Chapter 13

Amber blinks as the morning light hits her eyes. She groans as she stretches, then just lays there. She looks at the clock, sees it is 8, and figures she should get up. Amber gets up and quickly dresses, then goes to get herself something for breakfast.

She sits in silence as she eats her Kelp Oats. She had nothing to do today, even if it was Squidmas Eve, and she wanted to be left alone. So when a knock is heard at her door, she gets irritated.

Grumbling to herself that her morning was interrupted, Amber opens the door. She blinks in surprise when she sees Callie standing there, covered in snow. Amber giggles at her predicament and lets her inside.

Callie shakes herself off over a mat while Amber sits back down at her table. Amber takes a bite, swallows, then says "So, what brings you over Callie?" Callie takes off her jacket and shoes, then sits down.

"Well, I just wanted to talk to you." Amber raises an eyebrow and says "About what?" She then takes another bite.

Callie sighs and thinks back on Marie's plan. "I don't think she'll like this conversation." Callie shakes her head to rid herself of the self-doubt. She took this chance and she won't back down.

Looking at Amber straight in the eyes, Callie says "I need to know why you are acting so strange." Amber gulps down her milk, then sighs. "Is it that obvious?" Callie nods.

The yellow inkling stares into her bowl. After a few minutes of nothing, Amber finally says "I don't like people worrying, but I know you'll worry anyways. The thing is, it gets lonely being by yourself."

Amber looks at the hyper squid and says "I love you guys, I really do, but you can't be there all the time. Whenever we go to do our own thing, I'm reminded that I have no family with me. No one to live with. No one to… make things better."

Callie looks on in clear worry as Amber continues. "I have… an ability. Not one I am proud of either. I can summon non-weapon specials an infinite number of times in short succession. If I wanted, I could unleash a splashdown every second."

Amber lifts her hand and shows the golden bracelet on her wrist. "This is what keeps it in check. With it on, my restrictions on specials are the same as any other inkling. But without it, I could start firing them at any moment since I have no indicator of when they will happen."

Callie looks at the bracelet in curiosity. She thought is was just a fancy wristband. Obviously it was something much more important.

Amber lowers her wrist, and Callie notices tears in the inkling's eyes. Amber sniffs, her voice cracking, and says "I-I… I could never control it. My ability k-kept everyone away from me. B-But I also couldn't make friends in Inkopolis, e-even after I got the limiter."

Amber wipes her tears, trying to keep them at bay. But at this point, she couldn't stop. The dam was broken and she couldn't keep the emotions held in anymore. Her tears increase as she chokes out "I-I became s-so lonely. E-Even the agency c-couldn't help. I just was b-by myself all the time."

The broken inkling sniffs again, wiping her tears. She looks down in embarrassment, her tentacle hiding her face. "I-I sorry you had to see me like this Callie." Callie will probably leave her as well now. Crying like that couldn't be fresh in any way.

But then, Amber felt something tighten around her. Amber glances past her tentacle and is surprised to see Callie next to her, hugging her. "W-What are you doing?" Callie giggles softly and says "It's called a hug. Ever heard of it?"

Amber looks away and says "N-No, I have. But I thought you wouldn't associate yourself with an unfresh squid."

Callie relinquishes her hold and frowns. "Unfresh? Amber, you are one of the freshest squids I know. No one is as brave or strong as you are." Amber just frowns. "If only other inklings thought that."

The popstar shakes her head. "The problem is that stupid materialistic mentality the government has. That's the main issue. In fact, I bet Octolings attack because of that mentality." Amber raises an eyebrow at that, but she doesn't say anything.

Callie smiles warmly at Amber and says "Amber, all of us at the agency, even Pearl and Marina, we all care for you. You don't have to hide any of your pains. If you ever get lonely, come to us. Even Ika would allow you to come. He may not seem like it, but the loneliness does get to him as well."

Amber just stares, wide eyed. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. All this time, she thought of the agency as just another group of friends. Nothing special, just another splatoon in Inkopolis. Thinking back on it now though, she realized she was an idiot for not realizing what made them special. It wasn't just the weapons, it was their bond. The whole agency was more than friends. They were family, HER family.

Amber just couldn't believe that she didn't see this. Although she was good at hiding the pain beforehand. "I guess I just stopped at one point."

Callie, interrupting Amber's thoughts, says "I have one more thing for you, but it'll have to wait until tonight. In the meantime, wanna just hang out." Amber smiles back and nods her head. "That would be nice."

-Time: 6:30 PM-

"Come on Amber, let's go!" Amber laughs and says "Ok Callie! I'm coming." Amber and Callie were now on their way to the mansion so the party could commence. Of course, Amber had no clue this was the case.

The two inklings round another corner and find themselves in front of the mansion. Callie practically drags Amber inside with excitement. She shoves open the door and Amber tumbles in. She looks around, and she is instantly amazed.

The mansion was covered in all sorts of Squidmas decorations. Callie looks at her in curiosity and says "Oh! You like my decorating?" Amber nods, stars in her eyes. "I love it. Is this what you wanted to show me?" Callie shakes her head. "Nope! I got something better."

Glancing at a clock, Callie says "In fact, they should be here soon." And right on cue, the door behind them opens. Amber turns around, wondering who was here.

Marie smiles, all of the agents behind her, and says "We miss anything?' Callie shakes her head and says "Other than Amber staring at my decorations, no you didn't."

Amber stares at all the agents in surprise. "What's going on here?!" Marina smiles nervously and says "W-Well, Callie wanted to-" "CALLIE WANTED TO SURPRISE YOU WITH A PARTY!" Marina jumps at the interruption. "P-Pearlie!" Pearl smiles sheepishly.

Amber once again is dumbfounded. "W-What?" Ika grins and says "We saw how lonely you looked. We figured a party for you would boost your spirits. Besides, no one should be alone on Squidmas." Daniel mumbles out "Christmas ripoff." Ika elbows Daniel, who in turn jumps.

Amber again is speechless. So much was happening at once, and she couldn't handle it. Then, her face breaks into the biggest grin she's ever had. "I can't believe you'd all do this for me!" Whinter smirks and says "Believe it, cause it is happening right now."

Callie wraps an arm around Amber and says "This was all for you Amber. We wanted you to remember that you are never alone." Amber sniffles, her eyes tearing up again. "I-I'll remember that. I couldn't have asked for anything better."

Clementine punches Amber on the shoulder playfully and says "Well come on then! We have all night to hangout, and tomorrow is Squidmas. We're gonna have the best night of our lives!"

The agents all gather around Amber, and soon they were engaged in a number of activities. Ranging from video games to silly party games. All the while, Amber could be heard laughing in delight. She now knew that she was never truly alone, and it was the best gift she could've asked for.

-Author Note-

Well that was a very emotional chapter. Had me tearing up a little, but I do that a lot. And, next chapter is Squidmas! Expect some big things from the next chapter!