Welcome back to the stage of history! And this time, we're finally meeting up with Anne and the Plantars. So, no need to stall it, let's get going!

Chapter 4: The Domino Effect

Another beautiful day in Murkwell in Amphibia. It was finally time. The day Akira and the Four Cae-Sillies would finally journey into Wartwood. As preparations were beginning, Akira needed to consult the mayor first. As Akira remembered having landed in Amphibia in the first place, he needed weapons of some sort.

"What can I do for you, Akira?" Jansen asked, "Okay, so since we're travelling to Wartwood, I think it would make sense to have something to defend yourself," Akira suggested, "Plus need I remind you of how it was when I first got here?" he continued, "Right you are, my boy. As you know already, the fauna and flora here is not like your home. So, weapons are necessary," Jansen agreed.

"Then it's settled. Er...do you have a book that I can use to see which weapon is suited for me?" the boy asked. Jansen stood up and went to his bookcase. He scanned for the right one and used his tail to grab it out. He handed it to Akira, "Thanks. I'll begin studying them then I should have the right weapon for me. I'll bring it back when I'm done," Akira assured.

Jansen bid him farewell. Akira went into his room. He turned the pages for weapons that he could use as defense. He saw the weapons on the pages. He then saw that some of the weapon cost what are called coppers. It would seem that what Jansen used for the food he paid with during the first tour were these bronze coins called coppers.

Akira facepalmed. How was he going to get copper for these weapons? He doubts that Jansen would lend him any since that's his money, not his. Then he had a brain power moment. History, his least favorite class, at one point discussed prehistory, when humans carved weapons. Then he remembered when he first got here, he used a large stick as a means of defense against the large wildlife.

He figured maybe some weapons could be made from wood. He found three weapons that could work. A club, a whip, and a boomerang. He had to consult Skittles to let him borrow an axe, "Why do you want to borrow an axe?" Skittles quizzed, "So I can chop some wood. See, some weapons can be made by carving wood. Three is all I need, and do you have any other tools like say whips or bolas or anything?" Akira asked.

Skittles looked into his sack and used his tail to pull out a whip. He also threw out an axe, glue, and a carving knife, "You'll need more than just an axe, you know," the caecilian instructed. Akira took the four and then went back outside. He used the logs the caecilians used to cut a few of them with his axe. Specifically, one large log they had.

After chopping it in half, he used one half for the boomerang and the second for the club. He got to work on the boomerang first since it seemed the easiest to make. First, he carved two halves of the log and then stripped it thinner. Then he glued two of the edges together. He figured he'll need to microwave it for it to take effect.

He did so...it worked. He now had a boomerang. He then began to work on the club next. He just stripped the bark from the bottom and kept the rest to make a club. Or at least representable. He now had a boomerang, a club, and a whip. He then straightened his plant scarf and made a cape tunic as a hood.

He went to help the other Four Cae-Sillies prepare. But before that, Jansen arrived with something important, "Now, I have this to mention. Wartwood and here are your only transportations at this time, Akira," Jansen advised, "Well...why is that?" Akira asked, confused in the slightest, "You see, Murkwell and Wartwood are part of the valley. And unfortunately, the valley is surrounded by mountains which are impenetrable in this time of year," Jansen explained.

This news frustrated Akira. It hurt to hear it too, "So what you're saying is, I won't be able to go beyond the mountains for some time?" Akira sighed, "Unfortunately, you'll be stuck here for two months," the mayor said sadly, "Tch...just great. This is going to put my plan to find my friends on hold..."

"Oh, worry not, my boy. I'm sure one of your friends could be in Wartwood or your brother. Who knows? Just have faith you'll find them," Jansen comforted, "I will. We got food packed and weapons ready," Berry responded. Jansen took a bow, "Safe travels my friends. Happy hunting!" he said.

After getting back above ground, Akira and the Four Cae-Sillies finally began making their way to Wartwood after exiting Murkwell. It was a mile walk from where they came from. Akira had his club out just in case of a predator, "Just look at it this way! The mayor of Wartwood is going to have his socks knocked off with our performance!" Zeppy whooped, "And not to mention create tons of chuckles!" Berry replied, "I can imagine the copper too," Loofy agreed.

"Funny, I just learned that's the currency in Amphibia," Akira confessed, "You just learned that just now?" Skittles asked, "Yeah...I was too into the sight of Murkwell. I thought those were pennies," Akira admitted, "What's a penny?" Loofy inquired, "Oh that's also currency from where me, my friends, and my brother live. We simply call it money. In America, we call them dollar," Akira explained.

The boy and the four caecilians continued their conversation for a while as they walked to Wartwood on foot. After a while though, Akira thought he heard something. He raised his hand, "Shh...hold on. I think I heard something," Akira whispered. He put his hand above his ear to listen. It sounded like buzzing. Like that of a hornet or a bee. He peeked through the foliage with his four pals and saw three bees stinging something or attempting to. That's when he heard meowing too. But a cat in this world? What?

Akira then saw someone rush out into the clearing too. Akira's eyes widened as soon as he recognized her face. It was Anne! And she was with a pink frog who wore had a jacket, black shorts, and a hat with goggles, "Oh my gosh! We have to save her!" Anne said to the frog, "Right behind ya!" the frog responded.

"Akira, is that your friend you were talking about?" Zeppy asked, "Yes! That's her, Zeppy! That's my friend I was talking about!" Akira whispered. He saw Anne pull out a caterpillar out of the puddle and land on her back, "Got ya!" Anne cheered. The bees barely missed their stingers on her. Anne knew not to waste time and got up, holding the caterpillar, "Oop, gotta go!"

Akira gripped his club, "Stay here. I'll take care of this," he whispered. Three of the bees were hit with stones. The frog seemed to be using a slingshot to shoot rocks, "Take that, buzz brains! Go sting someone your own size!" the frog bragged, shooting more stones at the bees. Anne ran past him, "Let's go!" she urged, "Sprig out! Peace!" the frog named Sprig hopped backwards into the bush. The bees decided to follow.

Akira rushed forward and threw his boomerang at one of them, hitting one of them and getting their attention, "Hey you! Pick on somebody your own size, bug brains!" Akira challenged them; he grabbed the returning boomerang. The bees charged and attempted to sting the boy. He dodged and smacked one of them in the head.

Anne suddenly heard the voice and recognized it, "Anne! We gotta get a move on!" Sprig urged, "Hold on...that voice," she said. She peeked and saw Akira fighting the bees. He used his whip to scare away the bees to the point where their prey was too persistent and flew away, "And don't come back!" Akira taunted. The Four Cae-Sillies came out of the foliage.

Akira looked around and saw rustling in the bush, "That must be where she fled. Let's go meet up with them!" Akira suggested, "Wow! It's no wonder you survived a few days before running into Skittles," Loofy complimented. Akira and Four Cae-Sillies began following where they listened as they saw Anne with a mix between a caterpillar and a cat. Akira saw her dub the thing Domino 2, knighting it with the handle of a scythe made from some sort of mantis claw.

Akira chuckled. He remembered being introduced to Domino thanks to Anne. Sure, cats weren't his thing, but he couldn't help but giggle since the cat was cute. He was more of reptile and spider person. He liked garter snakes since they are particularly harmless to humans. Sure, they bite, but it's fairly weak and they're not venomous. And in terms of spiders, he liked jumping spiders. For some weird reason, they look kinda cute for a species of spiders.

He decided to make his presence known now, "Yo! You're not leaving me behind, are ya?" he said. Anne jumped in surprise. She turned to the boy. Anne immediately recognized the boy, "Akira?!" she shouted, "Yep! And are your sure this is Anne?" Akira joked. Anne ran and hugged the boy, tears of joy streaming from his eyes, and with enough force that they nearly fell to the ground. Akira hugged back.

They laughed as they were in relief that one of them was found for each other. "You ended up here too? Where have you been? Are Sasha, Marcy, or your brother with you?" Anne asked, "I haven't found them yet. To be honest, I remember waking up and finding myself here. I had to survive for a few days until someone found me. I take it the same thing happened to you?"

"Too right. I missed you, buddy!" Anne cried, "I missed you too, pal!" Akira cried too, "And girl, do I have something to share of what's been happening," he continued, "Yeah, you mentioned someone found you," Sprig reminded, "Oh, this is Sprig. He was the one who found me when I got transported here. I have been living with the Plantars since then," Anne explained.

"Well, any pal to Anne is a pal to me!" Akira chirped, "Put 'er there, new buddy!" Sprig beamed. Akira and Sprig shook hands, "Now, about someone finding me, you should meet the performers who have taken my breath away with their comedy act," Akira said, "Comedy act?" Anne asked, "Yeah. You could say their zany to the max and they made me laugh til I collapsed," Akira described. He turned to the foliage, "Hey! Guys!"

Four dirt mounds appeared and Loofy was the first to appear. He had a horn in his mouth and with his tail wrapped around it, he played a few notes. Zeppy, Berry, and Skittles emerged from the mounds.

"Hello!"

"Hello!"

"Hello!"

"Hello!"

The Four Cae-Sillies introduced themselves.

"We are the Four Cae-Sillies!"

"Loofy!"

"Berry!"

"Skittles!"

"And your silly host, Zeppy! The embodiment of comedy!~" Berry singsonged. He then pinched Zeppy's nose with his mechanical arms as he did this. Zeppy growled and grabbed the horn Loofy was playing on, "Hey!" Loofy protested. Zeppy leapt at Berry and a cloud of violence ensued. The dust cleared with Berry's body now through the horn as his head was stuck through the bell of the horn. Skittles took out a sack and pounded both Zeppy and Berry with a hammer. Loofy saw the opportunity to reach his tail into the sack and out came a giant bell. He trapped the three of them. He then takes out a stick and beats the bell with it, which chimed three times. He then lifts it off and the three other caecilians looked dizzy.

Anne and Sprig watched with open eyes as their jaws were open. Akira busted out laughing. Eventually Anne and Sprig did the same, "Nailed it!" Loofy whooped, "Just wait til...they laugh at our act," Zeppy said, still dizzy, "Slapstick! Now that's funny! Polly would be all over these guys!" Sprig complimented, "Where are you four from?" Anne inquired.

"We are from a town next to Wartwood miles from it called Murkwell. It's a town where caecilians inhabit the place. And we're one of them," Zeppy boasted proudly, "I should mention Anne, the place is like Venice," Akira described. Anne perked up at the mention of the name, "No way! Venice? THE Venice?!" Anne exclaimed. Akira nodded, "I should really take you to see it one time.

"So anyway, let's take this little kitty back home with us. Come on girl, let's go home." Anne said. They began to leave but then, Domino 2 didn't budge and fell over, "Uh, is it broken?" Sprg asked. This gave Anne an idea, "Hold up. I got an idea," she said, rummaging through her backpack and taking out a cat toy that resembled a mouse, "This worked on Domino 1 without fail."

Anne rattled the toy, which caused Domino 2's eyes to widen and utter a meow. It wiggled over to the two, "That's it girl. You can do it. Come on," she cooed. She continued rattling it and the caterpillar followed them. Sprig was somehow enticed by it, "I want it. Give it to me," he said, hypnotized by the rattling sound of the cat toy, "Well, what do you know, we finally found one of your friends," Zeppy noted, "And another one who got the chuckles thanks to us!" Berry cheered, "Just wait til the mayor gets a look at her. He'll be delighted," Loofy beamed, "I wonder who else Anne is with," Skittles questioned, "I think we're gonna stick around to find out. Let's follow them. I won't be surprised if I'm offered the couch should I stay," Akira replied.

The boy and the four caecilians followed Anne, Sprig, and Domino 2 back to what appears to be a farm. The farmhouse itself appeared to be aged and made from a tree stump. There is a small yellow wooden front door and a circular window beside it. A bio-luminescent mushroom has also been implanted beside the door acting as the light of the front porch. The house appears to have three floors and has a red wooden roof with a large branch protruding from the side. There was even a crop farm with a scarecrow added.

Akira looked at it, "I see. So, this must've been where Anne has been living with," he said, putting on a thinking face, putting his hand on his chin, "Well, even Murkwell has farmers above ground as well," Skittles mentioned, "But what about underground?" Akira asked, "Come now! We need sunlight. It doesn't work if it's underground where the sun can't even shine on the crops," Zeppy corrected, "Actually that was rhetorical," the boy said.

Inside, Anne approached an orange frog with old white hair on his sides in the kitchen, chopping up a worm of some sort with a cleaver, "Hey, Hop Pop, old buddy, old pal," she greeted, smiling brightly, "What do you want, Anne?" the frog who was called Hop Pop asked, not taking his eyes off the chopping, "Oh, nothin'. I was just thinking. Doesn't this house feel empty to you?" the girl asked.

Hop Pop turned to the mountainous stacks of dirty dishes behind him, "Not especially," he disagreed, "Wouldn't it be nice to have a sweet, fuzzy, loving critter around?" Anne asked. Hop Pop's eyes widened at the mention of those words, "A pet?" he exclaimed, "Great idea, Hop Pop," Anne said. Hop Pop turned and pointed his cleaver at her. She flinched, "No pets! Every time we get one, Sprig and Polly swear they're gonna take care of it!" Hop Pop scolded.

Akira listened from the entrance. He wondered who Anne was talking to and peeked from the entrance. Skittles did the same too. So did the other three.

"Like this one spider we had, Charlie Big Bottom. I mean, sure, they were there for all the cuddlin' and the snugglin', but who gets stuck doin' all the work? Good ol' Hop Pop, that's who! I swear to Frog, whoever brings a fuzzy critter into this house will be on dung duty for a month!" Hop Pop ranted, chopping the worm as he did so. He then began trailing off about his experience with Charlie Big Bottom. This gave Anne the opportunity to sneak off and then close the door. Akira and his pals backed off as well, "Talk about a strict one," Akira noted.

"Plan B. We're gonna have to sneak Domino 2 inside," Anne suggested, "Ooh, going stealth mission now, are we?" Akira joked, "Should we be concerned about this?" Sprig asked. Domino 2's jaws were around the frog's leg, chewing on it, "That is called, "play biting." Isn't it cute?" she said. Then the literal caterpillar was licking Sprig's leg with her jaws still around it, "Yeah, kinda seems like she's tasting me," Sprig replied, attempting to shake her off, "I agree with frog boy here," Loofy noted.

"That's ridiculous. Trust me. I know cats," Anne assured, "Well, all right, if you say so," Sprig conceded, hopping on one leg to get inside, "I think Sprig maybe right. Look, I know this literal caterpillar looks like Domino back home, but that's just it. We're not home. And anything that looks familiar could be different from what we know," Akira warned, "Oh Akira, don't be silly. All it takes is love and patience," Anne reassured him. Akira sighed, "Alright, just don't come crying to me if it undergoes evolution...actually now I'm curious of its evolution line now."

Sprig peeked inside and Hop Pop was still ranting about Charlie Big Bottom, "And how many times did I tell Charlie Big Bottom not to go up the chimney? And that little spider'd look at me with those big green eyes like he understood me. Two minutes later, where do I find him? Up the chimney!" he ranted, pacing back and forth. "He's still ranting about that?" Berry whispered.

Sprig motioned for Anne and Akira to sneak Domino 2 into a trap door. She entered in quietly. But just as Anne did so, the cat sneezed, causing Anne to gasp. Hop Pop heard the sound, "What's that?" He looked around and saw no one there. Suddenly, Sprig came into view, "Uh, hey Hop Pop, what's the worst thing Charlie Big Bottom ever did, since we're talking about Charlie Big Bottom?" he asked with a nervous smile, "Heh! How can I even choose?" Hop Pop asked, "Jumping out in front of Bessie and overturning the wagon. Getting tarantula hair everywhere. Then there was the time she put a hole in the roof," he listed.

Out of sight, Anne was covering Domino 2's mouth and even peek from the side of the couch. Akira and the four caecilians were sitting on the couch. The boy watched and saw Hop Pop was distracted. He winked at her, "Where'd that happen again?" Sprig asked, "You blind? The big hole right there," the old frog pointed out. As they talked, Anne silently snuck Domino 2 into the trap door which happened to be the basement, chuckling as she silently closed the door. Sprig looked closer to the spot Hop Pop was showing the frog, "I don't see it," Sprig replied, playing dumb.

"Right-it's right there!" he exclaimed. Now it felt like the time was right. Akira was laughing, "Aw man, that's such an excellent story. I've heard my fair share of stories about pets causing trouble," Akira giggled, "See, even this guy gets it," Hop Pop agreed. He did a double take and saw Akira sitting on the couch, "What?! Another one?!" he exclaimed.

"Hey there! I see you've been taking care of Anne very well while she was here," Akira complimented, "Well, I see you are also not from around here as well," Hop Pop noted, "Right you are. My name is Akira. Akira Feidragon," Akira introduced himself, doing a soldier's salute as he stood up, "And my name is Hopadiah "Hop Pop" Plantar!" Hop Pop introduced.

They shook hands, "I already met Sprig. Seems like an enthusiastic frog boy," Akira mentioned, "That he is, sonny," Hop Pop replied, "And who are those worms? Don't tell me those are pets," he scolded, "Pets? No! Those are my friends! And I mean actual friends. These are caecilians," the boy replied. He introduced Hop Pop to the Four Cae-Sillies, "So you four are a group of slapstick comedians," Hop Pop asked, "Darn right we are!" Zeppy bragged proudly.

"We consider Zeppy here to be the embodiment of comedy itself. Physical comedy!" Berry praised, "I think you guys would get along with Polly," Sprig noted. That's when a purple tadpole with a yellow bow on her head came hopping into the scene, "Someone say my name? Sup?" she said. Akira sensed this was Polly. Oh man, she's adorable, Akira thought.

"Why hello, little one. Aren't you the cutest?" Skittles cooed, "Darn right I'm adorable!" Polly responded. She noticed Akira, "And what's this? Another Anne?" she questioned, looking at him like he was on display, "Uh, actually I'm a boy. Anne's the girl here. I mean yeah, we're both humans but we have different genders like you, you know," Akira answered, "Fair enough," Polly said.

Akira and the Four Cae-Sillies introduced themselves to Polly Plantar. Akira noted that the way she sounds, she must be a fearless little gal. They conversed for a little while and Akira asked where he could sleep for the time being during his stay in Wartwood. Like he was predicting, he was offered the couch. So, Akira was now prepping for the night as well and laid on the couch, falling asleep.

The next morning...

The sun was rising as the rooster crowed to signify a new day. The first thing Sprig did was go to the basement to see if Anne was awake. He lifted the trapdoor and began calling out to her, "Anne, you awake?" he said. There was no response, "Anne?" he called again. He turned on the mushroom that acted as a lamp and to his shock, he found cobwebs of silk everywhere. Anne was nowhere to be see. The frog gasped.

He began to search frantically for the Thai-American girl. He removed the covers and saw Anne and Domino 2 snoring, fast asleep. He jumped at the edge of the bed and tugged on her hair, "Hey, wake up, wake up!" he shouted. This got Anne to wake up. "What happened? Are you okay?" he cried, "Hm? Yeah, totally. Domino 2 just had a bit of a rough first night indoors," she assured the frog. She yawned and turned over. On her cheek and back, there were scratch marks and the back of her shirt had tears.

Sprig cringed at the sight, "Eesh. Hop Pop is sure gonna notice something," he noted, "Oh, this is nothing. We just have to keep an eye on her while she's adjusting," Anne replied, holding the cat toy up in the air. Domino 2 meowed and began to claw for the toy, "Isn't that right, Domino 2?" she cooed. As the caterpillar was playing with the toy, her eyes zoomed to see Sprig. He chuckled nervously.

Domino 2 spat a web of silk at him, and his head was covered in the silk. He struggled to get the silk off as it was around his head. His screams were muffled, "That's just how she says "I love you," Anne said, kissing the cat. Akira came in and noticed the mess. Of course, he closed it so that Hop Pop wouldn't notice. "Anne, is everything okay?" he asked. He saw silk everywhere, "I'm sensing something's not right here? You sure that thing is safe?" he asked, "Oh calm down, buddy. She just had a rough night indoors. She's just adjusting," Anne responded.

The boy noticed scratch marks on her cheek, "You might want to make sure Domino 2 doesn't go out of control. I don't know what its evolutionary line is, and I dread if one of them is a legendary," Akira said, "Wait a minute, didn't I grow curious that time?"

Over the next few hours, they tried to adjust the home environment for Domino 2. First off, Anne built a cat hut for the caterpillar. Akira helped out with construction and parts needed. The caterpillar was poking her head from the sides of the entrances while it meowed. But when she meowed, she didn't appear from the third hole. Instead, Akira and Anne saw Domino 2 slither up the steps. They panicked.

Upstairs from the basement, Hop Pop was making a sandwich. He was distracted with the ingredients that he failed to notice Domino 2 devouring it. Sprig saw this in horror, "Hmm. Oh, forgot the mustard," he said, grabbing the mustard. Only Sprig was on the plate. Hop Pop screamed in surprise, accidentally squirting the mustard.

Later, Anne ran downstairs to check on her caterpillar. On her bed was a dismembered bug that Domino 2 found. She exclaimed with disgust as it buzzed weakly. Domino 2 meowed, in a way she brought a gift to the human girl. She mouthed the words, "For me?" Akira went down and saw the thing unfold. He couldn't help but giggle.

Another time, Domino 2 was looking to pounce and devour Polly, who was reading a book. But Akira in the nick of time, grabbed the cat before she could take a bite and vanished. Polly heard it and looked around suspiciously.

Domino 2 once again had found several dead bugs as gifts for Anne. She recoiled in disgust, but when Akira saw earthworms in the pile, he couldn't resist taking them. He even gave the caterpillar a pet on the head. The caterpillar purred as he and Anne petted it. Later, Anne was spinning around, laughing and holding on to Domino 2. And then they cozied up in bed reading a magazine, which the cat promptly devoured. Anne couldn't help but giggle.

Later, Sprig, Anne, Akira, the caecilians, and Domino 2 were lazing around, with the caterpillar trying to catch a fly, "Whew! Hope there isn't a Domino 3," he laughed. The caterpillar then used her silk to devour the fly. She then walked in circles before napping, curling itself in a web as if it were a blanket, "It's all worth it when you get to watch your adorable little boo take a nap," Anne chirped, "I gotta admit, she's pretty darn cute," Sprig noted, "Kinda reminds me of the time when we had a pet spider. I think it was a jumping spider," Zeppy grinned,

"You had a jumping spider for a pet?!" Akira crowed, "Yep. We all did," Loofy answered. Akira suddenly started to give a full depth analysis on jumping spiders. During the time, Anne did a motion where she signaled him to stop, "Hehe, sorry. I got carried away there. Reptiles and arachnids tend to fascinate me. Especially jumping spiders," he apologized, "They're just so darn cute. Those eyes make them look like puppies," he continued, cooing.

Anne put her arms around both Sprig, Akira, and the four caecilians, "Welcome, brothers, to the church of cute," Anne beamed, "This a cult thing?" Sprig and Skittles asked. Just then, the groups' stomachs begin growling, "Whoa, looks like Domino 2 isn't the only thing purring. Come on. Let's go grab some grub," she suggested, with them walking up the stairs.

"Ooh, I love grubs," Sprig replied, hopping ahead. "Grubs! Ooh, let me fry them! I heard they're really edible fried!" Akira exclaimed, running along, "The boy is so full of energy," Berry noted, following them. Anne turned to look at the sleeping Domino 2. She sighed, "Sleep tight, my precious baby angel," she cooed before heading upstairs from the basement.

But little did Anne know and failed to see; the rest of the silk enveloped Domino 2.

In the kitchen, the group was devouring dinner like crazy. Akira had finished frying up the earthworms that Domino 2 had caught earlier and wrapped them alongside cheese and veggies on a bun, "Holy crud! I didn't think sandwiches were a thing here!" he exclaimed with his mouth full. The caecilians were eating some of the cheese laid out.

Hop Pop walked in and saw them devouring dinner, "Who, whoa there! Hungry much?" Hop Pop questioned. The group turned to Hop Pop, "We've been running around all day. We're starving," Sprig said with his mouth full. He then stuffed some veggies into his mouth, ""Runnin' around"? Doin what?" Hop Pop questioned, squinting his eyes. The group looked at each other and gulped their food, "Oh nothing," Anne and Akira said, "I mean, who can say really," Sprig concurred.

Suddenly, a loud crash we heard, startling them, "Whoa! What the heck?!" Akira exclaimed. Hop Pop turned to them, now suspicious and putting his hands on his hips, "What was that?" he questioned. Anne began to think quick, knowing full well what would happen if the old frog found out she snuck in Domino 2, "Mmm, basement ghost?" she lied, shrugging her shoulders, "Don't be ridiculous. Basement ghosts don't sound anything like that," Hop Pop pointed out.

The group then went down into the basement. They all gasped when they found the silk which seems to have acted as a cocoon. It even stunk of stench, "What the heck is that?" Anne sputtered, "Uh, Z-Z-Z-Zeppy?" Skittles shook with fright, "That can't be good," Zeppy said, "Domino 2, where are you? Baby precious!" Anne exclaimed, searching frantically for the caterpillar.

This caused Hop Pop to realize that something was amiss, "Wait, "Baby precious"? That's a pet name, for a pet! You sneak a pet in here?" Hop Pop chastised, poking at Sprig, "No," Sprig lied. Though it was useless as too late, Hop Pop was on to them. The old frog's eyes narrowed. Sprig tried to think but then realized it was useless, "Okay, we did!" he blurted.

"What'd I tell you about pets?" Hop Pop scolded. As he did this, Akira, the caecilians, and Akira were helping her find Domino 2, "Uh, I'm sorry. It's just that the caterpillar looked just like Anne's pet from back home. It was small, cute, it was black with white spots and it-" Sprig was cut off when Hop Pop came to a realization about what Sprig said, "Wait. A black caterpillar with white spots?" he said in alarm.

"Yes. Sensing something is wrong?" Sprig said, "Yep...good feeling's gone," Akira gulped, "That's a Coastal Kill-a-pillar! They're dangerous amphibivores, and they only get white spots right before they're about to-" Hop Pop didn't get to finish as a screech was heard as something skittered on the ceiling. Akira took out his stick club, ready for a fight.

Behind them, wings folded behind it's back and teeth and red eyes shined in the darkness. Roaring was then heard behind them after it dropped. The group screamed in fright at the sight. What was Domino 2 as a kill-a-pillar was now something akin to a butterfly or moth mixed with a cat. The cat's head was now white with sharp teeth and red eyes, "Uh Hop Pop, you mentioned it being a Kill-A-Pillar? Who's that creature?" Akira asked, "They become Kill-A-Moths," Hop Pop answered. Kill-a-moth? Sounds like the name of a punk band, "Really? Dibs on the name for a punk band," Akira said.

"Domino 2, is that you?" Anne asked, attempting to reach out, "Shh. These monsters respond to sound. Let's back away slowly and quietly," Hop Pop instructed silently. The group began to attempt to escape by sneaking away from the creature. Akira gripped his club and glared at her in an attempt to appear big and in case she attacked.

Suddenly, the trapdoor opened, "Hey family! What's happening in here?" Polly shouted. Akira's eyes widened, "Polly!" he shouted. Domino 2 screeched, causing Polly to scream. Domino 2 flapped her wings, creating gusts of wind akin to that of a hurricane. Hop Pop, Sprig, and the Four Cae-Sillies ran up the steps, "Run kids!" Hop Pop exclaimed, "I don't wanna die in a basement!" Sprig said, "Let's get out of here!" Berry shouted.

Anne and Akira followed but Anne stopped, "Anne? What are you doing? We get move!" Akira protested, "Domino 2? It's me, Anne," Anne said. Upon hearing Anne speak, the kill-a-moth seemed to stop and set down. Akira gripped his club. But he watched. Could Anne actually get through to this thing? "We bonded. I gave you treats. You gave me dead things," Anne said to Domino 2, inching close to her.

Domino 2 blinked, "Don't you remember?" she asked, giving the imago cat a pat. She purred...and then roared, her wings creating a momentary gust of wind knocking Anne down, "Alright thats it! You wanna tango? Eat stick, Mothra liger fly!" he shouted, laughing manically and charging at Domino 2. He attempted to smack Domino 2 with his club, but the kill-a-moth swiped at him, knocking Akira, "D'oh!" he shouted.

Domino 2 then climbed up the stairs, "No wait! Come back!" Anne shouted. Akira got up and followed. They poked their heads out and gaped in horror as they saw the cat moth toying with the Plantars and caecilians, "Get outta here!" Hop Pop shouted, "Guys!" Akira and Anne screamed.

Domino 2 continued tossing them in the air, purring all the while, "I would like to get off the ride now!" Polly howled, "Oh! She's gonna bite their heads off as soon as she's done toying with them," Anne moaned, "Bite their heads off? What are we going to do?!" Akira shouted. Then Anne realized what she said, "Toying with them. Wait a second," Anne said, achieving a eureka moment, "The cat toy!" Akira whooped, "We gotta make it fast though. Kitty is hungry!"

Domino 2 pinned the frogs and caecilians down with her arm and then opened her mouth, revealing a thorn-like tongue, preparing to eat them. They shut their eyes and waited for it to be over, "Oh, I guess this is it!" Skittles wailed. Suddenly, a rattling noise was heard. Domino 2 stopped. Anne had the cat toy in her hand and waved it to get imago cat's attention. Akira stood by his friend's side.

The kill-a-moth turned her head, yowling. She saw the toy in her hand and meowed before charging at it, "Oh crud," Anne and Akira said. The two ran out of the house, with Domino 2 taking flight and giving chase, "Anne! Keep running!" Akira screamed. They then come to a cliff and stopped.

The kill-a-moth dropped down, growling like a tiger. Akira grabbed on to his boomerang in case of an attack. Anne sighed, "Oh, Domino 2, I thought I could change you. But I guess I was wrong," she said sadly. Domino 2 growled and licked her lips. It hissed and growled, "I'm sorry I couldn't make it work," Anne said, her voice cracking with sorrow.

Anne began to reminiscent of all the brief and good times they had. Tears were streaming from her eyes. She sighed again, "It's time to go," she cried. She then threw the cat toy as hard as she could. It dropped into the forest below with Domino 2 following it, disappearing for the last time. Anne fell to her knees as the wind billowed through her hair, "Sayonara, Domino 2," Anne said. Akira put his hand on her shoulder and gave her a sympathetic look.

Back at the farm, Hop Pop was trying to remove the webs from the caecilians and the two frogs, "And look who's cleaning up after the pet! Hop Pop, that's who!" he ranted. Akira and Anne entered, with his hand on her shoulder. The girl looked saddened, "Hey," she said in a melodical voice.

The Plantars and Four Cae-Sillies turned to them, "Anne, you're okay!" Sprig exclaimed, "Oh thank goodness!" Loofy responded, "Tell me that thing is gone!" Polly shouted, "Yeah, it's gone," Anne said sadly, "I'm so sorry, you guys. I had no right to put you all in danger no matter how much I miss my cat," she continued sighing. She rubbed her head, "I hope you understand,"

Sprig smiled, "Understand?" Hop Pop said. He walked to the two humans, "Understand!" he exclaimed, raising his head. He then had a saddened expression as his eyes welled with tears, "I miss Charlie Big Bottom with all my heart and soul!" Hop Pop wept. He started bawling and hugged Anne. The teen boy had a look of sympathy and petted his head, "There there, gramps. Let it out..." he whispered. Anne also patted his head, looking a bit uncomfortable, "Makes me want another jumping spider..." Skittles said, sniffling.

Polly then broke the tension, "Uh, can we please fix the giant hole in the house?" she shouted.

The next day, Anne was cleaning up the mess made by Domino 2. She was sweeping the floor and clearing away the cobwebs. She had a forlorn look on her face. Akira and Sprig came down minutes later, with the frog carrying something. They sat on the steps, "Well, just goes to show you. You can't take some wild animal you found in the woods, have it live in your basement, and thing everything's gonna be okay," she sighed.

"I don't know, sometimes it works out," Sprig comforted. Anne turned to her bedside, "Ohh! You're talking about me, right?" she said, raising an eyebrow, "Hey um, made you a little something," Sprig offered. It was a ragdoll version of Anne's cat, "I used Domino 2's hair balls as the fur."

Sprig walked to Anne and gave it to her, "Here you go," Sprig said. Anne stared at it for a few minutes, "You hate it, don't ya?" he said, "It's too ugly, isn't it? You know what, give it back to me-" But before he could, Anne hugged the ragdoll, "I love it!" Akira walked to Anne, "Hey Anne, I'm glad you're doing okay. Honestly, I'm real glad to have found you," he said, "Same here," Anne agreed, "I hope we find our friends and your brother soon," Anne said, "We will Anne. We'll figure it out in a few months," Akira assured, "til then, we got ourselves an adventure here,"

"That's right!" Sprig said. Akira thought for a minute, "Hey, I don't know if the Plantars have a form of transportation, but if they do, maybe you guys should visit Murkwell sometime. Even meet the mayor," Akira suggested, "Heck yeah! That's a good idea!" Anne whooped, "We have Bessie. I'm sure when you want, you can ask Hop Pop," Sprig suggested, "Good idea," Akira responded.

Akira smiled. One of his friends has now been found. And now: three to go.

And that's a wrap! At last, Anne has been found. Now, I had a review on Fanfiction recommend I explore more of Murkwell. So...I have an idea, after Taking Charge, Anne shall now explore Murkwell, which I should mention the idea takes place after Anne Theft Auto. Consider it done after Taking Charge. Ta ta, for now!