Chapter Text
Sasha put her hand on the paper, leading Anne through most of the territories they acquired while they were back home. It was such a sweet reunion for such a sour separation. Hopediah couldn't understand the depth of Anne's heart and how she could forgive through so many hurdles and trials that scarred the poor girl.
Even though everyone was there, one member remained missing from the usual Wartwood citizens. Hopediah was ecstatic, rehearsing his lines days before they'd arrive in Amphibia, for Sylvia's sake.
The dark depths of the underground caves echoed each step of every resident of Wartwood, all except hers. He lived to see her again, and she was gone, like the land above.
It happened when Hopediah got teleported to LA, where his life turned around and where he finally became a star. Yet he would never share those sentiments due to her tragically passing away as soon as the war started.
He was beyond feeling. He held himself on a thin line of complete dissociation from the world around him. What helped was the agricultural community they gathered that barely produced enough food for the camp due to the lack of actual farmers in Wartwood.
Hopediah took up the time from missions to focus on the edible plants that could be raised inside the dark, murky caves and found that the results were fascinating. Most of the light they used was just enough for the crops, and while they couldn't raise livestock, they could use fertilizer from the fruitflies, bats, and mosquibats to boost their growth significantly.
The land below consisted of arrangements of beets, potatoes, and carrots leading to a rapid rise in production. The farmer frog noticed how bountiful the soil was and soon enough managed to expand on an already existing ecosystem.
From great sorrow comes the most creative joy. Taking care of something and watching it grow in front of one's very own eye is one of the greatest pleasures in life. Watching his crops go was like watching his children and grandchildren grow. It was way too fast and not enough to fully appreciate it while it was there.
Out of the corner of his eye, he'd notice captain Grime sticking out. They weren't comrades per se. The only thing that they shared was the same goal. Still, for some reason, the toad always stuck a moment longer in Hopediah's domain for a routine checkup. He'd stick his neck out for him more times than he could count.
"Oh, Hopediah, allow me." The boxes of freshly plucked vegetables were heavy for the farmer frog, but the captain didn't even break a sweat. Grime was somehow always there, just waiting to be of assistance when Hopediah needed it most.
He wasn't strong, tact-heavy, or polished as Grime was. He was a simple farmer trying to make the best out of a bad situation.
"Excuse me, Hopediah. I have a grand favor to ask of you." He waited until it was only the two of them alone, which made Hopediah nervous. He could've gotten killed by this toad once, and now he was asking for his help?
"What do you need help with, Commander Grime?" Hopediah asked, trying to be as respectful as possible. His voice was shaky, despite the attempt to mask it.
"Well, how difficult is it to grow strawberries underground?" Grime asked, trying his best to sound serious, but the excitement in his voice got the better of him.
"Strawberries? Why would you grow strawberries underground?" Hopediah chuckled at the ridiculous request. Since when did the ex-captain of the toad army gain an interest in farming?
"To feed my BoysenBug, of course. He doesn't exactly have a problem with eating what we have. But I thought it would be nice to treat him to some fresh treats." The boysenbug's ear flickered until it showed itself to the interested frog. It purred under Grime's care, even more so once the toad began petting him.
Boyseunbugs could carry information from one side of Amphibia to the next, knowing exactly where they need to deliver the letters. They didn't grow too much, and their appetites were lenient, compared to other pets.
"Do you have any dry strawberries?" Hopediah asked, comfortably smiling from Grime's sincerity.
"Yes, of course, Hopediah." The toad grinned "It's Boysen's favorite. Well, because there aren't any other alternatives for him."
Grime scratched his head and awkwardly laughed to ease any remaining tension as he pushed back the displaced boxes so that they wouldn't fall on top of him. It gained a small chuckle from the frog as he picked up a pot to contain the strawberries from the garden equipment the community kept on each wagon.
He planted the thin slice of the strawberry inside the pot and softly smiled as he put the seeded fruit in his hand. "It's going to take a year to produce good fruit. Strawberries usually take a lot of care to grow properly, but that shouldn't stop you from trying! I recommend keeping it in your room to keep watch and watering it consistently so that it can grow roots. That should keep most of its natural predators at bay."
The toad held a nervous smile. "I'll make sure that it's given the utmost care it deserves!" The peach frog gently put a hand over his and assured him. "Grime, you should stop by tomorrow. We're teaching others the wonders of agriculture, and if you're not busy, you're welcome to join us."
Grime looked off to see how much the agricultural community expanded itself in the short period the frog was there. It was a phenomenon that the almost empty, unfertile, and uncared-for land changed once Hopediah's green fingers came around. The strawberry was so small, weak, and feeble in his hand, but if frogs can do it, then so can he.
"I'd like that. Thank you, Hopediah."
The two unlikely companions found common ground in the place where hope blossoms. They still didn't understand the quirks of their relationship, but that meant that it needed to start from somewhere.
And it all started with a strawberry slice.