Chapter Text
The last day in Wartwood had been a joyous, bittersweet party. A battle of bands that had ended up being one huge party.
All for Anne from her frog friends. It was beautiful…none of the four girls had slept that night.
Anne was excitedly packing, Darcy looked filled with dread, Sasha was nervous, and Marcy was annoyed with herself.
Suddenly it was morning and the group was off. The flight was long and almost...morose. Anne and the Plantars sadly reminisced about all their time spent together. Sprig had hugged Anne about 30 times now. Sasha had Marcy in her lap, but was whispering back and forth with Grime. Marcy was talking to Darcy.
The older twin was practically trembling. She seemed very off. Excitement in her eyes, fear in her smile.
“So...” Sasha murmured against Marcy’s shoulder. Marcy hummed and gazed at the blonde over her shoulder. “You still gonna help out me and Grimsey?” Sasha asked.
”I did say I would didn’t I?” Marcy replied, sweeping her bangs out of her face. Sasha gazed at Grime worth a wide grin.
”Awesome...amazing! Wonderful! Thank you, Mar Mar!” Sasha said happily, moving to kiss the shorter girls cheek. Marcy again hummed in reply, then gazed back at her journal. “I told you.” Sasha hissed at Grime. The toad grumbled and looked away. Sasha looked at him smugly as Joe finally began his descent into Newtopia. The group hit the water and prepared to enter the city.
“Whoo! Back to Newtopia!” Marcy cheered. Darcy stepped up beside her, putting an arm around her sister.
“Alright, let's go over the plan one more time. First Marcy’s gonna get us into the city.” Darcy started.
“Anne's got the music box ready to give to King Andrias!” Marcy added. Darcy’s face subtly faltered and she quickly nodded.
”The rest of you, just...do what you always do...” Darcy muttered, stepping back to allow her sister to go to the gate.
“Marcy Wu and crew reporting to King Andrias!” Marcy called up. The gate slowly creaked open as Marcy smiled at the group over her shoulder.
“What an amazing adventure. Makes you wish it could last forever, huh?” Darcy asked Anne softly. Anne looked at her with a raised brow.
“Hmm, I'm not sure I'd go that far. But yeah, it was pretty cool...” Anne said, gazing at the plantars.
The group entered the castle where Andrias’s booming voice greeted them. “My friends, wonderful to see you! I trust you were successful?” He asked, glancing at the group.
“Boom, baby!” Anne cheered, pulling out the box from her bag and holding it up to the king.
“The charged music box...Well done. Well done! Now, let's finally send you girls home...” Andrias said, reaching for the box.
Before Grime’s long tongue had yanked the box from Anne and swung it back to Sasha, catching the group off guard.
”Sasha, what are you doing?!” Anne asked, clearly caught off guard.
“What I’ve wanted to do, since I’ve gotten here...taking control!” Sasha grinned. “Now Grime!” She yelled, taking Marcy’s hand and pulling her over. “Come on, babe, lets get this done yeah?” Sasha said casually. Marcy stared at her in wide eye. Grime slammed his hammer down, jostling everyone and making the castle shake. Guards came to stop them but Sasha and Grime fought back. Marcy simply stood in stunned silence.
”Did you know about this?!” Anne asked. Marcy shook her head.
“N-No! I knew nothing!” Marcy stuttered out, Darcy glanced at Marcy, then Andrias, and nodded. The king nodded back. She indexed this conversation, it would help her later.
The fight continued until Sasha whistled for the groups attention. She stood, holding the box off the balcony of the castle. “Not another move or I smash it to pieces.” Sasha said sternly.
“You wouldn't. That's your only way home.” Andrias scoffed. Sasha let out a small laugh.
“Maybe I don't wanna go home and rule a school. Maybe I wanna stay here and rule a kingdom.” Sasha replied.
“You’re bluffing.” Andrias replied.
“Try me.” Sasha replied, as Grime knocked the king down.
“Dude, stop all this!” Anne yelled.
”Stop? But we're just getting started.” Grime growled, signaling for something. What followed was the beginning of a full blown toad rebellion. “Soldiers of Newtopia, put down your arms this instant, or the next thing I smash will be your king's head!” Grime threatened, holding the hammer above the kings head. The guards surrendered and allowed for toads to begin opening the gate.
“So you think you've won, do you?” Andrias asked the toad. Grime looked down at him smugly.
”Sure do. And if you think things are bad now, in a couple of hours, the rest of our army will be at your doorstep.” Grime said firmly. “Take him to the dungeon and find him an extra large cell.” He commanded.
“You will never get away with this!” Andrias called as he was led out.
“Well, frogs, say hello to the new rulers of Amphibia. Pretty hot, right?” Grime said, as he and Sasha turned back to the group. The blonde stepped up to the other three girls, box in hand.
“Sorry things got a little crazy back there. You guys good?” Sasha asked. Anne’s face scrunched up, Darcy’s paled and Marcy looked like her heart had just been ripped out.
“Are you serious?!” Anne asked in exasperation.
“Sheesh, don't be a sore loser.” Sasha muttered, slinging an arm around Marcy and leading her to the throne. The shorter girl hesitantly walked too. She had promised after all...”I'm gonna stay and get this toad regime off the ground, but I can totally send you two home if you want.” Sasha continued, glancing at Anne as she sat on the throne, pulling Marcy down with her. “Or... you can stick around and give me a hand. So what do you say?”
“What do I say?! After everything you've done?! I say you're clearly insane if you think I'm gonna let you bully me and everyone else just to get what you want!” Anne snapped. Sasha looked at her with a raised brow.
”Look, I know you’re upset-“ Sasha started, before Anne cut her off again.
“NO! I'm DONE listening to you. I'm DONE trusting you. I thought you were improving, but no. You are a horrible person, and I AM DONE BEING FRIENDS WITH YOU!” Anne shouted. Sasha’s eyes widened and she looked at Anne in alarm. “And Marcy, if you’re really truly gonna sit here and enable her...I want you to know, I’m pretty damn disappointed in you.” Anne muttered. Marcy looked at her miserably.
“Fine. Well, since we're not friends, I'll just send you home. And you can say goodbye to your little frog family forever.” Sasha retorted, pretending that Anne’s words didn’t hurt. She was getting better...this was just...something she had to do...
Anne gasped and hoarded around the Plantars. “You wouldn’t!”
“My box. My rules.” Sasha snapped. “Say hi to your parents for me.” She said, opening the lid.
But nothing happened. Sasha looked at the box in surprise, closing and opening the lid.
“Well, that was embarrassing. Until I can figure out how to use this... Guards, take them to the dungeon!” Sasha said, motioning to Anne, Darcy and the Plantars. Marcy moved to get up, but Sasha tugged her back down.
“This isn't over, Sasha! You hear me?! THIS ISN'T OVER!” Anne screamed as she was led out. Marcy reached out for them as the door slammed shut.
“Well, that was...dramatic.” Grime commented, finally lowering his hammer. Sasha hummed in agreement, fishing out her little carton of cigarettes.
“God, I know.” She muttered, putting one in her mouth and lighting it. Marcy looked at her with an unreadable expression.
“That was NOT dramatic! She was rightfully mad!” Marcy snapped.
”Woah, okay, hostile much?” Sasha replied, blowing smoke in the opposite direction. “You agreed to help, you know.” Sasha added.
”Yeah, i agreed cause I didn’t know this was the plan! I said yes because I loved you and I figured it was something small and casual! Not an actual fucking coup!” Marcy yelled.
”Damn...an actual profanity out of Marcy Wu...That’s a new one.” Sasha chuckled to Grime.
”Can you be serious?!” Marcy shouted, standing up.
“I’m being serious, baby, we’re literally queens now. Sit down and relax.” Sasha said smoothly.
“No! Don’t think you can just call me baby and expect me to comply to your absolutely insane plan! I want no part of your plan and I want off this crazy train!” Marcy shouted. Sasha slammed down the box and stood up too. She came over to Marcy and placed her hands on the smaller girls shoulders.
“Marcy, you’re being ridiculous. Sit down, and enjoy this. You’re literally the queen of Newtopia right now...I gave you this...I gave you power...Who doesn’t love power?” Sasha asked, moving to hold Marcy’s face. “I did this because I love you, baby...” Sasha said, her tone getting noticeably softer.
Marcy’s face twisted. “What?! You did this out of love?! I refuse to believe that. You did this because you’re a power hungry, self centered, obnoxious son of a-“ Marcy was cut off by Sasha’s lips on hers. The younger girl yelped and tried to free herself, but Sasha’s grip was like iron.
——————
Darcy was technically a felon now. She had avoided arrest. She was a felon. Anne stood before the chatty group wringing her hands together. Olivia and Yunan had joined them back in the castle so their party of five was now comfortably at 7.
Anne cleared her throat to grab the attention of the group of amphibians trying to decide on a plan. “C'mon, you guys! We can do this! They may think we're a weak little frog family, a political nuisance, a big metal baby and a goofy pushover, but they have no idea who they're dealing with!” Anne began. “Except for you guys. I'm sure they think highly of you two.” She said to Olivia and Yunan.
“They do.” Yunan confimed.
”Just continue your speech.” Olivia sighed.
“We have been through a lot together. Cannibals, giant killer moths, combining vegetables, you name it.” Anne continued, listing the items on her fingers. “We're gonna beat this too. Because when we're together, nothing can stand in our way! Now who's ready to kick some toad butt?” Anne asked, a look of empowerment. The group nodded and cheered. Darcy kept silent but nodded. “Alright. Here's how we're gonna do it...Hop Pop, you, Darcy and Lady Olivia are going down to the dungeon to free the King. Time to put those acting skills to good use. Polly, attack the soldiers in the city head-on. Keep them distracted. Oh... and take Yunan and Frobo with you. Finally, Sprig and I will sneak into the guard tower and shut the city gate before the toad army gets in. Got it? Okay! Lets go team!” Anne called.
——————
Meanwhile back in the castle, Marcy sat wordlessly on the floor. She felt her heart in her throat. Behind her, Sasha and Grime were celebrating. What a hell of a thing to celebrate...betraying everyone...Sasha now had two swords. Two. To Marcy that was two too many.
“God look at her...all sad and pathetic...” Sasha whispered to the toad.
“It’s not your fault her legs gave out on her.” Grime muttered. “You were just showing her how much you loved her.”
“Yeah...but I still feel kinda bad...That and what if Anne was right? What if I am a horrible person...? Have I really made no progress?”
“Who cares what she thinks? You and I are in charge now and we get do whatever we want!” Grime exclaimed.
”Yeah...I guess...I just...I'm not sure what I want anymore...” Sasha admitted miserably. Grime sighed and looked away.
“Why don't you come help me redecorate this place? Take your mind off it.“ Grime suggested. Sasha shrugged and nodded, getting up from the throne. The two stepped up to a tapestry of the king, twin looks of distaste on their face.
“Yeah...this things gotta go.” Sasha muttered. Grime nodded and ripped it off the wall to reveal a mural with...Andrias and the music box...”Whoa... Is that the king with the music box?” Sasha asked, the color draining from her face.
“If it is... it's a really good thing we stopped him...” Grime muttered.
Marcy had overheard the conversation and turned to look back at the two. Her eyes fell upon the mural and her eyes widened.
She had to find her sister. She got up and ran as Sasha and Grime went to stop Anne and Sprig. She regretted letting Darcy carry her bag...It had her crossbow...She could easily swing out into the square that way...
———————
Darcy was a double felon...She had broken the king out of jail. He held her on his shoulder as Darcy scribbled in the back of the book in her hands. She knew her conscious would never be clear after this, but she wanted to get off Scott free and she’d make sure she avoided any repercussions.
By now, Sasha and Grime had been taken prisoner, but there was no sign of Marcy. No matter. Darcy could handle things just fine on her own. But now here they were. In the throne room ready to hand over the box. Anne hesitantly held the box, Darcy urged her on while Sasha pleaded for her not to.
But Anne trusted Darcy more then Sasha and handed over the box. “Alright, big guy. Send us home...” Anne said softly.
“In good time, my dear. But first, I'm gonna let you all in on a little secret. There was a time when Newtopia was truly great, but that greatness was stolen from us. Centuries of prosperity brought to an end because of me. I was weak, trusting those who said they were my friends and because of that, the music box was taken under my watch. It cost us everything and after a thousand years, no one even remembers our legacy. But now, at long last, the box is back. And with its power, Newtopia will be returned to glory...” Andrias said.
”Oh, well thats nice!” Hop Pop interjected.
”Wait..something feels off...” Anne muttered.
“I told you...” Sasha murmured.
“For you see, my ancestors weren't frail explorers, they were glorious conquerors!” Andrias said, placing the box down on a pedestal, this caused the castle to lift from the ground. “I'm sorry, Anne. But I'm afraid you and your friends can't go home just yet. Wouldn't want you telling anyone about the coming invasion...” Andrias said, nodding to Darcy. The shorter girl nodded back.
“Wha-Huh?!” Anne asked, glancing between the two.
“Now that I have the box back, I can finish the work my ancestors started. From this castle, I will not only rule over this world but all worlds!” The king said, letting out an evil laugh.
“You’ll never get away with this!” Anne yelled.
“Yeah! We can totally stop you!” Sasha added.
”Oh my dears...I already have. I have the box. Your power over me is next to none.”
“I don't believe this. We were so focused on each other, we couldn't see right in front of us...” Anne whispered. Sasha looked at her sadly.
“Focus, Anne. If we can get that music box away from him, maybe we'll stand a fighting chance.” Hop Pop muttered.
“Right!” Anne said, drawing her sword as an army of frobots surrounded the group.
The doors to the room slammed open. Marcy stood in the doorway, terror adorning her features as she took in the sight before her.
Darcy glanced at her. “About time you showed up.” She said. “Come join us...” She beckoned the smaller girl over.
Marcy swallowed thickly and walked to stand with Darcy. “What are you doing? He’s clearly evil!” Marcy asked nervously.
“Oh you’d know wouldn’t you.” Darcy chuckled.
”Huh?” Marcy asked in confusion.
”Seeing as you showed up now, just as the plan unraveled to make yourself look innocent.” Darcy said. “Don’t think I don’t know what you’ve been up to. I found your journal.” Darcy said, pulling out the book and flipping to the back. Pages of notes about plans and scribbled words. “I know you’ve been working with the king.” Darcy spat, chucking the book to the floor, letting it rest at Anne and Sasha’s feet. Marcy looked at Darcy in confused alarm as Anne and Sasha looked at the pages.
“Marcy...” Anne gasped.
“What the fuck?!” Sasha yelled, her face flushing in anger.
”I-I didn’t!” Marcy stuttered out.
“This is literally your handwriting!” Sasha retorted.
”Oh that’s not all.” Andrias said. “Did it ever occur to you, Anne? Sasha? That one of you knew more than she was letting on? That one of you might have gotten you stranded in Amphibia...On purpose.” Andrias said. Marcy’s face fell.
“What...?” She squeaked, looking at Darcy. Darcy looked at her in disgust.
“This is cause we were moving away wasn’t it...” Darcy asked flatly. “God Marcy...thats so messed up.” Darcy spat.
”Are you fucking kidding me Marcy?!” Sasha yelled. Anne looked at her in disbelief. Darcy tsked and looked away.
Tears welled up in Marcy’s eyes. “You...You’re trying to frame me...” Marcy sniffled. Darcy looked at her angrily.
“How dare you accuse me of that.” Darcy snapped.
”Darcy would never do something like that!” Anne added harshly.
“Marcy had text me about the box...she had read about it in a book at the library.” Darcy said. “Then she founded it and got us all selfishly trapped here because she didn’t wanna move away...I mean how selfish can you-“
”I found that box from your book.” Marcy’s voice cut through Darcy’s. “Think your weird legend is true?” She continued, gazing down at her phone. “I mean, think about it Marce, we can escape the move...can bring Anne with us...we could be so much happier.”
”W-What are you doing?!” Darcy yelled.
”Can you please help me get it? I think it’d be a great gift for Anne...for us...” Marcy continued. “I just can’t believe dad is trying to force us away from her. If we leave here, we’ll be able to spend time with Anne forever...”
“Stop it!”
“Darcy what the hell is happening?!” Anne asked.
“She’s trying to blame me for what she did.” Marcy said. “She found the box, she wanted to leave, she wanted to avoid the move.”
“You...You spoiled brat! You’ve ruined everything! Months of hard work and you ruined it!” Darcy yelled, shoving Marcy back. Marcy yelped as she hit the floor. “You’ve had it too good for too long...you don’t deserve good things. It’s my turn for something good.” Marcy looked at her as she scrambled over to Anne and Sasha.
“Thats not her journal.” Sasha said softly. “That was your first mistake.”
“What?!” Darcy yelled.
”It’s her pocket plant index.” Anne murmured.
Darcy let out an angry wail. As Anne leafed through the book.
“All plants...” Sasha said.
“Darcy...just...why? I wanna know why...” Anne asked pathetically.
Darcy took a deep breath. “I did it for us...” She admitted softly. “The day we left, your birthday, they told us our dad got a new job out of state. They're making us move away, they were gonna tear us apart!” Darcy began. Anne nodded.
”Right...I got that...”
“I... I found the box. I had no idea it would actually work, but it did! It sent us to a place where we'd never have to grow apart, where the three of us could friends forever together!” Darcy said, taking Anne and Marcy’s back. Sasha looked at the three, a weird feeling in her gut.
“How could you?! I've been missing my parents, my life!” Anne yelled, pulling her hands away from Darcy angrily.
“But look at how much fun we've had. Look at how much you've both grown. Look at Sprig. I gave you this, I gave you everything! I knew I wouldn’t be able to handle being somewhere else...my sister would leave me an outcast cause shes antisocial and cant make friends...and I just didn't want to be alone!” Darcy sobbed, moving to grab Anne pathetically. Marcy looked at her sister, clearly hurt.
”I can make friends...” She said sadly.
”Shut up!” Darcy snapped. Marcy flinched back, Sasha came over, still cuffed, but took Marcy’s hand and squeezed it sympathetically. “Anne...Anne please...I did it for you and me...I-I really care about you! I love you!”
“You trapped me here on purpose!” Anne yelled back, pulling her hands away. Darcy fell to her knees ugly sobbing.
“Τhats what you get for pouring your hearts out to me over flipwart.” Andrias rumbled.
Anne glanced up at him furiously. “Dude...you’re evil...and...and I’m gonna stop you!” Anne yelled.
“Me too!” Sasha called, letting Marcy tug off her ropes, doing the same for Grime. The two girls drew their swords and Grime grabbed his hammer. Marcy grabbed Sasha’s extra sword and stood beside her friends.
“We're with you 'till the end.” Sprig added.
“You guys are serious.” Andrias started, pulling out his own flaming sword. “Okay. Let have some fun.”
With that a fight broke out. Darcy made no effort to move. Simply remaining pathetically on the ground. As the fight continued, eventually Polly had gained some legs and was sent to get the box. She held it up victoriously till the kings voice cut through the merriment.
“Not so fast. You've all got spunk, real chutzpah. But this ends now.” He said sternly, holding Sprig in his grasp.
“Guys, don't listen to this bully, I'll be fine!” Sprig called.
“We'll see.” Andrias started, holding Sprig out the window. “Now put back the box or this twerp learns how to fly.”
“Don’t! Guys I’ll be okay I promise!” Sprig called.
“Do it, Polly!” Anne shrieked. Polly did as she was told and got off the platform.
“Ok, dude. You have what you want. Now please, just put him down. He's my best friend, in this world or any other world.” Anne begged. Andrias looked at her with disdain.
“That's the thing about friends, isn't it? The more you love them, the more it hurts when they go. Allow me to demonstrate.” Andrias said, dropping Sprig.
It was a freeze frame in time. The horror of the situation setting in. Marcy was up in an instant and diving out of the window, Sasha yelling for her as she went. Marcy let out a loud whistle. Joe Sparrow caught her and the two made a descent for Sprig. Behind her was an illumination of blue light.
Marcy reached Sprig fairly quickly grabbing him and pulling him into her arms. He let out gasps sobs as Marcy clung tightly to him. “I’ve got you...it’s okay...you’re safe...” Marcy soothed as Joe began his flight back up to the castle. The blue light had faded by the time they returned.
Sprig ran to Anne and Marcy ran for the box. She grabbed it from the pedestal and began to fiddle with it, feeling the castle shift.
“SHE HAS THE BOX!” Darcy screamed. Andrias whipped his head towards Marcy and rushed towards her.
”Please work please work please work...” Marcy whispered as she opened the box. A portal grew and Marcy smiled in satisfaction.
“No!” Andrias yelled, sprinting towards Marcy. Sasha and Grime cut him off, weapons drawn. She and Marcy made eye contact. Marcy motioned for her desperately.
“Me and Grime will hold him just go!”Sasha pleaded. Marcy let out a weak noise and nodded.
“Quick, into the portal everyone, hurry!” Marcy yelled, as Anne and the plantars made a break for it.
“THE BOX!” Andrias yelled, knocking back Sasha and Grime.
“Marcy hurry!” Anne yelled, halfway in the portal. Marcy looked up from the box and at Anne.
”I just need to-“ Marcy started before she was cut off by a sharp pain in her chest. She stared down to see a sword fully through her chest. Marcy gazed up at Anne in terror. Anne’s eyes were filled with hurt and fear.
”Now look what you made me do...” Darcy said, her voice stone cold, ripping the sword out of her sister.
Marcy screamed and looked at Anne. “I’m sorry...” Then to Sasha. “For everything...” Marcy said softly, her body thudding to the floor, the box falling from her hand.
“MARCY!” Anne and Sasha screamed as the light of the portal filled the room.