Three months earlier…

A school bell rang out, as Anne rode her bike to school. Finishing up putting her bike away, a girl with red hair walked up to her. "Hey, Boobchuy! Whatcha eaten? A puke bun?" She cackled at her own joke, while Anne stared blankly at her.
"It's not a bun, Maggie. It's Khao niew bing, a traditional Thai snack made up of rice and coconut." Anne explained. "My mom made it for me because it's my birthday."
Maggie looked at the Thai snack. "Oh, happy birthday. Give me that!" She snatched Anne's snack, and the two wrestled over it for a few seconds.
"Hey! Get your own Thai mom!"
"Hey, Margot!" A voice called out. Maggie looked up, finding Sasha, the most popular girl in school, glaring down at her.
"Leave her alone. Also, nice guitar solo, Vince." Sasha commented, before returning her gaze to the two girls.
Maggie glared at the her. "Oh yeah? Or else what?" She asked. Sasha walked over to the two girls. "Or else you can forget coming to my awesome house party next week. It'll be really sad when the whole class is enjoying the pool without you." Sasha smirked. This seemed to change Maggie's mind, immediately returning the Thai snack to Anne before walking away.
"Thanks dude!" Anne thanked, as Sasha smiled. "No worries. You just gotta speak their language. But never mind that. Happy birthday, girl!"
The two besties squealed, doing a high-five as Sasha twirled Anne around.
The school bell rung, signalling the start of class. Sasha groaned. "Buzzkill."

"Alright, class. Todays your lucky day cause its Frog Dissection day!" The teacher yelled excitedly. The classroom groaned, and Anne looked down at the dead frog laying in front of her. Turning it over, she shuddered at the sight. "Frogs are the worst." She complained. Sasha moved closer to her, an idea forming. "Right? Let's get out of here." She murmured.
The blonde began heaving. "Mrs. Virk, the sight of blood…I-i'm gonna be sick!" She cried dramatically. The teacher walked over, carrying a dead frog in her hands. "Oh dear. Anne, why don't you take Sasha to the sick room before she desecrates these beautiful frog bodies with her vomit. Thank you!" Mrs. Virk giggled, walking away.

The two girls giggled as they ran down the hallway. Sasha ripped a poster off the wall as she rushed by, Anne not too far behind.
Reaching the nurse's office, Sasha ran by. Anne stopped by the door. "Yo, Sasha. Sick rooms over here." She called out.
Sasha let out a sigh. "Forget the sickroom. Forget school. Let's get out of here and celebrate your birthday in style." She smirked. Anne wasn't so sure on that idea, rubbing her hands together nervously. "Off, skip school? I don't know, Sash…"
"Anne, this is your 13th birthday. You only get one of these. So let's make it the best birthday in the history of birthdays." She said, wrapping an arm around Anne's shoulder.
Anne thought over this, before letting out a sigh. "Well…alright. I gotta be home by 6:00, though. My parents are throwing a big party and they really want me to be there."
Sasha waved her hand. "Right, right, you got it. Now let's get this thing started! And nothings better than having a third party!" She squealed, pulling out her phone. The phone screen already had Jean's name, and Sasha began typing away as they snuck out of school. "She said she can come! Let's go meet her out the back!"

Anne and Sasha found Jean leaning against the school's wall, scrolling through her phone. Hearing their footsteps, the 15yo looked up. She smiled as she greeted them. "Hey Sash! Hey Anne! Happy birthday!" She said, embracing the two girls a tight hug.
Sasha chuckled. "So, what are you doing out of school?" She asked. Jean shrugged. "I was just hanging out with Charlie. She had to go home right before you texted me." She replied nonchalantly.
Sasha smirked, nudging the older teen. "Ooh la-la~" she winked. Jean ruffled her hair, cheeks tinted pink. "Shut it ya lil trouble-maker." She chuckled.
Sasha brushed her hand off. "Ok, ok. Let's get this party started!" She said, pulling the two girls close.

Jean pulled out her bike, following Anne and Sasha as the two zoomed off on the birthday girl's bike.

The older teen struggled to keep up, since the two had a head start.

Jean was versing Sasha in a dance-battle, the game beeping as Jean laughed, stepping off the mat. "Top score!"
Anne chuckled, when Sasha kicked the game, causing a bunch of coins to fall out. Anne wasnt impressed, but didn't say anything.

Sasha used spray cans to graffiti her name on a wall, tossing Anne and Jean one as well. Jean went to do it somewhere else, while Anne freaked out about the cop car that went by.

Sasha pushed a trolley with Anne inside, as Jean followed behind on her bike. An elderly lady was crossing the path, and Jean freaked out, slowing down. However, Sasha jumped onto the shopping cart, hollering at the top of her lungs. Anne, however, was screaming in terror.
"Out of the way, Granny!" She yelled, as the woman barely had enough time to dodge the incoming cart. Jean stopped by her, helping her to her feet. "I'm so sorry about that-"
The woman hit her on the head with a hand-bag, yelling curses at her. Jean scurried off to catch up to the two runaway girls.

The three girls were now slurping away at their slushies, leaning back in chairs of the local coffee shop. All wore stylish party glasses. "So that's what a unicorn tastes like. Corn syrup." Anne commented. Her phone vibrated, and she pulled it out of her pocket. She let out a gasp when she realised there were two messages from her mother, asking her where she was. It was 5:45, 15 minutes until her party started.
"Oh, shoot! It's almost 6:00. I gotta go dudes." She stood up. Jean got up too, but Sasha stayed in her seat. "Family party, right? Lame. Let me guess, a clown? With balloon animals?" She asked with a smirk, sliding her glasses down to look at Anne. Anne blushed, looking away. "I know it's not the coolest, but this is important to them." She murmured.
Sasha hummed, half listening as she got a text message on her phone. "Oh my gosh. Marcy says she found the perfect gift for you downtown." She laughed as she showed Anne and Jean the picture Marcy sent. "A frog music box for the frog lover. I wonder if those gems are real." She chuckled.
Sasha then got up, pushing Anne out the door. "Come on. Let's keep this party train rollin'. Choo choo!"
Jean followed behind. "Sasha, she wants to go home, so just let her be. At least she has a caring family." She muttered the last part under her breath. Anne nodded in agreement. "Yeah, sorry dude, I really gotta go."
As Anne made her way to the door, Sasha grew angry. "Oh, I understand, Anne. You're a good little girl who's gotta go home to her mommy and daddy. Come on, hang out with your friends that love you."
Anne turned around. "Sasha, I'd really like to, but-"
Sasha held her hand up, her expression darkened. "Anne, this isn't cute anymore. We are meeting up with Marcy right now. End of discussion."
Anne was shocked for a moment, and Jean faced the younger teen. "Hey, lay off Sasha, this is her family we're talking about. We should respect her decisions."
Sasha turned her glare to Jean. "Shut it Jean."
"Sasha, that's enough."
The two glared at each other, and Anne felt guilty, knowing that she was the reason of their fight. Looking up at the clock, she held up her arms in surrender.
"I…guess it's okay if I'm a little late…" she chuckled nervously. Jean turned to face her, surprised. Leaning on Sasha's shoulder, she smiled at Anne. "Are you sure, Anne? You don't have to listen to this little trouble-maker." She stated, ruffling the younger teen's hair.
Anne shrugged. "Yeah, it's fine! I can still have my party when I get home."
Sasha pushed her off, grabbing Anne's hand and heading out the door. "Boom! I knew you'd change your mind!" She laughed.
Jean followed behind, her eyes filled with worry as she watched Sasha drag Anne downtown.

Back to present day...

Flossie walked up to the bridge, standing some distance away. She watched the three girls squealing and greeting each other, and Hop Pop's words rung around her mind. "When we find a way home for Anne and her friends, we'll give the box back to them." She scratched at her arm nervously, just about to walk away when she noticed movement in the darkness.
Squinting her eyes at the outskirts of town, her heart leapt to her throat when she realised there were toads. A whole army of them. And they were now starting to head her way.
In a panic, she rushed under the bridge, out of sight. Her dress got a little wet, but that didn't matter at the moment.

The toads invaded Wartwood, surrounding the townspeople, knocking things over as they cornered the poor frogs.
Anne watched them in horror, as Jean grabbed a stick laying nearby, about to help the townspeople. "Sasha! The toads! I gotta go help my fr-"
Sasha immediately grabbed both their arms, pulling them back. "Chill out, girls. They're with me." She informed. Jean looked at her, confused. "Wait, what?"
"Anne, Anne, Anne, Anne, Anne, Anne!"
The trio all looked up to see Hop Pop, Sprig and Polly running toward them. "Toads! They're everywhere! We barely slipped out while the guards were-"
Jean cut Sprig's screaming off, kneeling down. "Did you see Flossie? Is she ok?" She asked anxiously.
"I'm here."
Jean looked up, seeing Flossie come out from under the bridge. She let out a sigh of relief. "Oh, thank goodness." She muttered, before a thought occurred to her. "Why were you under the bridge?"
Before Flossie could answer, Polly gasped. "HOLY TOOT, ANOTHER ANNE!"
Anne chuckled. "Oh! Guys, meet my other bestie from back home, Sasha!" Anne introduced. Sasha waved. "Hey!"
"Sasha, meet the Plantars. This is Hop Pop, Sprig, and Polly." Each said their hello's and Jean wrapped an arm around Flossie. "And this is Flossie Harveston."
Flossie waved timidly at Sasha, who waved back. Flossie could see the blonde seemed unamused.
Sprig hopped up to Sasha. "Hey, I'm her bestie too! I guess that makes me your bestie-in-law." He chuckled at his own joke.
Sasha looked down at him blankly. "Does it?"
Sprig laughed awkwardly, coughing a bit. "Did ya'll feel that?" He rasped, and Hop Pop stepped forward, telling him to walk it off.
"Yes, hi, nice to meet ya. Now can someone please tell me why there's a toad army invading Wartwood?!" He yelled. Sasha didn't answer right away, though. She just stared at the elderly frog in surprise. "You're Hop Pop? Thought you'd be taller."
Before anyone could ask her what she meant, she waved them off. "Relax, we're not invading anything. Come one, girls. You too, frogs. We don't want to keep Grime waiting." She grinned.
Hop Pop freaked out at the statement. "Captain Grime?!"
Sprig gasped. "The cruelest toad soldier of all time?"
"Here?"
Sasha laughed. "Ah, he's not so bad once you get used to him. Now hurry up, nerds." She turned away from the group, making her way to the toads. Anne chuckled. "She's persuasive, right?"
Jean squinted. "I don't know…I guess they don't mean any harm? They haven't hurt anyone."
The two girls followed after Sasha, leaving the frogs and axolotl standing there a moment.
"…I'm not a frog." Flossie muttered angrily, but she followed them.

"Frogs of Wartwood!"
The toads and frogs stood in the town square. Pebbs was holding Flossie close, glaring at the toad standing close to them. The toad sweated under her angry gaze, but didn't dare move.
The Plantar's were also standing amongst the crowd of frogs, while Anne, Jean, Sasha and Grime stood on a pedestal.
"We toads have come here to…invite you to a banquet!"
All the frogs looked around in confusion, as a toad soldier tooted a party blower.
Grime continued with his speech. "The moment we heard that Anne was here, we rushed over to reunite these two-uh, three- friends and hold a celebration."
Sasha hugged Anne and Jean, as everyone awed at them. Flossie, however, glared at Captain Grime. They only knew Anne was here?
Hop Pop wasn't fooled either. "Really?" He asked suspiciously. Grime nodded. "Yes. Despite my rough exterior, I really am just an "old softy"." The captain replied, quoting the old softy part. Hearing a cough, Grime looked back to Sasha, who signalled for him to smile.
He hesitated a moment, opening his mouth and showing the frogs a mouth full of sharp, dangerous teeth. The frogs let out loud gasps, and even a baby could be heard crying.
Sasha pushed the terrifying grinning Grime off the pedestal. "Uh, so, what do you say, Wartwood? You ready to party back at the tower?" The blonde encouraged.
The frogs were silent, and Mrs. Croaker pointed to Anne and Jean. "What do Anne and Jean think?" she asked.
Jean walked over to Sasha, wrapping an arm around both girls. "Sasha's been our friend since we were kids. We're pretty much sister's at this point. If she says it's fine, it's fine!" Jean replied with a smile. Anne nodded in agreement.
Sasha whooped. "Whoo! All aboard the party barge!"

The frogs were being led onto the party barge. There were lights surrounding it, and music played in the back ground, making it a bit more welcoming. The frogs chattered in excitement.
"Two parties in one night? Whoo-hoo!" Wally hollered, rushing onto the cart before the rest of the towns folk.
Anne and Jean were about to join them, when Sasha tapped their shoulders. "Psst, Anne, Jean, you two are with me." She whispered, pointing to a smaller carriage. Anne's eyes widened in amazement. "Wow, cool!"
Jean looked over to Flossie, Pebbs and the Plantar's, who were coming over. "Hey, mind if the Plantar's and Harveston's come along?" She asked, wrapping an arm around Flossie.
Sasha's face fell for a moment, before her smile returned. "Of course I don't mind! The more the merrier." She replied, saying the last part through her teeth. No one seemed to realise it, though, and the amphibians rushed into the carriage.
"First class!"
"I call window seat!"
"No, me! No, me!"
"Kids, stop pushing. Ow!"
"Flossie, don't touch that, it looks expensive!"
Anne chuckled. "They're fun."

The party barge reached Toad Tower, entering the large, opened gates.
Anne, Sasha and Jean all stepped out of the carriage first, followed closely by the amphibians. "So, here we are!" Sasha said, pointing up to the tower. Jean let out a whistle. "Ominous." Anne complimented.
"Oh, Percy!" The blonde called out. A toad walked up to her, a big smile on his face. "Yes, Commander?" He saluted.
"I'm gonna give Anne a quick tour. Escort these…frogs to the banquet hall." Sasha ordered. Flossie glared up at the blonde, not liking her at all. Pebbs placed a hand on her shoulder.
Sprig jumped on the spot. "Hey, I wanna go on the tour too!" He waved his arms around excitedly. "Me three!" Polly piped up, but Hop Pop shook his head.
"Come on, kids. Give Anne, Jean and their friend a chance to catch up." Hop Pop said. Anne smiled at them. "Don't worry. I'll find you guys later."
"Go have fun in there!" Jean added, as Sprig groaned. Percy led the amphibians away, and Sasha watched them go. "You girls certainly seem close to them." She giggled. "Anne, what happened to "Ew, frogs are the worst"?" The blonde asked. Anne smiled. "Their actually pretty great once you get to know them." She chuckled. Jean laughed. "Yeah, you've been living in their basement since you got here."
Sasha's eyes widened. "Basement?! Yuck!" She groaned. "Follow me. I'm gonna show you guys something crazy."

"This is where I've been living." Sasha announced, swinging the doors wide open. The two girl's eyes widened in surprise.
"Hoopa de boopa!"
"Whoa…"
Jean and Anne glanced around Sasha's room in amazement. Sasha snapped her fingers. "Yo, Brunton." She called. A toad arrived, wearing a chef's hat. "Oui, Commander?" He asked in a thick accent. Sasha grinned. "Bring us the usual."
Several foods were placed on a table. Jean's mouth watered as she surveyed the different dishes. "Pizza? Tacos? Hamburgers?!" Jean gasped, as she took a seat beside Anne. Anne leaned down toward a small cup. "Whoa, you've got ketchup!?" She asked, as Sasha dipped a chip into the sauce. "It just occurred to me I've been eating bugs for a month." The young teen said, grabbing a bunch of food and shoving them into her mouth. Jean followed her lead, realising how much she'd missed actual food.
"Anything else, Commander?" Brunton asked. Sasha nodded. "Run the hot water, please. For the shower." She ordered.
Jean and Anne glanced up at her in shock. "SHOWER?!"

Back in the banquet hall, the frogs were having their own feast. Polly was trying to chat with a toad soldier, and Pebbs was chatting with Ivy's mother, Felicia Sundew, trying out different treats.
Flossie stood next to Sprig, glancing around nervously. "I don't like this. There are guards everywhere, and they're all acting very odd…" Sprig nodded in agreement, moving toward his grandfather. "I know how you feel, Flossie." He muttered.
Hop Pop was collecting crab legs, placing them on a plate while also shoving them into his pockets. "Hey, Hop Pop? Something's not right here." Sprig told him. Hop Pop nodded, half listening. "Not right, yeah, sure. Here, Sprig, Flossie. Load up on crab legs." He ordered, passing the kids a plate each. "These babies go fast."
Flossie glanced around. "No, Hop Pop. Don't you see that the toads seem a little on edge?" She said, looking at one particular toad who was sweating nervously.
Hop Pop followed the kids gaze, sighing. "Eh, they're a militarised culture, kids. I'm not surprised they don't know how to let loose." He stated, turning back to his crab legs. Sprig groaned. "Forget this. I'm gonna go find Anne. You coming Flossie?" He asked. Flossie nodded, following the young frog.
"Good idea. She can carry more crab legs."
Sprig and Flossie walked up to the nervous toad. "Hey, pal. We're just gonna go for a walk, get some fresh air-" Sprig announced, when the toad cut him off. "No! Sorry. Uh, you frogs and newts aren't allowed to leave this room." The toad said nervously.
Flossie stared up at him in confusion. "We're not allowed to leave? Why?" She asked curiously. The toad began to sweat profusely. "Uh…I've said too much. Please just return to the party and remain calm." The toad replied. Sprig smiled. "Remain clam. You got it buddy!" He said, saluting the guard. The toad sighed in relief. "Whew, thanks kids."
Flossie and Sprig walked away. Hopping onto a table, Sprig gave a thumbs up to the toad, before pulling out a plate and crab leg, banging them together. "Hey, everyone! This is a sham!" He yelled. Flossie climbed onto the table beside him. "We're not guests, we're prisoners!"
The frogs let out loud gasps, screaming in fear and running around, throwing food. Polly attacked a toad soldier, and the guard that the kids were talking to earlier began to whimper.

Jean sighed in content, laying down on the couch opposite the two younger teens, dressed in a bathrobe with a hair towel on her head. Anne and Sasha held mugs of hot chocolate.
"Wow, Sash. This is so surreal." Anne sighed. Jean nodded in agreement. "I know, right? I can't believe you're really here." She added, sitting up. Sasha nodded. "Same. And once this is over, we can finally find a way out of this crummy, gross world." Sasha said.
Anne glanced over to the blonde. "Once…what's over?" She asked curiously.
"Oh, the rebellion." Sasha replied absentmindedly. Anne and Jean glanced at each other, confused. "Haha, the what now?" Jean asked, chuckling nervously. Sasha gazed up at her friends, a knowing smile crossing her lips. "You don't know about the rebellion? Look, I'll explain. Just promise not to freak out or anything." She said, standing up and walking towards a map on her wall.
"O…kay." Anne hesitatingly answered. She glanced over to Jean anxiously, who only shrugged.
"So you've probably already noticed that the toads in this valley have one job: to rule over the frogs. And lately, those frogs have been stepping outta line." Sasha explained, turning to face her friends with a smirk. Jean was trying to figure out where this was headed.
Sasha walked back over, grabbing a poster. "It turns out these rebels have been inspired by a certain frog. You might just know him." Sasha chuckled. "Stood up to some tax collectors, even ran for mayor against the local toad." With that, she showed the girls the poster.
Hop Pop was on the cover. Hop Pop, the sweet and elderly frog who panics over the smallest things, was the role model of rebel frogs.
Anne coughed up her drink, gasping. "WHAT!? Hop Pop's not a revolutionary!" She exclaimed. Jean nodded in agreement, chuckling nervously. "Yeah! He's just a grandfather looking out for his family! He doesn't even KNOW about this!"
Sasha shrugged. "Doesn't matter. Word has travelled like wildfire, and we've got to make an example out of him." Sasha replied, leading Anne toward the window. Jean followed. Sasha continued. "So, the toads are just gonna feed him to that thing."
She points out of her window, which looked out onto a large court yard. There were toads wrangling a giant, meat-eating plant down. Anne let out a gasp, as Jean covered her mouth in fear.
"Okay, here's the thing. I struck a deal with Grime. I'd help him capture Hop Pop and crush the rebellion, and Grime and his army will help us find a way home. The whole banquet trick-my idea, obvi." Sasha gloated. She let out a chuckle. "Now we've got those slimy frogs right where we want them. Isn't this great?"
She finally noticed the girls reactions. Anne chuckled nervously, pointing toward the exit. "Uh…I have to, uh…go to the roomrest, uh, the restroom."
She made her way out the door, knocking over a statue of Sasha before quickly catching it, putting it back on the stand upside down. She laughs. "BRB!"
Sasha watched her, taking a sip from her drink. "Oh, she's totally freaking out." She commented. Jean chuckled. "Haha, yeah…I have to uh…"
Sasha laughed, making her way to the door. She took off her bathrobe, revealing her armour already on. Jean gave her a weird look. Why in the world did she have that on-
"I'm gonna fo knock some sense into her." Sasha said.
"Sasha, what do you-SASHA!" Before Jean could react, Sasha had closed the door, locking it from the outside. Rushing over, Jean yanked on the handle. "SASHA! YOU LET ME OUT RIGHT NOW!" She demanded, banging on the door.
She could hear Sasha chuckling softly on the other side. "Sorry, Jean. But I can't have you getting in the way of my plans." She replied, her voice devoid of any emotion.
Jean could hear her footsteps disappearing down the hall, and she began to bang even harder. "SASHA?! SASHA!"

Back in the banquet hall…

"I'M TOTALLY FREAKING OUT!" Wally shrieked. The frogs were yelling, throwing random objects at the toads.
"Calm down, you frogs, calm- knock it off!" One toad soldier yelled, as tomatoes were thrown at him.
Polly gasped. "Ooh! I wanna riot too!" She yelled, picking up a crab leg. Hop Pop immediately grabbed it. "Polly, don't throw that! Throw this potato instead." Hop Pop said, handing the pollywog a potato.
Pebbs clung onto Flossie, as Flossie used water from the table to use against the guards. She let out a frustrated yell. "Why don't they have more water! They were really just giving us bug juice?! This is pathetic!" She yelled, throwing a cup at the toads.
Wally attempted to jump over the toads, but one managed to grab him. "Let me out! Let me out!" He screamed. The toad threw him back, causing him to falls to the ground hurt.
Ivy gave the toads an angry glare, dropping the contents of her plate onto the floor and throwing the said plate at the soldier. It hit it's mark, and the toad fell over, letting out a groan. "Ouchie!"
The toad soldiers finally snapped. One pulled out his mace. "Alright, that does it!"
"Enough!"

The doors burst open, revealing a hooded figure. It was commander Sasha. "Guards, leave us. I'll get these frogs to fall in line." Sasha said, pulling out her sword.
The guard chuckled. "You lot have made a huge mistake."
"Enjoy your time with Commander Sasha." Another laughed menacingly. The toads left, leaving Sasha with the frogs. The frogs shook in fear, as the figure towered over them.
The figure pulled their hood down, revealing her brown, frizzy hair. "Hey, guys." Anne smiled.
'ANNE! Boy, are we glad to see you!" Sprig yelled, jumping over the relieved crowd and hugging the human. "We've got a situation. We're not guests, we're-"
"Prisoners, I know." Anne nodded, pulling out Hop Pop's poster. "Anne it's worse than that. They're planning to execute Hop Pop." The human explained.
Loud gasps filled the room, and Hop Pop's eyes widened in terror. "Say what? But why?"
Anne showed him the poster. "Turns out Hop Pop's been inspiring rebellions all across the valley. Blah, blah, some political nonsense." Anne shrugged. Hop Pop grabbed the poster, taking a closer look. He grinned. "Well, it's a good-looking poster, though." His smile faded. "I'm gonna die!" He screamed. Pebbs walked over to him. "Don't worry, Hopadiah. We won't let them hurt you." She comforted. "So what do we do?" Felicia asked.
"No body panic. I'm busting us out of here. Somehow." Anne announced. She thought for a minute, turning to the frogs. "Anyone got any ideas?"
Loggle popped up from the back of the crowd, raising his hand. "I do…n't. I don't." He stated. Everyone groaned at the axolotl. "Aw, come on!"
"Geez, Loggle."

Wally appeared from under Anne's cloak, a wide grin on his face. "I've got one. What say we plant these boom shrooms around the joint? Blow the place sky high." He said, showing the human the inside of his jacket, which was filled with boom shrooms. Anne frowned down at him. "With us still inside? We're not doing that." She replied.
Wally's smile didn't fade. "Right. We're not doing it." He said, squinting at Anne.
"Seriously. No boom shrooms."
"Loud and clear."
Anne sighed. "Okay. Gotta figure a way out. Hmm…" she paced around, standing in front of the door for a moment. "There's only one door, and the toads are outside it. There has to be another wa-" she stopped, sniffing the air. Anne let out a gasp. "That's it!" Kneeling down, she pulled up a sewer grate. "The sewer!"
Felicia looked at the human in disgust. "Oh, yuck, really?" She groaned. Polly jumped on Felicia's head. "Deal with it, lady. It's time to get dirty!"

The town of Wartwood descended into the sewer, groaning in disgust. As they were about to head into a tunnel, they halted in their tracks, screaming in fear as a giant worm came out from the darkness.

Toadstool held Toadie above his head, using him as a shield from any filth falling from the ceiling. A rat hissed at Mrs. Croaker, and she hit it with her cane. "Back, back, you filthy vermin!"
Wally hummed gleefully, placing boom shrooms down as they waddled along. "Just a little gift for out generous hosts." He cackled, pressing the boom shrooms. They began glowing, setting each one off one by one.
Flossie looked around, worried when she realised Jean was no where in sight. "Anne, I'm going to go look for Jean. You get the frogs out of here." She said. Anne gave a nod to the axolotl. "Okay, but please be careful." She replied.
Flossie turned around, about to take the tunnel back the way they came, when she felt someone grab her shoulder. "Nah ah ah. No you don't." Pebbs said. Flossie was about to object. "Not by yourself, at least."
Flossie hugged her mother. "Thanks mum. Now let's go! We need to find Jean and get out of here!"

Flossie lifted the sewer grate, peeking around. There were no toads around, thankfully.
"Come on, the coast is clear."
The axolotl lifted the grate higher, climbing out of the sewer, she helped her mother out. Taking in a deep breath, she chuckled softly. "Dang, those frogs stink!"
Pebbs ruffled her hair, looking around. "Don't get too comfortable. We'll have to use it to get back out after we find Jean." The newt stated.
A loud bang sounded from down the hall. The two amphibians went silent, eyes widening as they gazed in the direction of the sound. There was another bang.
Flossie followed the sound, much to the dismay of her mother. The young axolotl rounded the corner, finally able to hear the angry yells of Jean.

"Sasha…ugh, you little-"
"Jean? Jean, are you there?"
Jean's eyes widened, standing up abruptly. "Flossie?! You're ok! Thank frog!" She sighed in relief. Flossie was right outside the door now. "Jean, we're here to get you out. Anne's already leading the frogs out." The axolotl whispered. Jean smiled. "Thank goodness they're safe-wait, "we"?"
"Yeah! Mum's here too!"
"You didn't think I'd send my child by herself, did you?" Pebbs chuckled. "Stand back."
Jean stepped away from the door. Small, metallic clicks sounded from the keyhole, until the door popped open.
Flossie rushed toward Jean, wrapping her in a hug. Pebbs held a small hair clip in her hand. Jean smirked. "Alright, let's get out of here."

The trio walked along the dark halls, keeping an eye out for any toads. "So, you're sure Anne and the frogs are out of here?" Jean asked. Flossie nodded. "Yep. They should be safe and sou-"
"Sasha! What's with you?!"
Jean held Flossie back, as several toads plus the frogs of Wartwood walked across the hall in front of them. Sasha held an angry Anne, dragging her along. "Where are you taking us?!"
"To Captain Grime, at the top of Toad tower." One toad informed.
Jean clenched her jaw. Sasha, if you hurt anyone-
Sasha and the villagers were gone, but there were still some toads left guarding the door where they disappeared.
Jean kneeled down, bringing the axolotl and newt close. "Alright, we need to get rid of those guys. I'll distract them, and you guys pass through, okay?" The newt and axolotl nodded.
Standing back up, she exhaled, rounding the corner.
The toads were alarmed, drawing their weapons and pointing them at her. "Who goes there?!"
Jean smiled. "Hey toads! Prisoner escaping!" She yelled, running away. "Wouldn't want to let Commander Sasha down! Who knows what she's planning!"
The toads chased after her, and out of the corner of her eye she could see Flossie and Pebbs sneaking through the door.
Turning back, she realised she had reached a dead end. The toads chuckled behind her. "No where to run, creature."
Facing them, she sighed. "Fine, you got me." The guards moved closer, and Jean realised none had their swords drawn. They just had their spears.
An idea struck her, and she charged toward the toads. "Heads up!"
The human dodged the spears as best as she could, but one ended up grazing her side, leaving a bloody cut. Hissing in pain, she leaned down, drawing one toads sword as she elbowed the other in the face. He let out a yelp, stumbling back. Jean took this opportunity to strike the other with the hilt of the sword.
Both were covering their noses, and Jean bolted. Reaching the same door Pebbs and Flossie had passed through, she closed it tightly, leaning against it to make sure the toads hadn't chased after them.
Flossie and Pebbs came out of their hiding spots. "Jean, you need to stop scaring me like that." Pebbs frowned, but she let out a small sigh of relief. Jean shook her head. "Come on, we've already wasted enough time." She said, pointing up the stairs.

Jean, Pebbs and Flossie reached the trap door that lead to the top of Toad tower. Jean lifted it up, peeking her head out.
"I think I've had enough of you, squeaky toy."
Jean's eyes widened, realising Sasha was raising her sword to strike. "Sasha, no!"
Sprig yelped, swords clanked together, and everyone let out a loud gasp. Jean stood up, trying to get a better view.
Anne was keeping Sasha at bay, using her own sword. Sasha was in disbelief. "Anne, what are you doing?!" She asked angrily. Anne scowled, infuriated at the blonde.
"Something I should've done a long time ago: standing up TO YOU!"
Pushing Sasha away, she stood protectively in front of Sprig. Sasha struggled to catch herself before she fell. Jean moved to the front of the crowd, standing next to Hop Pop as Pebbs and Flossie climbed through the trapdoor behind her.
Anne turned to Sprig, a soft smile on her face. "Thanks for believing in me, Sprig."
"Spranne against the world!"
Flossie and Pebbs stood next to Jean. Flossie stood between the human and Hop Pop.

Captin Grime, whom Jean hadn't noticed was standing behind Sasha, chuckled. "What are you laughing at?" Sasha asked angrily.

Grime pointed to Anne. "Looks like you've got a rebellious seed of your own." He commented. "You've given me plenty of advice. Now let me give you some. Stamp this out. Make her yield. Fail, and nothing will ever be the same."
Sasha prepared her sword, facing Anne once again. "Not gonna happen."
Grime smirked. "This should be fun."
The toad turned to face the crowd. "My friends! Instead of a messy free-for-all, I have a splendid idea. How about we settle this the toad-fashioned way?"
Snapping his fingers, several toads surrounded Anne and Sasha.
"Anne!" Jean yelled, reaching out to the younger teen.
"Trial by combat!" Grime continued. "If your champion wins, you all go home, no harm, no foul. But if our champion wins, well…" he chuckled, as the giant plant roared. "Baby's hungry."
Hop Pop stepped forward. "Anne, you don't have to do this." He said. "He's right, Anne. I can take your place."
Anne shook her head, turning back to face Sasha. "No, I have to do this." She muttered.

Anne and Sasha began to circle each other. The blonde dragged her sword, causing small sparks to fly up.
Grime stood above them. "Begin!"
Sasha charged, letting out a war-cry. The brunette gasped, holding her sword up for protection. Sasha kept striking, causing Anne to back up each time.
Dodging a swing, Anne met Sasha head on, both swords clanging together.
"What's gotten into you, Anne? You were never like this back home!" Sasha yelled. Anne let out a groan. "Do you ever stop talking?!" She screamed, pushing Sasha's sword to the ground. Hitting it aside, Sasha was left without her sword.
Sasha gasped, pulling out a dagger as Anne laughed. "Haha!" Anne yelled, before backing up to not get struck by the dagger. "Oh, come on, a dagger?"
Picking up her sword, Sasha charged at Anne once again. The two fought on, when Sasha threw the cloak at Anne, blinding her. Struggling to take the cloth off her face, Sasha took this chance to knock Anne over.

Falling to the ground, Anne was finally able to pull the cloak off, before Sasha's sword was shoved in her face.

"They're just slimy little frogs, Anne! They don't matter!" Sasha yelled. Anne stared up at her a moment. "They're not just frogs." She muttered, picking up her sword. "THEY'RE MY FRIENDS!"
With a final swing, Anne knocked both Sasha's sword and dagger out of her hands, the dagger slicing the blonde's cheek as they flew through the air. Sasha fell, the dagger and sword striking the ground near her feet. Anne held her sword up, preventing the girl from moving.
The villagers cheered. "WHOO-HOO! GO ANNE!"
"You did it Anne!"
Panting, Anne turned back to her former friend. "It's over, Sasha. You're not gonna push me around anymore." She stated.
Jean grinned, turning to Grime. "So how about it, toad? We're free, right?" She asked.
Grime glared at the cheering villagers and two humans. "Yeah, I don't think so." He flung his tongue in Anne's direction. Anne ducked, and Grime's tongue wrapped around Flossie. The young axolotl let out a scream as she was thrown through the air.
"FLOSSIE!"
"MUM! JEAN!"
Grime grabbed the back of her shirt, dangling her over the tower's edge. Grime groaned. "Oh, crud. Grabbed the wrong one. Dang eye! No matter. Hand yourself over, Hopadiah Plantar, or the axolotl gets it." He growled.

Jean clutched the sword she was holding tightly. "Put her down now, toad! Or-"
The ground rumbled beneath them, as the boom shroom's Wally planted went off one by one.
Anne turned angrily to Wally. "Wally, what did you do?!" She shouted. "What? I thought we agreed. Wait, could you not tell I was winking? Ah, curse you, one eye!" Wally yelled.
The tower began to crumble, and the townspeople backed away from the edges in fear.
The toads began to run away.
"Hold ranks!" Grime shouted, still holding Flossie. "Where are you going, you cowards!" Grime let out a yell as he fell. Flossie screamed, and Jean pounced forward, catching her hand before she fell. The axolotl was crying, and Jean pulled her up with ease. "It's ok! I'm here! I've got you!" She said. Pebbs ran over. "Jean! We have to go!" She urged.
"Anne!"
"Sasha!"
Jean looked, realising Anne was barely holding Sasha. She passed the traumatised axolotl to her mother. "Take Flossie and get out of here! I'm right behind you!" With that, she rushed over to Anne.

The tower began to fall from underneath Sasha. She let out a gasp. "Anne!" Finally, the ground beneath her collapsed, and the blonde let out a scream as she found herself falling.
"Sasha!" Anne yelled, running over to the ledge. She grabbed Sasha's hand just in time. "Gotcha!"

Sometimes in our lives, we all have pain

"I've got you, Sash. You're gonna be okay!"
Anne screamed as she lurched forward, about to slide off the tower as well.

We all have sorrow

Jean grabbed Anne's ankles. "Ugh! I've got you! Whatever you do, don't look dow-AGH!" Jean slipped, the weight of the two girls too much for her. Sliding closer to the edge, she felt someone grab her jacket.

But if we are wise, we know that there's

"Don't worry! We got you!" Sprig stated, as Hop Pop grabbed onto Jean as well. "Hold on, kiddo's!"
By now, Jean was leaning over the edge, as the Plantars prevented her from toppling over. Anne and Sasha dangled in the air.
Sasha let out another yelp, looking up at those who were trying to save her. Or, more precisely, the two humans who were trying to save her, and the frogs who were trying to save their humans.

Always tomorrow

"Hey, hey. Look at me, look at me." Anne ordered. "Everything's gonna be totally fine.

Lean on me

Jean grunted, looking down at the humans below her, tears stinging her eyes. She didn't want to lose her two friends. She didn't want to lose those she considered as sisters. "I-it's gonna be okay! You'll be fine! Just hang on!"

When you're not strong

"We got you, Anne!" Hop Pop yelled. Polly heard a crack underneath her. "Ugh, guys? I think we have a situation!" She yelled, gesturing to the tower crumbling beneath them.

I'll be your friend. I'll help you carry on

Sasha watched as the tower began to crumble. She knew that there was too much weight, and if someone didn't let go, they'd all die.
The blonde closed her eyes tightly. She knew what she had to do.

For, it won't be long

Anne strained to keep a hold on Sasha.
"Hey, Anne? Jean?"
Anne looked down at the blonde. Jean squinted down too, ad saw the tears in the younger girl's eyes well up.
"Maybe you guys are better off without me."

Till I'm gonna need

Sasha let go of Anne's hand, leaving the brunette empty handed. Jean felt her heart stop.

Somebody to lean on

"NO!"
"SASHA!"
The Planatar's pulled the two humans back, bringing Anne back onto the tower. Jean was left in shock as the small family of frogs and two humans watched Sasha fall.
Grime launched himself through the air, catching the falling human. He hit the tower, using a dagger to slow his fall.

The doors at the bottom of the tower opened, and out rushed the townspeople. Pebbs was carrying the passed out Flossie, looking back to see if Jean was following. "Jean, where are you?" She whispered. Parts of the tower crumbled around her, and she felt a strong hand pick her up, putting her next to Mrs. Croaker.
"Hi, Miss Harveston." Wally greeted. Pebbs looked down at the large toad carrying a few of the slower townspeople. "Mayor Toadstool?!"
Toadstool nodded. "If ya'll die, who'll I embezzle money from? Huh?" He said. Mrs. Croaker pointed to ahead. "Shut up and run!" She ordered.
Pebbs looked back up at the tower, seeing Jean and the Plantars still at the top. "Please be okay, Jean." She mumbled. Flossie whimpered in her sleep, and Pebbs held her closer, not wanting to lose her child a second time.

The flag that had once waved so proudly ripped, drifting away in the wind. Anne stared down at the remaining toads. Grime was carrying an unconscious Sasha. He glared up at the small family left at the top of toad tower, letting out a low growl, turning away and retreating into the woods.
Jean knelt beside Anne, her hair blowing in the wind as tears streamed down her face. She almost lost two of her friends.
Sprig came up to the girls. "Anne, Jean, are you two…okay?" He asked, concerned.
Anne nodded. "Oh, yeah. Never felt be-" the brunette couldn't hold it together anymore, and she broke down crying. Jean wrapped her arms around her, and the Plantar's soon joined.
The stayed like that for a while, the rising sun shining down on them.

"Whoa, girl. Easy now." Mrs. Croaker said, pulling the giant spider to a halt. The townsfolk were back in the party barge, safe and sound back in Wartwood.
Many groaned tiredly as they made their way back to their homes.
Flossie, who was now wide awake, was searching for Jean. She spotted the human with Anne and the Plantars, sitting at the water fountain. The axolotl rushed over, wrapping Jean in a tight hug.
The teen hugged back. "Floss! I'm so glad you're ok." She mumbled. She sat the axolotl on her lap.
"I know that was hard for you, Anne. Thank you. You know, for everything." Hop Pop said. Anne sighed. "Hop Pop, you three are my family. I'd never let anyone hurt you." She replied.
Jean heard someone sitting next to her. Looking over, she realised it was Pebbs. "And I need to thank you guys. You got me out of toad tower. I would've been crushed if it weren't for you two." Jean whispered. She hugged Pebbs and Flossie. Pebbs smiled. "Well, I couldn't just leave my family alone, Jean." The newt replied.
"So, you guys wanna get breakfast and come up with some kind of plan to get Anne and Jean home?" Sprig asked, nudging Anne and Jean, who were on either side of him.
"It's gonna be dangerous. Perilous even." Hop Pop added.
"Understatement!" Polly piped up. Flossie giggled. "Filled with monsters, puzzles, and the occasional toad."
Anne grinned. "Well, whatever happens next, one thing's for sure. If we're together, I know we'll be alright." She said, pulling everyone into a hug.
Jean's smile faltered a moment. And this time, I'll try even harder to protect you guys. I can't have something like last night happen again.

End of Part 1

A/N: a yes, the time to go on a break until season 3 comes out. I'll be planning for bit (I do have most of the chapters for season 2 planned, just kinda need to go over them). BUT I do have something else planned! Another story I'll be working on until season three (at least Season 3A if it's a thing) ends.