Chapter 2: Inkopolis Square
Another day of school meets its end and that leaves a full afternoon for Inklings to do whatever they want. Some would go home to rest or do homework, but the rest would rather go to Inkopolis Square to take part in Turf Wars or Ranked Battles.
Since the closing of the Plaza's lobby, Amber is anxious to try out the battling in the Square. Her friends mention to her the competition in the Square being tougher than the Plaza, but that won't stop her from trying it out. At best, this would be a great and fun experience since Amber's exploring new competitors and possibly starting new friendships.
Upon entering the Square Amber notices a different layout of the area but the vibe is just a vivid as back in the Plaza. Like before there are Inklings scattered about the area either socializing with each other, on their phones, playing the arcade games, or lining up to go battle.
The Inklings here definitely look different than the ones Amber met before, and far more intimidating based on their current gear and level. Surprisingly they seem quite friendly as from the get go many Square Veterans greeted Amber with a wave or smile. After a few friendly exchanges Amber enters the Lobby.
Her excitement was difficult to contain as Amber felt this is like her first battle back in the Plaza. But her excitement was soon crushed when the front Attendant stopped her in her tracks.
"You seem new young Inkling, can I see your Splat Identification Card?" the attendant asked.
As told Amber showed her card, and the attendant shook her head.
"Ah my sincerest apologies ma'am but this card only works for the Plaza's Lobby, I cannot accept it. You'll have to register another card to be legible to use this facility."
"What? You mean I have to start all over?" Amber asked in dismay.
"I'm afraid so Miss. While I'm aware of the unfortunate events happening in the Plaza's Battle Lobby I still have orders and regulations to follow through." The attendant stated.
"I understand, where can I register another card?"
"Exit the lobby and head down the square, make a quick right and enter the office with the Emperry Stickers. Speak to the Inkling there to get squared away."
"Yes Ma'am."
Rarely has Amber felt so low. All the days and practice she invested in battling gone down the drain, her rank and level, non-existent and never to be heard again. But always being the optimist, Amber thought of it as an advantage. While she may be level 1, many of her competitors would underestimate her, and she has plenty of experience to battle back. It will take some time for her to get back into rank matches so it's best for her to get started right away.
With a newly registered Square Battle ID in tow, and her trusty Splattershot Jr in hand, Amber sets off for her first match. The attendant finally lets Amber enter and she now waits for her name to called upon for a match. An official calls up Amber and 3 other inklings and the group gets assigned to a Spawn Point to be sent off to the current map. While two of Amber's teammates remained quiet, and possibly nervous as they too are Level 1, the other Inkling seems to be beaming, and for a good reason.
"My word, small world eh?" the Inkling spoke up.
To Amber's surprise it was the same inkling she bumped into yesterday only this time the Inkling is decked out with gear and a roller in hand.
"Oh it's you! I didn't get the chance to apologize about me taking off like that!" Amber said to the Inkling.
"Don't worry you seemed late for something. Anyway first timer, name's Brian, Brian Miggs."
"Amber. And don't you worry, I won't hold you back." She replied.
"Amber, cute name. Wait…please tell me you didn't hear that." Brian muttered without Amber noticing.
The countdown hits zero, the Inklings are sent to Snapper Canals for a standard Turf War. Amber quickly wipes the orange ink from her eyes to glance around her surroundings. She's never been or heard of this map before, and she didn't hear about any update regarding about new maps.
"Where are we?" Amber asked Brian.
"Snapper Canals, I take it you've once battled in the Plaza?"
"How did you know?"
"I saw you earlier with that Battle ID mishap with Jane. The Square maps are different than what the Plaza offered but I'm sure you'll be fine."
The bell rings and the Inklings set off to cover as much ground as possible in ink. Amber tagged along with Brian Miggs as her other teammates took another path to cover. The winding paths and water hazards definitely were different but also exciting for Amber. They're plenty of spots to set up an ambush to her foes but as well of being ambushed. A quick glance left and Amber halted an Inkling from eliminating her. Brian from the side gave Amber some praise for her reflexes before stopping her from running straight into the water.
"Pro tip watch out for the water!" Brian shouted out as he created a trail of ink with his roller.
"With paths like these, it's easy to walk off the edge…"
"Brian watch out!" Amber warned her teammate. Unfortunately, it was too late as Brian plummeted straight into the Canal's waterbed, sending him back to spawn with a bruised ego.
"Well, now I'm going to take that advice into consideration." Amber thought.
Approaching the far corner of the map, Amber notices trails of Blue ink and already Amber's greeted with a barrage of enemy ink. She quickly swam off and flanked her pursuer with an easy splat. Continuing to cover more ground, Amber notices her special meter ready to go, an opportunity to get the jump on her opponents with a bubble shield.
Or so she thought.
As planned, Amber flanks two enemy inklings with her "shield" up. Amber quickly noticed that her shield didn't act as protective as she thought while succumbing to minor damage. She quickly retreated from her targets to assess what went wrong.
"Did the SCSBE changed the shield or I messed up using my special!?" Amber grumbled.
"Both." Brian replied as he took cover besides Amber. "In this lobby you get Ink Armor instead of the Bubbler. It's great for taking a few attacks before it breaks. You need it to use carefully."
"Understood, thanks Brian."
Adjusting with the different changes to the weapons, Amber sets off to cover more turf. From above Amber spots an Inkling set in ambushing her but Brian jumps in the way with a Splashdown Special, saving her and dispatching the attacker with ease. After a quick "you're welcome" from her teammate, he sets off to cover more turf and continued to pave a path for their team.
"Brian! Wait!"
"Sorry Amber but our opponents are about to spawn soon so take this time to cover as much turf!"
"Not that! The water!"
Before he realized his familiar mistake, Brian once again plunges headfirst into the Canal's murky waters, sending him a shameful trip back to spawn.
Amber couldn't help but laugh at Brian's misfortune although like he said she shouldn't squander this opportunity to take advantage of her opponents' absences.
The match finishes and Amber's team win decisively with a score of 62 to 38.
Afternoon turned to evening and Amber's beat from the exciting battles. The new environment and mechanics is something Amber is looking forward to. And already she made level 10. She's eager to try out Ranked Matches tomorrow with her new friend Brian. As clumsy as he may be he's quite capable with his skills as a Roller.
Safe to say Amber's looking forward to her new start in Inkopolis Square.
A/N: Another chapter down and three is in the process of editing. Hope you've enjoyed it!- Poshil