and nothing else. How a team won was secondary when compared to earning the win as it was easy to play amazing and still lose as seen with Squidops. On the other side, Squid Academy were disappointed with their failure to snatch the first round since they'd shown to be the better team so far. Azule however made sure to remind them that there was still plenty of time in the match and that it was only getting started, and if that round told them anything it was that they were on their game today and would have more chances to stick it to the ogres. That statement by him where he displayed his maturity as a captain proved enough to boost their morale and keep them upbeat.

"What did you think of that one?" Tangie asked, taking a seat next to the solitary Sally who sat on the bench off to the side while the others congregated and used the break to ease their nerves for a moment.

Sally didn't look like she wanted to entertain a conversation but it was hard to refuse the invitation from Tangie when she beamed at her like that, giving an annoyed sigh, she took the bait. "It's a shame we couldn't steal that one since that's one of our stronger game modes but we played really good and I'm confident that we'll break through in the coming rounds. What was most important was to show that chemistry with such an unusual lineup and we got that message across I believe. Skolar will be very careful with how they tread from now on."

Tangie flashed a smirk and teased a hum in response, "Sounds to me like someone is paying close attention, eh?" she nudged.

"That's all I can do right now." She immediately responds with no change in her expression and her tone harsh, putting a damper on Tangie's mood with her smirk turning into a slight frown as she glanced at Sally's outstretched legs. As someone who'd also been battling with recovery herself, she understood quite well what physical and emotional pain Sally had been through; this whole interaction was with the intent of being there for her friend who seemingly shut everyone out once it came game day, but to see her blatantly shut her down too when they'd been through so much together and also spent so much time apart kind of stung.

Sally noticed the sudden silence from her friend and when she looked over to see Tangie force a smile in response, she felt a sudden wave of guilt overcome her. "-Well, I mean...within this context. Sorry if that came off as rude."

Tangie shook her head, "No need to apologize, I understand."

"It's just frustrating having to watch every time from the sidelines. It's like my purpose within the team went from being the heart of the team to being an outcast. I know that isn't the case and everyone here cares about my wellbeing but it's a feeling that just feels like something only I can wrestle with."

"I get you." An understanding Tangie nods, "It's not easy seeing something you've slaved away building suddenly progress without your efforts any longer. It's like starting a company and being critical to the early success and establishment only to see the company soar to greater heights without your efforts while you're cast to the side. Almost makes you feel as though you were holding them back, right?"

"Ouch...didn't need to read my mind like that." she joked, alternating her attention between the game and her friend.

Tangie beams, noticing she's got her attention off the game even if it was momentary, "It's not uncommon in sports to see something similar, you know. Especially in team sports is it not a rare occurrence for an amazing player critical to the team's success be sidelined by something unexpected only for their teams to perform better once they're not in the picture, however the opposite is also more common as taking away a critical asset to the team will usually lead to a detrimental outcome for the team. I'd like to think our success without you is a testament to how great we've grown and to show what kind of team will be waiting for you when you're healthy enough to come back. Your place on this team is permanent-remember that."

Aware at the clear attempt by Tangie to cheer her up, Sally showed her appreciation by teasing a smile and agreeing with her. "Here, want to take a seat and watch with me?" she offered.

"Why not!? It's been a while since we've talked like this." she hurried over to join her friend before the start of the next round.

The second round of Tower Control awaiting with both teams having a great incentive to capture victory here, it was already a dire situation for Squid Academy as a 2-0 deficit already spelled doom while Skolar needed at least that much of a gap to breathe comfortably against such a risky opponent. The rosters stayed the same with both teams refraining from making any adjustments, the commentators reckoning it had much to do with the context of the match itself. Squid Academy had played an excellent first round and displayed amazing chemistry for a composition that had never played together before and simply caught a bad break in not adapting in time to Skolar's response; it'd be foolish to make a switch so early rather than gamble on the current squad's leadership and experience to make a big splash. Skolar's reasoning however laid in their approach to fielding their best lineup so early on that it would idiotic to replace someone from their ace lineup so soon-especially after securing a victory already to take an early lead; when it came to a balance and lethal display of power, this unit of six were the pulse of Skolar's deadly offense and defense. The teams lined up and prepared in their respective spawns with their supporters cheering them on with great anticipation for the whistle to blow, the players from both sides were aware of how critical this opening start would be to their success in the round. A good start meant everything. Feet planted. Weapons readied. The second round begins.

Both teams are off to a hot start rushing for center tower with different formations: Squid Academy move in isolation while Skolar travel in one accord and as a result, Squid Academy draw possession first with Mason securing the vessel after painting it pink. Skolar arrived moments later but by then the tower was already making a move with more bodies escorting. Though he wanted to be careful because of the obvious ambush and press that Azule likely intended to pull, he cast aside those worries since there was nothing more terrifying than Squid Academy building an early start in this particular game mode; Whenever Azule was in the mix with his unpredictability, anything could happen. The clash of green and pink ensues: Mason, Todd, and Evelyn make their defense on the tower holding off the swarm of Carmichael and the others. In came the ambush as Azule led the attack. All hell breaks loose as the tower halts, a violent splash of green and pink all over the surroundings as autobombs and splat bombs detonate in succession, dragging poor souls into their range. The chaos far from subsiding, the casualties piled up as the two teams continued the carnage. Skolar's big trio of Carmichael, Miralem, and Sigurd were all that remained from the war on the tower, but they'd done an excellent job in weakening Squid Academy's forces in the process. Azule and Todd were caught up in the fray and taken out, and though they had the number advantage with an extra body in Evelyn on the tower, they'd been thrown into a scramble. "Protect the tower at all cost" were the commands Azule gave before blasting away Jean and Pierre only to take fatal damage from Sigurd.

"They got the numbers but their fangs are stripped, get them!" Carmichael leads, making a straight attack for the tower guarded by the trio with Evelyn perched on the tower to give cover.

A green auto bomb thrown to disperse the team proves successful as the tower quickly became unoccupied while Sigurd and Miralem neared, but Carmichael still kept his guard up-agitated by the presence of Jory and Zaneki and their attacking capabilities. With a setup of three protecting the tower with a fourth within the vicinity of the tower as well, Carmichael quickly formulated a plan to seize the tower and swing the momentum simultaneously. In a head to head battle, they had the advantage with him and Miralem as the clear threats at the moment, and with Evelyn as a charger she'd only prove a liability if left alone, which meant all the focus turned to the three protectors. His speed increasing tenfold as he bullrushes Jory, the octoling isn't surprised to see the captain target him; after all he wore the no.10 and was well known to be the kind of talent who always found a way to shine when situations become dire-clearly Carmichael acknowledged him. A game of keep away, Jory tried to stick near the tower without getting tagged by Carmichael, who subtly marked the tower in green when he could to slow Squid Academy further, but Evelyn's interference proved effective as she continued to ensure the tower stayed pink. Mason and Zaneki had their hands full in a team battle of their own as Miralem and Sigurd used their chemistry to their advantage. The concentration of pink dwindling in the presence of the mean green, Squid Academy folded under the pressure. Mason and Zaneki's disconnect proved disastrous as Sigurd picked them apart and Miralem ruthlessly ended them, wiping half of Squid Academy's defense to the tower and forcing Evelyn and Jory to make a priority: protect the tour in futility or retreat and regroup with their captain and Todd returning to the fray, though that might not be beneficial either since Skolar would have their numbers back as well-and more at that. The struggle of Jory becoming apparent as he juggled between keeping his comrade out of harm's way and protecting the tower, Carmichael forced him to put all his attention towards him. Lose the tower to Miralem and Sigurd who'd already start to wipe away the lead or risk the entire team getting wiped out by Carmichael, whose goal was to see them eliminated and hurt their morale.

"He's in trouble!" the commentator calls, grabbing the attention of the audience as Jory puts up a valiant effort against Carmichael.

Driving me away from the tower and forcing Eve to have to handle those two on their own is cruel, but it wouldn't be nationals if we didn't encounter monsters like you! Jory's expression sharpened as he focused on shifting his total defensive approach to one of a counter attack; We've fought opponents just as tough as you, survived the likes of monsters who walk the same path as you, so...don't think you can scare me!

Jory fights back.

Landing a solid blow to the shoulder of Carmichael, he stuns the captain. A sharp pain stung Carmichael at that moment and he nearly tripped over his own feet with a stagger reeling from the damage. Instead of going in for the kill however, Jory turned his attention straight to Evelyn and the tower, which was still unoccupied. That was strange, considering they should've had two men on there unless Evelyn-

"You lack the killer instinct!" Sigurd shouts from his blindspot; the red flags raised for Jory who felt his entire body scream at him to dodge.

Barely avoiding the fatal strike, it isn't enough to steer him clear of danger as he is met by Miralem-the cold look on the silent one planting total fear in his heart. His lifeless eyes are the opposite of the deadly aura surrounding him, the elimination quick but painful as he trapped Jory and then took him out in a brush of green. The forces of Squid Academy neutralized, Carmichael recovered while Sigurd raced to take the tower. Just then, Evelyn went all out for one final effort: tenta missiles. Already deployed and locked on the trio while they were preoccupied with Jory, the strike was imminent. That didn't matter however. As one of the top teams, the trio displayed how they earned that ranking at 5th by epically weaving through the blasts of pink that plastered the turf. Evelyn didn't budge however as she held her ground on the tower and tried to take out as many as possible and buy time for the others to respawn. Any minute now, Azule and Todd would surely back her up in time.

"Not happening!" Carmichael shouts, launching a burst bomb towards her to blind her aim; Miralem and Sigurd use that to their advantage and storm in.

Her instincts warning her to retreat, she hurries off the tower before they could capitalize. They refrain from giving chase due to Carmichael's command-he was counting down the entire time and recognized that Azule would be back by now; best to avoid a confrontation when the numbers are even and bodies can join in at random. The tower in possession of Skolar, Squid Academy's lead diminished without any resistance.

"Aw man, that was a disaster." Kosami bit her lip nervously afterwards.

"We expected the twin terrors to play with that intensity, but our error in not accounting for one of their other players to step up is starting to show. Hopefully Azule and the rest can make in-game adjustments. Another loss here will make it ugly moving forward." Cobalt added, a bit frustrated that at times like this he was practically useless; Sally also shared that feeling by giving an instinctive nod while observing the match closely with Tangie by her side who was reacting to every little detail as the game progressed.

The battle far from decided in that first skirmish, Squid Academy did come back with an answer to Skolar although they weren't successful in the immediate response. Skolar stacked bodies on the tower and put the pressure on Squid Academy to break through that moving tower defense while attempting to avoid the threatening knockout outcome. Adjustments getting made at a rapid rate as both teams observed the other closely amidst the increasing casualties and crossfire, Azule tried to figure out how to take back the tower with the time working against them. So far they'd done well in slowing down Skolar to a stop but the current score didn't favor them and since it'd be a mess to try and force an overtime battle against this particular unit, he wanted to get a knockout victory only-it was the only way to ensure there would be no doubt moving forward. The way Skolar moved with commitment and precision...he wanted to disrupt that and have them start second guessing their decisions.

The twin terrors are way more tougher in person than they look on film. Scouting them won't do justice for the genuine article. With that said, there's something I've noticed that was strange. When we had the tower earlier they focused all their attention on Jory with their power trio and didn't account for Eve. Either they disregarded her as a threat or they prioritized Jory for some reason, regardless that's the only clue I've got to figuring out how to beat them. The lead isn't out of reach!

Time was ticking away and in favor of Skolar, Azule and Squid Academy needed to figure out how to break through the improving defense of Skolar. A team that gradually improved their defense as the battle continued and forced the other team to work twice as hard to break through, it was through that method that they enjoyed breaking their opponents after wearing them down thin. Azule identified this and made the necessary tweaks, changing Squid Academy's approach from an aggressive assault to one laid in patience; if Skolar wanted to drain them and then go in for the kill, he wouldn't allow it. Evelyn took to the rear, Mason and Zaneki on the flanks, and the triple attack of Azule, Todd, and Jory at the head, this would be their strategy to play offensive and defensive; called the "contain and exploit" plan by Fuchsia which took the contain defensive philosophy and merged it with the exploitive counterattack strategies that most teams loved to use. A modified strategy that relied on tempo, it was pivotal for the team utilizing it to be wary of tempo-fast and sloppy play would lead to error and a complete demolition of forces, and slow and dragged play would lead to a steamrolling in an instant. Sure enough, the momentum started to change. Partly due to Skolar deciding to defend their lead and drag on a bit to tire Squid Academy more. Carmichael was convinced after the first round that the strategy of Squid Academy laid in trying to wear down his team with the familiar "Relay" ideology where a team would rely on their deep bench depth to anchor the team against opponents, and since it was obvious Skolar intended to utilize their premier squad as the vanguard in this battle that gave Squid Academy more insight to use the strategy aggressively. In that case, Carmichael figured the only effective measure would be to throw a wrench in the plan and deteriorate their stamina in real time: force them to sub earlier or risk falling too deep into a deficit.

-Is likely what he might be thinking… Azule thought, still waiting for the opportunity to strike. Like a hunter that stalks his prey, he refrained from any immediate strikes all in the hope that Skolar might slip up and give him the chance to pounce. Subtle yet assured, the vulnerability of Skolar was teased as the battle continued. A fatal flaw that not even the Ogres themselves were aware of, the focus of Skolar had been preoccupied with Azule and Todd's continuous presence on the attack as well as Jory and his reputation to be clutch in critical moments, which is where that flaw laid. By leaving themselves too concerned with that trio of capable slayers, that left the door open for another capable trio and although they hadn't managed to break through yet, it was clear that Skolar's defenses were thinning and quickly-mostly in team battles. Mason and Zaneki worked well in tandem and with Evelyn as their third option assisting them while also creating opportunities by opening up space directed at the tower, that led to Squid Academy getting slithers of chances that Azule began to piece together. It was only a matter of time.

"We'll strike directly this time." Mason notified Zaneki as they regrouped with Evelyn rushing forward to provide some cover for Jory and Todd who were actively competing for the tower against Sigurd and Pierre.

"I know, like planned."

Mori furrowed his brows watching the action unfold from where he sat with his arms folded, noticing there's a sudden change in movement that could have only been spotted from a vantage point. Squid Academy were making their move now. The score currently 39-71 in favor of Skolar with the time just a little over a couple minutes, Squid Academy's pattern of a patient approach was altered immediately. A frontal assault of the attacking trio of Azule, Todd, and Jory with Evelyn right behind them, those four drew the attention of the defending ogres who dispersed from the tower to make sure they didn't get pinned-the awareness of Carmichael proving effective in this regard. But that was all according to plan as swarming the flanks were Mason and Zaneki chucking their sub weapons to cause further chaos. Quickly Skolar leaves the tower to create more space and engage in a total battle after having spent the entire round conserving energy for this very moment. Green and pink splashing everywhere like buckets kicked about, the tower changed possessions simultaneously as collateral damage in the ordeal. A free for all with all assignments thrown out of the window, the casualties tallied and the carnage ensued as both teams went to war for the tower. Skolar were in control with the numbers advantage when they were increasing their space to maneuver and defend the tower against the surging Squid Academy attackers, consistently holding their own against them from all directions, but as the efforts of Azule, Todd, Jory, Mason, and Zaneki were spent engaging in constant battle to draw them away and play with concern, that led to a key piece being free from the watchful eyes of Captain Carmichael. And that key piece…

Took the tower.

Managing to sneak around during the chaos, Evelyn played her card right and attacked from the rear to not only dwindle the enemy numbers but secure the tower and subsequently trap Skolar. The urgency kicked in for the Ogres as they realized the squeeze Squid Academy were attempting and with their remaining numbers they split up their tasks: Miralem and Carmichael prioritized the kills while Amber and Pierre took to the tower. Puddles of pink interrupted by the stream of green, callouts made at every second and the mixture of sweat and desperation filling the air while the tower played a jingle on the move, the spacing of Mason and Zaneki working in tandem to assist Evelyn on the tower proves effective as they smash through the vulnerable ogres on an opening that hadn't been available at all throughout the game. A lone shot took out Jean and stunned the remaining pair of Amber and Pierre and bought time for Evelyn to take advantage and extend the distance. The twin terrors had their hands full dealing with the attacking duo of Azule and Todd, who were hellbent on preventing them from interfering. Now that the usual numbers advantage that Skolar flaunted was gone thanks to the skirmish and the quick action by his teammates was a success, Azule saw now as the perfect time to achieve the goal he set earlier: grab the knockout. It wouldn't be easy once the reinforcements kicked in, but he gambled on the momentum working in their favor and the rhythm they found now to be enough to counter whatever adjustments Skolar attempted to make. All in all, he couldn't let Skolar get the upper hand in both the results and in quality of play.

"It's a team wipeout!" The commentator reacts by lifting his arms up high with his jaw agape; "Squid Academy's surprise attack finally pays off as the skipper brings down one of the terrors on his power while captain Carmichael is brought down by a team effort."

"This might be the only chance they have to pull off a comeback. A long time coming for sure but they can't waste this chance now that they've broken through. Skolar's got reinforcements respawning within the next couple of seconds due to being unable to super jump to the coordinates, so they'll have to set up their tower defense and push the tower with urgency. Skolar won't let them get away with a knockout so easily." The color commentator added, skeptical about Squid Academy's chances to maintain this scenario where they're in control.

He's right. They did good there but that was due to manipulating them with their numbers and allowing their forgotten sniper to utilize that lack of presence to pull the rug from under them. But Skolar won't let them get away so easily even if this isn't too dire just yet. Skolar are as competitive as they come...Mori thought while nervously checking the score that read "32-65" still in favor of Skolar.

Though Squid Academy were moving expeditiously to the ballistic reaction from the crowd who had a lot to voice about the possible triumphant comeback, it was clear they'd have to deal with Skolar once more before they could taste the lead. A round spent having to claw their way from a deficit, it was a reflection of what was seen in the first round where the two teams played a similar style of battle for all three of those sets. The arrival of Jean made it clear Skolar weren't going to make things easy as the lone ogre was the first to get in their way and slowed down the tower with constant nagging picks to stall them for a team battle. Of course, Squid Academy were merciless in handling the stray with both Todd and Zaneki splatting him together to eliminate any possible group battle with even numbers; they were going to milk the advantage as much as possible en route to the goal. As they cut the lead down to a favorable 32-47 getting past the halfway mark with little resistance, the response by Skolar finally came. They attempted to stop the potential comeback with a full frontal assault, but Squid Academy had the answer to that tactic. Captain Azule led the defense, dancing all over the turf with his dualies firing constantly and nearly perfecting his tempo of refilling and rapid fire. A steamroll that saw Squid Academy overtake the lead, Skolar became hasty in trying to damage control. What became a last ditch effort in turn led to Azule and the trio of Todd, Zaneki, and Jory kicking it into high gear to deliver a knockout and ultimately send a statement to Skolar: they weren't going to make life easy for them.

The whistle blowing to end the round, it was a stunning development as Squid Academy's six warriors crowded the tower atop the goal. In knockout fashion, Squid Academy have made this match a competitive series and avenged their close defeat in the previous round. As knotted up at one a piece, the attention grew on social media as the expected favorites Skolar were now beginning to trend under the infamous tag "Upset Alert" where most ranked opponents who face Squid Academy ended up-almost like a curse. As both teams returned to their animated sidelines and an energetic crowd, the answer concerning which team would likely advance to the quarterfinals became blurred. Next up: Round 3 of Hide Ink Seek.