Hello everyone. Before I proceed any further I want to say that to anyone who is in Ukraine or has family or connection to the situation over there right now, I'm praying for your safety and wellbeing of you, your family, and your country. I don't want to get too political or too deep into that cut of cake on a platform like here but it tears my heart when I see innocent civilians have to suffer at the hands of a single person's whim. The same goes for the people of Russia too, of whom a majority of the people there don't this meaningless violence and takeover and are now going to be isolated and hated because of a single man. It hurts to see and I feel so powerless in that all I can offer are donations and emotional support. But to any readers in Ukraine, throughout the continent of Europe and anyone with connections to the former listed, I hope here can at least be a sanctuary to take your mind off the troubles going on right now. It's a scary world out there but that doesn't mean that you are alone or have to brave it alone. Thank you for reading all that, and now, please enjoy the chapter.
The second round of tower control was set to begin with both teams maintaining their same squads on the turf despite the uproar that kicked up on the Special Forces sidelines moments prior. As it were so far, the series favored Beacon Hills and although this rendition of the team was a legitimate squad that supporters of Special Forces recognized needed to be treated with some respect, they believed there wasn't any cause for concern because of the reliability of Jin and the others. That didn't make digesting the end of that round any easier however as it felt like Gin shot an arrow at the Achilles heel and dealt a significant blow to an area that wouldn't have been worth any attention otherwise. With his calm demeanor but cold execution, it was as though they were witnessing that same restless captain from a year ago become a different type of beast in such a short time. He wasn't a hero like his brother, or at least he didn't carry that image outside the borders of Beacon Hills, but he looked more and more like someone who carried a meaningful presence to rival that of his brother. In a way, he was like an antihero, a figure that the story wasn't tailored for yet controlled the narrative through his actions. As the face of the rebellion of the rowdy bunch who hailed from Beacon Hills, the "Silver Inkling" announced his arrival to the "Mourning of Special Forces" as the supporters in silver called it, who felt something special about this specific team that slowly blossomed into the super team that boasted the ranking of 13th overall. While historically Special Forces have had Beacon Hills' number in head to head competition, there were times when the silver squids had their runs and managed to best their arch rivals; today had the makings of the start of such a run. A victory in the winter, and a solid but disappointing run in the spring, this summer clash was the perfect chance to see whether the tides of change would finally wash away the errors of the past for Beacon Hills, or if they were still just not quite ready to get the better of the golden squids.
The noise quelled a bit as the two teams entered their spawns ready to do battle, the gazes worn by the players full of focus anticipating the opening whistle and their release to the tower located at the center of the map. The silver flags waved. The golden banners flew. The venue rumbled on the countdown to the start of battle, the voices erupting in a boisterous cheer as the spawn gates opened to release the two behemoths taking charge to the center at center map. A rush of silver and gold towards the tower, the bombs bursts and chaos ensued to the sound of shouts and cries as both sides took damage already, a jingle heard shortly after along with the sound of the scores getting tallied as Beacon Hills make the first move. It didn't last long however as Special Forces interrupted the possession and huffed away the tower, adding a bonus as they began their march to the goal. They got denied however by a storm of gold cast overhead that directly rained on the halted tower that bore the hostile takeover. A pair of fiery opening strikes that entertained the audience with the brilliant display of teamwork shown in various group battles, it didn't take long for the isolated battles to sprout forth as both sides looked to utilize the isolation to their advantage and prevent the other from concentrating entirely on the tower. With one battle taking place for the tower between the forces of Taro, Seni, and Rina against the defending Silvia and Obi, a bit of distance away was the duel between Kary and Eijun against Tatyana, Davy, and Spanner, and finally, what had the attention of all the viewers, the first official duel between the Ika brothers for the day!
A meeting anticipated by all, the brothers didn't utter a word once the other entered their line of sight. Their footsteps silent and their speed blinding, in a matter of seconds the duel between them opened up with a brilliant burst of glistening gold and shiny silver ink splattering everywhere, the two seemingly operating on autopilot with how precise their strikes were, the percentage of direct contact at its highest as both sustained minor damage that washed away once they submerged. A classic definition of a shootout, the two gunslingers let it rain. Nothing but red clouds their visions as they made out the figure standing before them, the familiarity of that scent they knew all too well and that affinity that could only be felt boiling within their blood, it was a tireless effort by both to exterminate the other. The commentators referred to this clash as a 'dance of silver and gold' with a serenade from their weapons that guided them through the turf, their movements so similar it appeared like they were in sync, their sub weapons also assisting in broadening the battlefield for more space to maneuver. The athleticism and experience of Jin versus the craftiness and technique of Gin, the two displayed why they were some of the best in the world and were the cream of the crop in Inkopolis with high rated play that hindered the other from making the decisive move to take the duel into their control.
"S-so sharp!" Cannola's jaw dropped.
Austin folds his arms, "It really feels like the end after all. I've never seen them go this hard at each other before."
"That's what a fight between two siblings looks like…" Sky remarks.
Although it was evident from the way that they moved that if these brothers were dueling any other person at this moment, they would've already eliminated their opponent and gone about their business; no rest break, no chance to even stand still for even a moment, it was a constant test of stamina hunting the other down while still being on the run. A beautiful showcase of the perfect hunt, the two hunters, apex predators, kings of their domain, they settled their deeply rooted dislike for one another with every shot fired. No body shots and no environmental strikes, the shot that mattered to them the most was the head and only the head.
He'll go left and throw one of those bombs… Jin anticipates, hesitant on the lunge but committing to the attack.
Stubborn as always, I know what you're thinking..! Gin slams his burst bomb right in front of him and creates a silver puddle driving away Jin away momentarily. His breathing turned heavy on the recovery with bullets of sweat forming all over his face, he couldn't advance further. Another step and he'd be in trouble continuing to engage in combat; it was very apparent that Gin was built for this one on one and had been waiting for a long time to finally get this duel.
Once again. It's a stalemate.
A round of applause followed from the audience as the two brothers stopped their duel, the conclusion of their epic clash had to be postponed. Jin's attention had already diverted from the battle due to the sight of seeing his teammates continuing their fight. Now wasn't the time after all. Whenever the tower moved and there was a jingle, on the objective fighting with the greatest of intensity were those three juniors he took under his wing. That fighting spirit they emanated, the radiance that shone through their play as they conquered the tower. It felt like he was getting a glimpse at what life would've been if situations were different, if he'd gotten to play alongside his brother instead of against him. A mix of melancholy knowing what an amazing what-if of a scenario that could've been, there was more pride in knowing he'd mentored a wonderful trio who were going to be the future of the team after this summer. It was proof. His proof that he was fighting in the most decisive match of his career as a captain yet, and there was no game remotely close in magnitude because of it. The fruits of his labor paying off in real time, the least he could do was see it through to the end and continue the journey with them. If it was for them, he'd go all out.
"It's a knockout!" the commentator announces.
The whistle blowing to conclude the round, the tower indeed arrived at its destination. A monumental comeback that was orchestrated by the first years, Special Forces recorded their first win of the match and tied the series up-sending the message to their arch rivals that they had no intentions of losing back to back anchored themselves on the tower and steered the payload to victory, they did so all while fending off numerous attacks from Gin and Beacon Hills and showed a different attitude that spurred on their seniors to keep up the fight, an effort that didn't go unnoticed as some of the alumni who were observing the subtle but meaningful changes occurring before their very eyes took note of it; although it appeared to them that the culture of the team was much different from how they recalled from their days, not all of them were against this change, although the majority of them didn't like the new attitude that clashed with the team's identity that they remembered. A response to the criticism of their captain, the first year trio delivered a breakthrough performance and anchored the comeback showing that Jin's leadership wasn't anything to question and it was because of his competence as a guide that they were able to utilize their skills to perfection and surprise everyone.
Lucky me… He thought once more, though the substance behind that sentiment altered from prior. A glance towards the sea of gold and it wasn't hard for him to spot his family and extended family like promised, his heart heavy as not just immediate family but the extended ones too all wore his colors of gold, but not his brother's silver. A supportive family who nurtured him in an environment tailored for his success, an institution that expanded his skillset beyond his wildest imagination and a town that adored him like a small deity. Fame, fortune, and a future, he had everything that anyone could've ever wanted and he wasn't even an adult yet. And yet, somehow, he felt dissatisfied. Why? What could possibly satiate his greed if not these possessions? I don't love it. I loathe it. The rose tinted shades he donned for his entire life basking in luxurious illusions had finally been removed and exposed for him an unsightly truth regarding the life he lived. It wasn't a blessing for him when it came at the expense of his little brother. These people who stand behind me cheering and wishing for my success, people who share my blood, have been present for my upbringing and witness my evolution. They stand behind me, but not the one who is across from me fighting for the same purpose. His heart heavy at the break as the images in his mind were of that silent and suffering little sibling he followed behind him-his little shadow, he heard the indistinct chatter rattling in his head from the numerous voices that managed to reach him from beyond the sidelines.
"Hero Jin!"
"Look this way, future champ!"
"Crush Beacon Hills!"
I was ready. I was ready to change it all once the realization hit me, to alter my identity and discard that title that's begun to wear me down like a plague. I'm not a hero. I'm not a savior. I'm not worthy of standing on that pedestal of expectation. The sea of gold and silver an ecstasy for a lover of the arts, his body felt a chill watching the immaculate sight before him. These people that were in attendance weren't aware of his story nor did they know the purpose behind the animosity of the sibling feud; they simply enjoyed the fireworks that flew as a result of that feud-a feud that he'd grown to hate the more that he understood just how great the disparity was between himself and his brother and how it reflected into the two teams.
"Come on Jin, it's time to move!" the head coach called, carrying a stern look as he stared down his captain; the rest of the anti-Jin faction wore similar looks as well, all directed at him.
"Right…" he answers, immediately stepping out of his thoughts and putting them aside. They hailed me as a hero even though I deserved to be treated as a villain. But if I become a villain for trying to change who I am for the better, then so be it.
His resolve strengthened ahead of the third round of Hide Ink Seek, he meets his brother once more for the coin toss this time to decide the roles for the match. This time, it was Special Forces who won the toss and capitalized by electing to be the seekers; Beacon Hills were the ones who won the toss-then the round, would the same bode true for Special Forces? A possible good omen for those who were on the train of superstition, they awaited the result in anticipation. With the squad of Beacon Hills looking different thanks to some substitutions that swapped Davy and Tatyana out for Sully and Ashe, they intended to use their new lineup to their advantage-especially as the hiders, setting Spanner as the target player. Special Forces kept their same lineup but didn't look concerned by the changes, mostly due to this type of game mode being the kind that'd be up their alley as a natural predator of a team.
"Strange for them to avoid making any switches…" Cannola points out, noticing that although the match was approaching the half-way point it didn't look like Special Forces had any intention of swapping their players out.
"They've been doing fine with this setup. The first years are growing into their roles and bolstering an already stacked power with Jin there followed by two very experienced third years." Apollo followed, also keeping tabs on everything transpiring on the floor below.
Sky shook her head in disagreement, "I think it's less that and more a matter of chemistry. From the look on the sidelines it seems there's some tension between the senior members of the team and Jin, and the current squad we're seeing are the ones who'd be in his corner. It's likely that the others have refused to coexist with him or are waiting for a catalyst."
"Either way, toxic behavior like that ain't gonna cut it." Pearl concluded; "It's a team competition and everyone busts their asses off to get to this stage. To be infighting at such a critical time is so stupid when the ones doing so will be retiring soon. Why waste your final year together over ego and team politics?"
"That's always been Special Forces…" Aaron frowned; "A pompous bunch of spoiled military brats who have their lives already predetermined and don't ever have to worry about their future once they serve as vessels of war. It's no surprise they'd start fighting among themselves. I don't think it's any news that Jin isn't behaving like the dirt-bag we knew."
All of them agreed unanimously with a knowing look.
"Then that's likely the reason. He's not playing like they'd prefer and it's caused this rift. We hate him, so imagine how his teammates must feel? Especially when they're cut from the same cloth."
"Something along the line that people will dislike those who share the same habits as them?" Chlora joins in.
"Exactly. For some, they can't stand others who are like them. Question I've got is how long will both sides hold out. Not the opportune time to be doing this when your opponent is that team."
The team in reference were currently off to a solid start in keeping Spanner from getting splatted, although they had to take the fall in other departments and relinquish some points as a trade off, one they'd gladly take to survive and keep Special Forces within striking distance. The junior trio of first years for Special Forces stepped up once more however and performed their roles effectively in scrapping for every little point they could while Jin, Taro, and Rina went after the target, often slugging with Gin, Silvia, and Obi in response. Thankful to see how devoted they were to getting the victory, he liked how they were showing their individuality through their play and also doing so with great proficiency; it was as though he was witnessing their growth in real time as a trio who'd surely prove to be the foundation of the team once he and the other third years retired. If it was for them, he could continue yearning to survive and advance-that's how much he'd grown to appreciate everything they'd done for him by just following his lead. But where he had a fondness for his precious juniors, Gin developed an extreme dislike for that bunch. That arrogance and killer instinct seemed to dissolve and dull since the last time they met in competition, and where he'd been plagued for months wondering what was the root of this change, now he had profound evidence who were the culprits. How could he find satisfaction beating down on a guy who insisted on ditching the abhorrent personality that fueled his hatred? Gin felt robbed, robbed of that sweet satisfaction of sticking it to his brother.
A victory is a victory… He thought, charging into the chaos awaiting him.
But alas, another whistle meant another round concluded-and in knockout fashion again.
The round concluding in favor of Special Forces following the emergence of Jin's three apprentices who were rising to the occasion in the biggest match of their careers thus far, Gin and Beacon Hills now found themselves trailing heading into the fourth with plenty of pressure piling up as the possibility of a 3-1 deficit became far more realistic based on the performance seen from those first years. The duel between the two brothers brewing further during the break, Jin couldn't help but flash a grin-not one of arrogance but of genuine enthusiasm. He found it ironic that it took a humiliating loss for him to truly value the joy of competition in a way he never would've imagined; for once, he was excited to feel the pressure of competition and defeat intertwined into his performances in a way like never before. Gin on the other hand didn't find any joy in this occasion and instead saw this as nothing more than a serious objective that needed to be accomplished at all costs. He needed to break through Jin and prove that he no longer dwelled within the shadow nor as his equal, but instead his superior. The match approaching a critical turf war in the fourth round, who would be the benefactor of victory? The silver squids of the hills or the squids clad in gold representing the pride of the country?
