February 17, 2120

Wartwood Swamp, The Old Continent, Amphibia

Wartwood had become an unofficial second capital of Amphibia ever since it was the base of the Resistance during the Calamity War. It was one of the first places rebuilt, and now, 100 years after the Calamity War, it was the main urban center in the valley. Needless to say, it was the natural place to hold the party celebrating the defeat of the Core (and the destruction of the moon which apparently had no major effects on Amphibia's ecosystem).

The Wartwood celebration is much less extravagant than the corresponding one in Los Angeles, though like the one on Earth, it would be bigger than ever before for the hundredth anniversary. Some people joked that all of Amphibia was going to show up for the Hundredth Annual New Amphibia Festival, but considering the massive turnout, it seemed those jokes were more accurate than expected. All of the Paladins were in attendance, as were the Toad Lords and other prominent figures in Amphibia like Mother Olm, Lady Olivia II, and Winston-Geoff Ribbiton. Citizens came to Wartwood from all over: New Newtopia, Proteus, Ribbitvale, Bittyburg, and more. Even some amphibians who emigrated to the new continent of Anne-phibia trekked to Wartwood for the celebration. And everyone who arrived in Wartwood was happily greeted by Mayor Tulip Plantar, who now heavily resembled her great-great-great-great-etc. grandmother Leif.

(Honestly, if someone wanted to cause a major catastrophe somewhere in Amphibia, today would be a good day to do it. Luckily, the continent-wide security system developed by Polly Plantar can detect and prevent such a nefarious plot. Polly herself was gone at this point. Although many amphibians including Polly had cybernetic enhancements, it was unofficial Amphibia law that no one try to extensively prolong their lifespan with cybernetics like Andrias had done.)

Of course, there were other, smaller, celebrations occurring across Amphibia but this one was the main attraction. Just about every corner of Wartwood was decorated with an insignia of the three Calamity Gems, and the statue of Anne at the center of the city was adorned with flower crowns, as were other statues of the Calamity Trio throughout Amphibia.

Citizens from all over were mingling together, sharing stories of past New Amphibia Days or of when the trio visited their neck of Amphibia last. They had all heard the stories of how divided their world used to be, and were glad those days were permanently behind them. However, these conversations came to a stop when Frobo came out on stage and produced an alarm-like noise which caught everyone's attention. Frobo had become the town frontman in recent years, serving as an announcer for events such as this one in between his gardening work.

"Attention everyone," he said. "It's almost time for everyone's favorite part of the festival!" There were loud cheers all around. "Please give a warm welcome to The Sharps!"

Just like in Los Angeles, the Calamity Trio's arrival was heralded by three colorful explosions, which quickly dissipated to reveal Anne, Sasha, Marcy, and their instruments. Anne and Marcy were wearing adult versions of their old moth and butterfly Battle of the Bands outfits, while Sasha wore a matching pink firefly-themed outfit. At this point the L.A. party was still going on late into the night, but the Calamity Trio's Guardian powers allowed them to attend both parties simultaneously.

"How is everyone doing tonight?" asked Marcy.

Everyone raised their hands in excitement, saying they're having a great time.

"It means so much to us that you're enjoying yourselves," said Anne. "We love how much Amphibia has grown over the past 100 years, and it's all thanks to you guys!"

The assembled amphibians cheered yet again before Anne continued.

"This year's performance is dedicated to Leopold Loggle. We'll never forget you, dude!"

(Every year, the trio would dedicate their concert to one of the amphibians who had touched their hearts 100 years ago.)

"Alright, we've got a full set planned for tonight, and we're starting with a hundred-year-old favorite," said Sasha, preparing to play. "Hit it, girls!"

Took a leap through a box, super weird

To a swamp where frogs talk

(O-o-oh)

Now I'm stuck, got no plans

Just my luck, I'll do the best that I can

(Who-o-oa)

Making friends and enemies

It's weird, but hey, it's grown on me

The throuple decided to reform their old garage band when they were in their fifties, simply called The Sharps out of equality. It was mostly a side experiment they worked on when they had time off from their actual jobs. They only played a few local concerts, but they had a following of devoted fans, and everyone involved had plenty of fun.

Bugs, frogs, newts, and toads

Gonna be a bumpy road

Flies for snacks, worms for lunch

I think I actually love this swamp!

The New Amphibia Festival was always well-regarded, but most agree it went from good to great once the Calamity Trio began playing a concert. Most Wartwoodians had heard about the fabled Battle of the Bands from their grandparents or great-grandparents, so most of them saw Earth-style rock music through a nostalgic lens.

The Sharps' catalog also included a harp piece as tribute to Grime's memorable winning performance.

It's no big deal, yeah, no big deal

Find a way to start again, brush off the dirt and make some friends

It's no big deal, yeah, no big deal

I feel at home in a place that shouldn't be real

Crazy strange, but it's no big deal

The trio's deceased friends and family, both human and amphibian, watched the concert from the Afterlife Realm with pride and awe. Loggle was especially touched that he was remembered so fondly.

There was a particular trio that seemed to be watching the festival more intently than the others.

"You're proud of those three, aren't you?"

Andrias looked down to where Leif was sitting next to him and smiled. "I suppose I am. This is what Amphibia should've been from the beginning. But if anyone should be proud, it's you. None of this would've happened without your family."

"Yeah, Leif!" Barrel chimed in. "The Plantars are heroes just as much as the three stars."

Leif looked back to where Sprig and her other descendants were watching the show, a few happy tears coming to her eyes. "You're right."

Ohhhhhhhhhh!

It's no big deal, yeah, no big deal

I feel at home in a place that shouldn't be real

Killer birds, but it's no big deal!

Riding snails, but it's no big deal!

Eating flies, but it's no big deal!

Finally me, and it's no big deal

Here's hoping the 200th anniversary is even more spectacular.


Note: The position of Paladin is held for 10 years so Olivia II isn't one anymore.