Hop Pop whistled an upbeat tune as he rode Bessie with five very grumpy children. "I still can't believe you're bringing us to a daycare, Hop Pop." Sprig groaned, crossing his arms. "Look, I'm sorry, okay? But I have to go to the Annual Crop Convention. It's a long ways away, and I can't leave you kids on the farm alone for the weekend." Hop Pop stated. Every groaned, crossing their arms. Polly pointed to Jean and Flossie, who was with them. "Then what are they doing here? They don't have to suffer with us." She asked.

Jean let out an annoyed sigh. "Pebbs is going to be joining Hop Pop, and we got into too much trouble last time, apparently. Now Pebbs won't leave us alone for more than an hour." She grumbled.
Flossie had a flashback to when Pebbs had gone out, and they'd found a small caterpillar. Jean had decided to bring it in and take care of it, which resulted in the small critter trashing the place. Returning to her book she'd brought for entertainment, she tried to zone everyone out.
"Ugh, are you kidding me?" Anne groaned, throwing her hands in the air dramatically.
"Wish I was, Anne. But you kids need supervision. Why, sometimes it feels like we have at least two wacky adventures a week!"

Approaching a large castle, Hop Pop brought Bessie to a stop. "Here we are!" He announced. The front door opened, and out stepped a green salamander. "Greetings. I am Tritonio Espada, the instructor of this daycare." He greeted, giving a little bow. Hop Pop scratched his chin, a little confused. "Huh, I though Briar and Iris Bogwater ran this place..." he muttered
"The Bogwaters retired last year and sold their business to me." The salamander explained. Hop Pop accepted this explantation, smiling brightly as he introduced himself and the children. "Well in that case, I'm Hopadiah Plantar. This here is Sprig, Polly, Flossie, Jean and Anne." Polly blew a raspberry, while Jean just gave the teacher a lazy salute. "These two may be gigantic, but they're also children."
"Hey!"
"I'm not a child! I'm almost an adult!" Jean protested, as Hop Pop shushed them. "Not while under my roof." He replied. Even though she knew the argument was ridiculous, she couldn't bring herself to argue further.
The salamander nodded understandingly, walking toward the small family. "Ah, yes. I shall educate them! Teach them true discipline!" He announced. Hop Pop was thrilled about this news. "Oh, I like your jib, Mr. Tray-tony. Did I say that right?"
"Absolutely not."
Anne rolled her eyes as she hopped off Bessie, Jean soon following as she put a still reading Flossie on her shoulders.
Sprig looked up at the tower. "This isn't so bad, I guess. There is a cool tower." He said, gesturing to it. Anne shook her head. "You guys don't get it. And Tritonio's a teacher, an enemy of all that is good." She stated, glancing over her shoulder at the salamander. "Uh, what's so bad about teachers?" Sprig asked, perplexed.
"Let's just say, me and them don't mix."

(Flashback)

"Okay, so you carry the three and-" the teacher let out a sigh as video game noises could be heard throughout the room. "Not again." He muttered.
Anne had a book covering her face, the noises continuing as the teacher suddenly lifts the book, revealing the gameboy in Anne's hand.
Realising she'd been caught, she abruptly stood up from her chair, running from the room. "You'll never take me alive!"
"Anne! Anne, get back here!"

(End flashback)

"Teachers. They just don't like me. Probably 'cause they're jealous of my carefree spirit." Anne boasted.
Jean scoffed. "I swear, if this teacher is like the ones back home, then I'm ditching this place." She muttered. Polly groaned. "Ok, what's your complaint?"

(Flashback)

Jean sat in her classroom, minding her own business when a piece of paper was thrown her way, hitting her in the head. Glaring at the snickering kids, she tossed the garbage in the bin beside her, not bothering to check if it was a note.
The teacher came in, carrying his computer. "Alright class, we'll be presenting today. And first up is...Jean."
Jean paled, remembering the powerpoint she was meant to finish and hand in today. "Uh-um...sir? I need a little more time...may I have this class to work?"
The teacher stared at her in disappointment, sighing in frustration. "I wonder how you'll ever survive in this world, Jean."
The other students snickered, as Jean slouched lower in her seat.

(End flashback)

"Ooh, yikes." Sprig muttered, as Flossie pat Jean's head comfortingly.
"Well, kids, looks like you're in good hands here with Mr. Tritonio." Hop Pop stated, urging Bessie to go. "Hyah! Crop Con, here I come!"
As he faded into the distance, Mr. Tritonio turned to the kids. "Finally. It is just us now. So let us cast aside these illusions, yes?" With that, he ripped off his disguise, letting his hair blow in the wind for a moment as the children stared at him in awe. Even Flossie looked up to stare.
"And this is no mere daycare. This is a Combat Crash Course for kids!" Kicking the sign, he revealed the other side had a pollywog holding a mace, yelling a war cry.
Sprig, Polly and Flossie cheered, while Jean glared suspiciously at the teacher.

"Adults, they shelter their children. I say no! Teach them to fight. For danger lurks around every corner of Amphibia. Stay on your toes! Trust no one!"
Tritonio stood in front of the children, letting out a scream as he pointed to something behind them. "-Ah! Look over there!"
Sprig turned around, searching for what he was pointing at. "What is it? Danger?"
Tritonio hit the frog on the head, Sprig letting out a "bleh" as Tritonion scolded him. "I said trust no one! Now, follow me, and we will begin the next lesson." Walking back inside, Sprig followed him, excited. Polly complimented how awesome he was. Jean blew a raspberry, unimpressed. "Please, this is how all teachers start out." Anne nodded in agreement, following him. "We'll see."
Flossie let out a gasp, leaning on Jean's head. "What do you mean?! He's so cool! I wonder what he'll think if my water bending!" She squealed. Jean hushed her. "I don't think you should tell him about that. Yet." She said, following the other children.

"Your next lesson lesson is to pick your weapon. Find one that resonates with you." Tritonio tutored, watching each child walk around to different weapons.
Polly bounced over to a crate of blue mushrooms. "Ooh, what are these?" She asked curiously. Jumping to the ground, he picked one up carefully, holding it up as if it were a dangerous weapon. "Ah, the noble boom shroom. Small, unassuming, but in the right hands..." he pressed the stalk, throwing it in the air swiftly as it began to beep. "Explosive!" The mushroom exploded, leaving a cloud of blue dust.
Polly eyes widened in adoration, as Tritonio handed her one. "Perfect for you, I think." He stated, as Polly took it with an evil grin.
"Who's next? No wrong answers!"
Flossie held up a spear. It was in the shape of a trident, with a purple hue. Her eyes widened in awe, as she turned to show the salamander. "Ooh! What about this one!" She asked excitedly. Walking over to her, Tritonio places a hand on his chin, as if in deep thought. "Hmm...I think this one suits you more." He stated, grabbing another spear. It was a dull grey, and he took the trident-spear from Flossie and gave the dub one to her. "There! Much better!"
Flossie stares down at the dull spear in her hands. "I...don't feel any-"
"Next! Anne! No! Wrong answer!" He yelled, popping up from behind the sword rack that Anne stood in front of. Flossie's excitement of the teacher began to fade.
Anne was surprised and frustrated that Tritonio didn't allow her to grab a sword. "What? How so?" She asked.
"From what I have seen, you do not have the dexterity to wield a sword. Pick something else." He stated. Anne glared at the salamander, as Sprig walked over holding small daggers. "Whoa, these are big forks."
"Aha, excellent choice Sprig."
The salamander then surveyed the room, catching sight of Jean staring up at a bow, a quiver of arrows not too far away. He snuck up behind her, just as she was about to grab one. "No Jean. This weapon is not for you."
Jean jumped in fright, turning around to face the teacher with an angry glare. "What do you mean?"
"I mean that you do not seem graceful enough for a magnificent weapon such as this. I think you would be better with close-combat."
An explosion shook the room, as a giggling Polly slid across the floor, landing right in front of Tritonio and Jean. "So, what's the next lesson?"

The five kids were doing their next course. Sprig and Polly hopped excitedly through it, while Flossie jumped from each barrel as swiftly as she could. Jean went at a much slower pace, while Anne just marched through.

"Wonderful, Sprig! Polly, truly inspiring. Jean, you need to move faster! You'll be caught if you keep up this pace. Anne! Knees higher!"

Flossie looked over to him, a look of confusion on her face.

The next course was to swing across a ladder. Sprig was in the lead, using his tongue to swing across, with Polly soon following on top. Flossie climbed upside down, clinging to the rails. Anne was next, moving much more slowly, while Jean was right behind her.

"Sprig, Polly, nice work! No, Anne, Jean. More nimble!"

Anne glared at the teacher, when the rungs suddenly broke. Jean caught her hand, before she slipped too, falling down with the other teen.

Flossie now watched the teacher as she finished her course, much more slowly than before.

The kids were now climbing the tower, Sprig, Polly and Flossie having no troubles at all, while Jean and Anne struggled to pull themselves up.

"That's it, children! Feel the stone beneath your hands, the strong breeze in your hair. Much like the breeze on a fast-moving train." Tritonio stated innocently.

"Man, Tritonio's so encouraging!" Sprig commented. Anne rolled her eyes. "Must be nice." She muttered.

"Anne! Jean! Your hand placement is all wrong!"

Jean glanced over to Flossie, who had rested her head on the stone wall, a sad expression on her face. Slowly making her way around the tower, she didn't dare look down as she reached Flossie. "Hey, are you ok there?" She asked. Flossie shook her head, glancing down at Tritonio. "You and Anne were right, teachers are the worst. Tritonio won't even look at me, and I've been trying to impress him all day. It's Sprig all over again." She muttered bitterly. Jean was about to comfort her, when she heard a scream come from behind her. She watched in surprise as Anne fell from the tower, landing in the bushes at the bottom. "Ouch."

"Even your fall needs work, Anne." Tritonio muttered, walking way from the teen.

"Here, children, your quinoa macro bowls are ready." Tritonio handed Sprig, Polly and Flossie a bowl each. Realising there were only three children, the salamander glanced around. "Where are the gangly ones? Do they not like quinoa?" He asked. Sprig pointed to the tower. "Anne said she wanted to be alone, and Jean went with her." He explained.

Jean had an arm wrapped around Anne's shoulder, hugging her as they watched the night sky. "You must eat, girls. Only fools fight on an empty stomach." Tritonio said. Jean glared darkly at the teacher, as Anne turned to face him.
"Tritonio, can I ask you something?" Anne asked. With a nod of his head, Anne continued. "Why don't you like us?"
Tritonio seemed surprised by the question. "What? I like you." Anne groaned. "Oh, come on. You're always being super tough on us for no reason. Just like my teachers back home. Blech."

Tritonio let out a laugh. "Oh, Anne. If I seem tougher on you, it's not because I don't like you. It's because I see a girl who is not living up to her full potential." Tritonio stated. Anne's eyes widened. "Really?"
Tritonio nodded. "Indeed. In you, I sense someone that, with a little effort could achieve greatness. And I'm sure your teachers back home felt the same way." He turned to Jean, who still had her back to them. "And is it the same story, Jean? I know that you are a skilled warrior, who just needs time to blossom, like a beautiful desert flower."
Jean scoffed. "Thanks for the cheesy line, Tritonio, but...mine's...a different story." She said, pulling her knees to her chest. "My teacher is a bully, wanting nothing but make a fool out of me."

Tritonio sat between the girls. "Jean...sometimes there are people who's actions can't be explained or justified. That seems to be the case for you. But that doesn't mean they're always right." Jean looked up, facing the salamander. "You need to stand up for yourself, and for what you believe is right. You can achieve great things that way. You just have to let that warrior out."
Jean smiled at the salamander, her gaze returning to the night sky. "I'll keep that in mind. Thanks." She said. With a nod, Tritonio stood up.
"And now, I believe you are ready for these."
He brought out two swords, and the girls wondered if he had them all along. Anne gasped in amazement, unsheathing her sword. It glowed a bright blue, reflecting the moon. Jean did so to hers, too. The handle was a deep red, and her eyes widened in amazement at the ruby red gem within it.
"These blades have been in my family for many years, and now they are yours. Get some sleep, girls. For tomorrow, the real training begins." With that, he jumped from the tower, doing a back flip as he disappeared into the night.
Anne glanced back down at her sword, a smile covering her features. Jean glanced at her sword, brow raised in curiosity. "Hey, how come you get a blue glow sword." She asked in a joking manner. Anne scoffed, elbowing the older teen. "You got a cool sword too!"

Their chuckles could be heard from the ground below, where Flossie was still sitting by the fire. She stared up at where the girls were. Hop Pop's words began to run through her head. "When we find a way home for Anne and her friends, we'll give the box back to them."
She's already found one. There were only two left, before Jean was going to disappear from her life. Forgotten and abandoned.
Her fists clenched, as tears threatened to fall. What hurt more than a teacher ignoring you, was having a friend forget about you. She didn't want that to happen.
Not yet.

The students and teacher were sparring. Polly and Sprig were paired, while Jean and Flossie were together. Anne and Tritonio were sparring together, with Anne outwitting him.
As Jean and Flossie sparred, Jean noticed the axolotl seemed distracted. "Hey, Floss. Is something wrong?" She asked between breaths. Flossie used her spear to stop Jean poking her with her sword. "I'm...can I ask you something, Jean?" She asked. Jean finally poked gently with her sword, getting the axolotl out. "Phew! Yeah, what's up?" She asked, grabbing a cup of water. Flossie lowered her spear, clutching her arm tightly. "Will you...forget about us when you go back to your world?" She asked. Jean paused, turning to look at the axolotl. "Of course not. I've met the greatest people here, I couldn't possibly forget about you guys." She smiled. Flossie smiled back, but she seemed unsure of the answer.

"Excellent! You've all improved so much. Especially you, Anne. Now, come. It is time for your final test."
Tritonio led them into a study room, where maps and plans lay out. "Tomorrow is our last day together. So I put together an exercise to test all the skills you've learned. I have rented a train, inside of which, I have hidden a fake priceless ruby." Tritonio explained, pointing to the maps. "Also, I have hired actors to portray guards who will stop at nothing to keep the ruby safe."
Flossie glanced at the plans, uneasy about how realistic this seemed to be.
"You must retrieve it using the wisdom and skills I have taught you. Now, study these plans. Become one with the plans. Eat the plans." He took a tiny piece of paper from the plans, eating it to demonstrate. Jean wasn't gonna lie that that didn't disturb her, but she didn't say anything.
"We leave at dawn!" With that, Tritonio left the room.
Polly bounced toward the plans, inspecting them closely. "So does anyone else think this just looks like we're robbing a real train?" Sprig asked skeptically. Flossie nodded her head, observing the plans. "That's exactly what I was thinking..."
"Yeah. Could Tritonio be using us?" Polly questioned. Anne slammed her fists on the table, causing Polly and Flossie to scream. "That's ridiculous! Tritonio's a good dude who believes in me. I think we should do it." She stated matter-of-factly. Sprig stared at her in confusion. "Anne, you seem...oddly invested." He said. "What happened to old "teachers stink" Anne?"
Anne stared into space for a moment. "That Anne is dead and buried. Now come on, these plans ain't gonna study themselves." With that, she had the Plantars convinced. However, Flossie glanced up to Jean. "What about you, Jean? What are your thoughts?"
Jean scratched the back of her neck. "Well, Tritonio is pretty good. I say we study the plans with Anne."
Flossie watched in confusion as Jean sat beside Anne, helping her study.
I couldn't possibly forget about you guys.
Flossie moved her gaze away from the two.

A train blared its horn, as it came to a stop. On the tracks lay Sprig, eyes wide with innocent sadness. "Please, governor, I'm a poor orphan boy who done and twisted his wee ankle on these here train tracks." He said innocently. The train conductor let out a sniff. "Poor kid. Guards! Help me!"
Opening the passenger cart, a few guards stepped out. "Another day, another wounded orphan to move." One muttered.
While they were distracted, Anne, Jean, Flossie and Polly jumped on the train, starting it up. The guards and conductor chased after the train, and Sprig tripped them, laughing as he jumped on the train. "Acting is fun!" He said, before letting out a scream as the conductor jumped onto the train, bearing a sword. "I trusted you!" He screamed, swinging it at the pink frog.
"Oh my gosh!"
Flossie rushed to the frogs aid, using her spear to launch herself into the air, kicking the conductor hard in the chest. The conductor fell off, screaming. "Orphan!"
"Man, these guys are really good actors." Anne commented. Polly started moving down the train. "Never mind that. Let's get that ruby!" She yelled. Everyone nodded, making their way to the cart that held the ruby.
They all stared down at the chain that prevented them from entering. Jean grinned. "Polly, you're up."

Loud beeping could be heard from above, as Polly's boomshrooms went off. Opening the hatch, the children enter the cart, staring in awe at the ruby. "There it is." Jean mumbled.
They approached the ruby, admiring its beauty. "We did it, guys. Big T is gonna be so proud of us!" Anne beamed.
"Proud is an understatement!"
The kids turned to the voice. There was Tritonio, approaching them. "You've all done so well." Picking up the ruby, he admired it. "Ah, here it is, the Tiger Moth's Eye." Putting the ruby in his pocket, he turned back to his students. "Now, I have one more question. What was the first lesson I taught you?"
Anne raised her hand, waving it around excitedly. "Oh, oh! Trust no one!" Sh stated.
Tritonio was halfway through the hatch. "Bingo." With that, he left, locking the hatch as the children rushed to the window. "Tritonio, what are you doing?" Anne gasped.
"Sorry, kids, but I never could've robbed this train by myself. And now that I have what I want, I'll be going. Give my regards to the guards!" Tritonio cackled, walking away from them.

Jean kicked at the walls angrily, as Anne groaned in frustration. "I don't believe this. He double-crossed us. The first teacher I really clicked with ended up being a fake." She muttered.
Jean turned to them, now that her pent up anger was out. "And he's not getting away with it!" She yelled. The others glanced up at her. "He may have used us, but at least he taught us things. Like standing up for what is right! I'm NOT gonna let him get away with tricking us into becoming his tools. Who's with me?"
The others cheered, as Anne grinned, turning to Polly. "Polly, got any more boom shrooms?" She asked. Polly gleefully brought out more boom shrooms.
Jean turned to Flossie. "Floss, I think it's time to show Tritonio what you're really made of."

Tritonio let out a sigh. "Ah, they were good kids. Too bad they have to go to prison forever." He said. He let out a yelp as an explosion came from behind him, rocking the train for a moment.
"Tritonio!"
The kids emerged from the cloud of blue smoke.
Tritonio laughed. "I have to say, even I'm impressed." He said. Anne paused, shyly looking away. "You really mean it- GUYS NOW!"
Sprig and Polly pounced. Sprig used his tongue to attack the salamander, but Tritonio managed to bring out his sword. He swung Sprig into Polly, knocking them out. Next Jean attacked, Flossie not too far behind.
Swinging her sword, Jean brought it down onto Tritonio. The salamander blocked her attack using her sword. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Flossie standing quietly, raising a hand slowly.
Jean paused in her attack, noticing a brief gold glow in the axolotl's eyes. Tritonio used this as an opportunity to kick her down, causing her to fall from the moving train. Flossie didn't move.
With one quick motion, she snapped her arm forward, a stream of water shooting at the salamander. He dodged, surprised. "Remarkable..." he muttered, as Flossie sent another jet of water his way. Dodging again, he charged the axolotl.
Flossie was quick to use her spear to block his attack. It snapped under the impact, and Tritonio swiftly knocked the axolotl off her feet with a swing of his tail. She fell into a cart, hitting her head.
Now there was only Anne left. The two eyed each other down. "Come on." Tritonio challenged, as Anne pounced.
Swinging her sword, Tritonio blocked her, jumping onto her sword. Finding it hard to move, she looked up. Tritonio took this as an opportunity to kick her in the face. Stumbling back, Anne slipped off the side of the train, barely able to catch herself. Groaning, she glared up at her former teacher. "Trusting you was a mistake, but you've made a huge mistake, too." She grinned. Tritonio tilted his head curiously. "Oh, yes? And what is that?" He asked.
"You taught me how to fight." She said, lifting her sword. Using the sunlight's reflection, she shined it into the salamander's eyes. He let out a yelp. "Ah! Big T's eyes!" He shrieked.
Climbing back up, Anne swung one last time, knocking his sword out of his hands.
The sword landed on the ground, the train passing it by. Jean rushed pass it, running as fast as she could to try and catch up to the train.
"School's out, teach." Anne grinned, as Sprig and Polly held Tritonio down. Hearing a groan, Anne glanced over her shoulder. Flossie was leaning out of the hatch, a hand to her head as she glared at Tritonio. "Teachers suck." She grumbled.

"Thanks, kids. The tower's been trying to catch this slimeball for months." The conductor said. The train had been brought to a stop, and the kids had handed Tritonio over to the guards. Jean had caught up to them, panting for breath, and Sprig had helped Flossie with her injury.
"Been robbing trains with kids for quite some time now, the sicko." He glared as the guards dragged the salamander pass them. "You do have to respect my creativity." Tritonio said with a smile, as all the children glared at him. "We respect nothing!" Polly yelled.
Anne chimed in. "Yeah, get out of here, you fraud!" Flossie stood up. "You're the worst!" She growled. Tritonio turned to her a soft smile on his face. "I underestimated you, young one. You have so much potential-"
"Oh, NOW you're interested in her." Jean scoffed, marching over to Tritonio. "How DARE you ignore her the entire weekend, and then when you find out she has magical powers, you decide you like her?! What the heck is wrong with you?! No one deserves to go through that!" She yelled, leading Flossie away. Flossie stared up in awe. "Thank you, Jean." She said. Jean was quiet for a moment. "Oh my frog, I just yelled at an adult-"
Tritonio then turned to Anne. "See you around, Anne. I wasn't kidding when I said you had potential. You certainly bested me."
Anne frowned at the salamander. "Save it, you crook. I just have one more question for you. Was the goatee even real?!"
Tritonio pulled off his goatee. "What do you think?"

"Oof, you probably dislike teachers more than ever, now, huh, guys?" Sprig asked. Anne and Jean were silent. "You know what? Tritonio might have been a crook, but he was onto something." Anne stated. "When I get home, I'm gonna give my teachers another chance."
Jean stared at her new sword thoughtfully, her hands trailing along the red gem in the handle. "When I get home...I'll probably do something I should've done a long time ago. Stand up for myself." She said, catching her reflection in the sword. She smiled softly, as she began to feel a new hope grow within her. Flossie was asleep on her shoulder as Hop Pop pulled up, beat up from an unknown adventure. Pebbs was asleep in the back, just as beat up.
"Hey, kids." He said, dazed.
"How was the convention, HP?" Anne asked. Hop Pop stared off into the horizon. "Oh, fine. Didn't get swarmed by killer locusts, if that's what you mean." He replied slowly. "How was your weekend?"
"Good."
"We didn't rob a train." Sprig said tiredly. "Nope. No crimes committed." Polly added. "None what so ever." Jean put in.
Hop Pop nodded his head slowly. "Good, good. Great to know we definitely didn't have two wacky adventures."

"Psst. Hey, Floss. Wake up!"
Flossie groaned, opening her eyes slowly. "Ugh...Jean? What are you doing up?" She asked sleepily. Jean sat on her bed, holding something that was wrapped. "I have something for you." She whispered. Flossie tilted her head curiously.
Jean gave her the bundled up parcel. Taking it, the axolotl slowly unwrapped it, eyes widening in amazement.
Tracing her fingers over the purple trident, she stared up at Jean. "How did you-"
"I heard you liked it, and I may or may not have taken it from Tritonio's armoury while we were waiting for Hop Pop. Just don't tell Pebbs I gave it to you." She chuckled.
Flossie let out a muffled squeal, tackling Jean in a hug. "Thank you!" She whispered back.
After the moment of surprise had passed, Jean hugged back tightly.
Her mind wondered back to the conversation they had that sparring day. "I won't forget you, Floss. That's a promise." She murmured to herself.

A/N: ah yes, the teacher thing was totally not a irl experience. I don't know what you're talking about with your accusations. Anyway I don't know if I should do children of the spore. Should I?