A/N: This side-adventure was suggested by a guest!

Me while reading the comment suggestion: Oh ho ho ho ho :3
Me while researching to write this chapter: OH HO HO HO HO HO HO HO :)
Me while writing it: *laughing maniacally* :D

I decided I'd do it because 1) C'mon. Y'all love it. I love it. We all love the Flossie and Marcy dynamic. And 2) I actually hadn't planned that much of Marcy and Flossie interacting, and we MUST have our two little angels hang out more, even if it gets angsty

Also, for the previous chapter: did ya'll know axolotl's and newts could regrow limbs? I thought it was interesting :3
Ya'll knew where that one-shot was going by the title alone

Anyway, ONWARD WITH THE STORY!

Note: this takes place during "Little Frog Town"

"Alright, kids! Who's ready to go?" Hop Pop yelled out. The kids all yelled and cheered, heading toward the door and stepping into the elevator. The elderly frog had promised a surprise for the kids, and they were eager to know what it was.

"So, what's the surprise, Hop Pop? An outing to a museum? Dinner at the finest restaurant in town? A FIGHT TO THE DEATH WITH A KILLER COBRA?!" Sprig asked excitedly, jumping up and down in anticipation. His grandfather gave him a disapproving look. "Sprig, what did I tell ya about jumping around in the hotel? You could break something!" He scolded, and the pink frog quickly stopped.

"Now, to answer your question: I already told you, it's a surprise." He states. The kids groaned as they stepped out of the elevator, towards the hotel doors. They were surprised when they spot Marcy pacing in front of the see-through doors, sticking her tongue out in concentration as she scribbled something down in her journal.

They exit the hotel, and Anne taps her friend's shoulder. "Oh, hey Mar-mar! What are you doing?" She asked. Marcy looks up, surprised at the sight of her friends, before giving them a smile. "Oh! Hey guys! I'm just writing down some notes before I forget." She explained with a chuckle. "So, what are you lot doing here? Exploring the city?" She questions, putting her journal away.

Flossie pushes to the front. "We're about to!" She says excitedly, tail swaying from side to side. Jean nods, ruffling up the axolotl's hair as Sprig climbs onto the older teen's shoulders. "Yeah, we just left the hotel. Like, literally." She says, pointing to the hotel behind them. Marcy squints her eyes at the sign, realising what the girl said was true.
"Oh, wow. Hadn't realised I was out here." She mumbles. Pulling out her journal once more, she starts scribbling away. "Note to self: be more aware of surroundings…"

"Welp, we better get going. Don't wanna be late." Hop Pop says, heading to where Bessie was being kept. The kids followed him, when Flossie had an idea.

"Hey, Hop Pop! Can I hang out with Marcy today?" She asks, grabbing onto the girls arm. Marcy gasps, grabbing the axolotl's cheeks. "Omg, yes! Floss can join me on my patrol around Newtopia! We can have a Flossie and Marcy day!"

"Absolutely not!" Hop Pop cut in, and the two girls "awed" sadly. "Flossie, your mother wants you back in one piece, not five. No offence, Marcy, but I'm not too sure how much danger you get into on a daily basis, and I don't want Flossie hurt under my watch." Hop Pop explains. Marcy waves him off. "None taken, and it's fine to worry! But just know that I would NEVER let anything bad happen to this sweet little angel." She squeezes Flossie's cheeks, who only gave Hop Pop a pleading look. "Pleeeeaaase Hop Pop?"

The elderly frog still seemed unsure, as he rubbed his arms nervously. "Eh, I-I don't know, girls…" he started, when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Anne gave him a smile. "I think you should let them go. Marcy is more than capable of looking after Floss if she can look after a whole city!" She explains.
Jean nods, joining him. "Yeah, although Marcy can be bit…clumsy," there was an offended "hey!" from Marcy, and Jean chuckled. "But she's a frog-hopping Royal Ranger! She promises that nothing bad would happen to our Floss. Right, Marcy?" She asks, turning her attention to the young ranger.

Marcy places a hand over her heart, clearing her throat. "I swear by King Andrias that I won't let anything bad happen to this little sweetheart!" She exclaims, pulling Flossie into a side hug. "I learned that from my time in Newtopia, baby!"

Hop Pop sighs in defeat. "Alright, alright. You girls have fun. If you need us, we'll be around the same area as the arcade." He explains, walking away. The other remaining children gasp, following their grandfather. "ARCADE?!"

Flossie grins widely, turning to Marcy. "Yes! So, where to first?" She asks, eyes sparkling. Marcy looks up at the sky, humming in thought. "Well, today I'll be patrolling around the Amphitheatre area. So, what'd ya say, Flossie Blossie? You ready for what today will bring?!"
"BORN READY!"

The two cheer, striking a pose, before giggling maniacally as they rush off toward their destination.

(Meanwhile, at the Newtopian Colosseum…)

"Now, you listen closely, Newbie." A newt started, talking to the young newt walking beside him. They were headed to a specific cage, carrying a bucket of meat.

They were away from the main arena, in the corridors heading toward where their prisoners and animals were kept.

They passed a few guards as they exited, but never noticed one of them following them from a distance. A beat-up looking toad, who looked like he lived through many battles.

"When we feed it, we have to check to make sure it's always locked. That it's shut tight. We CANNOT leave it opened." The newt continued. The newbie rolled his eyes. "Yes, yes, you've already told me like, what? Six times? I got the message." He complained. The older of the two shook his head.

"You better. If this thing gets out, it'll eat anything and everything that moves." He explains, as they stand in front of a massive cage. Something inside growled, and a loud, slithering rustle filled the air. Red, glowing eyes opened, staring hungrily at the two newts as it slowly rose into the air, towering over the amphibians.
A scaly, clawed hand moved into the light, it's claws the size of a full-grown toad. The newbie gulped, taking a step back. This thing had to be massive!

The older of the two newts chuckled nervously.
"Yeah, there's no getting used to the size of it." He mutters. Reaching into the bucket, he pulls out a chunk of meat. He gently tosses it toward the cage, making sure to keep his distance.

It slips between the bars, and as it hit the floor, a reptile's snout could be seen snatching it up. It was covered in silver scars, telling tales of battles won and lost.

The two newts step away, and the older of the two checks his pockets for the keys. With a confirming nod, he turns to leave, and the newbie looks back and forth between the newt and the large reptile. "Wha- shouldn't you feed it more?" He asks, concerned, as he follows his teacher. The older newt shrugs. "Not my orders. All animals are underfed to make them more violent in battle. The people come to watch the Gladiators in action, not for napping at how boring it is." He explains.

The two leave, not noticing the toad from earlier that had watched the whole thing. The toad had hidden in a darkened corridor to the right, and as the newts walked by, they snatched the keys. The newts, oblivious to the missing keys, never look back.

Once they were gone, the toad stepped out from his hiding spot, walking carefully to the cage. The reptile ignores him, and is now pacing its cage silently.
The amphibian takes in a deep breath. "No turning back now…" he grumbled, placing the keys in the lock.

"….and then mum threw her cane into the crab's mouth, preventing it from eating Sprig! It gave Sylvia enough time to punch its teeth in, and the crab ran away crying like a baby!" Flossie giggled, exaggerating her story. Marcy gasps, listening to the young axolotl eagerly. "Wow! You're mom sounds amazing! You're real lucky to have her!" She exclaimed.
The axolotl smiles, thinking about her mother. "Yeah, she's the best mum I could ever ask for."

The two were patrolling, and so far nothing out of the ordinary had happened. Flossie didn't mind, though. She was having fun with her new friend, and that was all that mattered to her.
They were telling each other stories of their adventures, and Flossie was in complete awe at how much good Marcy has done for Newtopia since she arrived.

"Gosh, I'm starving!" The human states, holding her stomach for dramatic effect. "Wanna grab some lunch?"
Realising that she was hungry too, the axolotl nods her head. "Yes please! What foods do they have here?" She asks. Marcy hums in thought, leading the two of them down a street. "Well…."

They were interrupted as screaming broke the relatively silent street. Marcy and Flossie immediately snap to attention, looking further ahead. Newts were running away from something, but the two couldn't see what it was.
The ground rumbled, and they glance worriedly to each other. "Um… do you guys keep giant pets in Newtopia?" Flossie asks, immediately recognising the footsteps of a large animal headed their way.

Marcy thinks for a moment, as the two run toward the danger. "I don't know about giant pets, but maybe something managed to climb over the wall…?" she mutters to herself.
A loud roar made them cover their ears, and they finally caught sight of the pest as they round a corner. It was an iguana, as large as the buildings it was climbing on top of. The buildings started crumbling under the weight, collapsing completely. Amphibians scattered from the area, and the reptile watched them hungrily, mouth agape to show sharp, pointed teeth.

Marcy gasps, face-palming at a realisation. "Oh, of course! The Colosseum! I should've suspected this thing would escape one day." she mutters.

The iguana's red beady eyes darted between the frantic amphibians, saliva drooling down its chin. Catching sight of one slow-moving elderly newt, it lets out a hiss, charging.

Seeing the helpless newt in danger, Flossie reacted on instinct. Immediately, she activated her water bending, the liquid shooting out from a nearby fountain. Bending it into the shape of a giant arm, she grabbed a large piece of rubble, throwing it directly at the massive lizard before reaching for another piece.

The first hit the iguana, striking its head. It paused in its charge, the slow newt forgotten as it glared at its attacker.
Flossie threw the second piece of large rubble, straining under the heavier weight. The lizard was prepared, and smacked it away with its tail.

The rubble, now on a new course, was headed straight for a small family of newts standing too close. The father cowered in fear, clutching his two children and wife close to him.
Marcy, noticing the family in danger, shot an arrow with a rope attached to it. Swinging into action, she pushed the family out of harms way, and the piece of rubble smashed into a dozen pieces above them, even managing to dent the powerful Newtopian wall.
"Is everyone okay?" Marcy coughed, waving the dirt away from her vision. The father, still shakily holding his family, gives her a nod. "Thank you, Master Marcy-"

"Don't thank me yet! You can thank me when we figure out a way to send this thing back where it came from." The human states, running back into the war zone.

Meanwhile, Flossie was busy running and ducking behind buildings, trying her best to keep out of sight of the massive reptile.
it had started chasing her down after she interrupted its dinner.

Hiding behind a wagon, the axolotl took a moment to catch her breath. But hearing a reptilian growl on the other side of the wagon, Flossie quickly held her breath, covering her mouth to help stifle any noise she made.

The iguana blinked slowly, peering closely at the wagon. The axolotl's heart beat wildly in her chest, but the lizard walked past her, moving on to look for her elsewhere.
Keeping her eyes on the reptile, Flossie didn't notice Marcy had crept up behind her until she placed a hand on her shoulder.

Flossie jumped, turning to face Marcy with wide eyes. Realising it was just her friend, she exhaled quietly. "You scared me!" She hissed. Marcy chuckled awkwardly. "Sorry, sorry! My bad. Now, I have a plan!" She states, determined.

The axolotl tilts her head. "I'm all ears."

The large iguana snapped at a sheet from a clothesline, immediately dropping it after realising it wasn't food. Peering through the windows of a building, it didn't notice Marcy step into full view behind it.

"Yoo-hoo! Scar-face!"

The lizard turned, spotting the exposed and defenceless human. Marcy only grinned, though, as the iguana eyes her hungrily. "Come and get me!"

With another loud roar, the iguana chases the human, who was leading it toward the massive fountain in the centre of the square. Where Flossie was already waiting, standing knee deep in the water.

Marcy jumps behind a piece of rubble for cover. "NOW, FLOSS!"

Flossie, expression determined, uses the fountain water to launch the iguana into the air, toward the direction of the massive amphitheatre. The reptile is sent flying, hissing as it disappears back over the tall pillars and walls of the colosseum.

(Inside the colosseum…)

Inside the massive arena, two gladiators were battling, while the crowd cheered. Just as the winner was about to strike the final blow, the iguana falls from the sky, landing hard on its back and squashing the winning amphibian.

The crowds pause in their cheering, staring intently at the unexpected sky visitor. Before they went wild, urging the remainder, quaking gladiator in the arena to fight the iguana.

The axolotl, who stood tense and panting for breath, let out a sigh of relief, shoulders relaxing. She looks over to Marcy, smiling when she noticed many amphibians were already surrounding her, praising the human for saving the day once again.

Stepping from the water fountain, she heads over to join her friend. All of a sudden, one of the newts, the father Marcy had rescued earlier, blocked the axolotl's path. "GET BACK!" He warns.

Flossie jumps back in fright, drawing her hands to her chest. The father newt scowled at her as he stood protectively in front of Marcy. The axolotl tries to reach out a hand. "W-wait, I-I'm a friend-" she started, but the father smacked it away. "I SAID GET BACK! I MEAN IT!"

Marcy, noticing the way this newt was shouting at her friend, hurries over. "Hold on, sir." She says, standing behind the angry and scared newt. "She's the one who sent that iguana packing. She's a hero." She points out. The newt turns to her, not convinced.

"Master Marcy, you don't understand. She shouldn't even be here! Why do you think there are no albinos left in Newtopia? They're too dangerous to be around NORMAL people. She's a freak! A MONSTER!" He emphasised, glaring at Flossie.

Flossie pales, looking down at her hands for a split second. Deja vu struck her. Hasn't she been here before?

(Flashback)

Flossie held her hands to her chest, as she watched the toad children run away. "I…didn't mean to hurt them…"



Heartbroken, she held her hands to her chest, a lump in her throat. "B-but….I-I'm not a monster…" she whispers, seeming unsure of her own statement.

The father newt scoffed, pointing to the damaged wall. "Oh yeah? What's that, huh?!" He yells. Flossie looked up in shock at the destruction, as the newt continued. "You almost crushed me and my family! With that!"

The axolotl glanced at the father newt, then at the surrounding crowd, heart beating in her chest. They whispered amongst each other, staring at her. They all share the same look: fear, hatred…disgust.

Flossie couldn't take it anymore. Turning around, she ran the other way, tears welling up in her eyes as she ran from the hateful glares of the civilians.

The father scoffs once more. "Good riddance." He mutters, turning back to the human. "Are you okay, Master Marcy?"

Marcy was in shock during this whole situation, not knowing what to do. She'd never seen the citizens this angry and scared, not even when she arrived.

But after seeing the axolotl run off, she snapped back to reality, desperately reaching out a hand for her. "Wait! Come back!" She chases after her, but it was hard to run through the crowd around her.

Finally, she pushed through the civilians, and rushes after the direction Flossie disappeared. "Flossie! Come back!" She cries out once more.
But the axolotl was already gone and out of sight. Marcy looks around in vain, trying to find any sign of the albino axolotl. "Flossie!"

The sun was low in the sky, and Marcy still hadn't found Flossie. She'd looked all over Newtopia for the axolotl, and yet there was nothing. The human hoped that the citizens hadn't tried kicking her out of the city out of fear.

"Flossie! Are you here?" Marcy calls out, voice almost hoarse from all the shouting she'd done. "Please, say something!" She pauses, listening for any sound.

She was over a bridge now. It wasn't nearly as large or impressive as the one Marcy's statue was by. Just a tiny one that led over a small channel.
Leaning over the side, she lets out a tired sigh. Maybe Flossie had gone back to the hotel? She should've checked there first!

Straightening up, she was about to make her way back to the hotel the Plantars were staying at when she heard a sniffle. Halting in her tracks, she looked around. None of the amphibians around her seemed distressed. Or even noticed the sound in the first place.

The sniffle came again. This time, it sounded like it was under the bridge. Peeking over the side, Marcy spots a mass of red hair against the muddy ground. Unless someone was leaning over like she was, the amphibian below her was out of sight from any passerby.

Rushing to the end of the bridge, she peers back over to confirm her suspicions. The human let out a sigh of relief. It was Flossie.
The axolotl was hugging her knees to her chest, gaze never leaving the water running by her, lost in thought. Her eyes were red from crying. She didn't look up as Marcy started climbing down the channel walls, joining her. Sitting down next to Flossie, Marcy reaches a hand out to her. "Hey, are you okay?"

Flossie exhaled, looking down at her hands. "I-I always thought having a gift would be a good thing. Before I found them, people always called me names because I am an albino. I was weird. I thought people would…like me if I had a gift as cool as this. But now…" her breathing hitched, the tears beginning to drip down her cheeks once again. Clenching her fists tightly, she hides her face in her knees. "Now I'm just a monster."

She broke down sobbing, and Marcy awkwardly sat there a moment, taking in this new information. Taking a moment to gather her thoughts and her next choice of words, she took a deep breath, placing an arm around Flossie. "Hey, that's not true. What those people said…they're all wrong. You weren't trying to hurt them. You saved them!" She exclaims, throwing her arms out dramatically. Flossie peeks up at her, teary-eyed but listening.

"You're not a monster, you're a hero, Floss! And in every heroes journey, there will be trials to overcome.

You're special, Flossie, and so is your gift. It's a part of you. And one day, I hope you shine as the hero I believe you can be." She states matter-of-factly.

Flossie wipes the tears away from her eyes, smiling shyly up at the human as she calms down. Marcy peeks up at the sky, realising it was getting dark. "Hey, do you wanna head back to the hotel? You must be tired after a long, heroic day." She points out. Flossie nods, and the two stand, walking back to the hotel.

The two girls made it back at the hotel. The stars shone in the night sky, and Marcy let out a yawn. "Wow, what a day! I better head back to the castle before Olivia starts worrying about me." The human laughs, giving Flossie a wave. "See you late-"

Feeling arms wrap around her, she looks down in surprise at the axolotl holding her tight. "Thank you, Marcy. For everything." She says quietly. Marcy smiles, hugging her back. "You're welcome, Flossie Blossie."
Letting go, Flossie waves bye to the human, heading inside the hotel doors.

Watching her leave, Marcy takes out her journal, scribbling something on an open page, before ripping it out. She then grabs an arrow, tying the message to it before aiming at the balcony window she knew the Plantars were staying in.

Jean rested on the balcony chair. She and the Plantars had returned from the arcade to the hotel a couple of hours before, and everyone was asleep save for her. She'd told Hop Pop that she would stay up until Marcy and Flossie returned.
But if she were being honest, she just didn't want to sleep.

Recently, the older teen had been having strange dreams. Things that obviously didn't happen, of someone she cared about holding an axe, swinging it down at her neck as if beheading her.
Every night, the person was different. So far, there'd been Anne, Pebbs, Hop Pop, Marcy…

Yet, every night, she'd wake up in a cold sweat. Because it all felt so real to her, as if they were some distant memory and not just a dream.

Closing her eyes and taking in a deep breath of the cold night air, she heard something whizzing by her, landing with a gentle thunk right above her head.

Snapping up, she stood guard. Looking around hurriedly, she caught sight of something that hand't been there a moment ago. It was an arrow, with a piece of paper attached. Reaching out to grab it, she picks it up, pulling the paper free.
It was a letter from Marcy, with Jean's name on it.

Before she could read it, she heard footsteps hurriedly approaching the hotel door. She hid the note and arrow, right as the door opened to reveal Flossie.
The axolotl looked exhausted, but she perked up when she caught sight of Jean. "Jean!" She cries out, rushing over to her and wrapping her in a hug. Jean chuckled, catching her breath at the impact of the little ball of energy barging into her. "Shhh." She hushed, pointing to the sleeping Plantars and Anne as she embraced her back. "Hey, Floss. How was your day?" She asks, shoving the note into her pocket while throwing the arrow over the balcony ledge.

Flossie hesitates before answering. "It was…great. I had fun hanging out with Marcy." She says, and Jean ruffles her hair. "That's great! It must've been tiring, being a Royal Ranger apprentice and all." She laughs at her own joke quietly.
The axolotl nods, letting out a yawn. "Yeah…"
"Then you should go to bed. I'll be going to sleep soon too, since we don't want to be tired for tomorrow." Jean says with a smile, gently pushing the axolotl toward the bed.

Flossie doesn't object, instead just flopping onto the bed, and was snoring like a baby within minutes.

Jean's smile falls, turning into a concerned frown. She didn't say anything, but she'd noticed the hesitation in the axolotl's voice, and her red eyes. She'd been crying. And maybe the note had the answers to the questions swirling around the older teen's head.
Pulling the note back out from her pocket, she starts to read.

(A few minutes later…)

Jean felt guilt wrack her chest, as she folds the letter Marcy had sent her. Inhaling, the human stares up at the stars.

The letter had explained what had happened that day. Yes, some of it was good, but she knew that what those newts said to Flossie would stick with her.

She should've been there. She could've protected Floss. She could've removed her from the situation, or she could've stood up for her, explained that Flossie was just a child, and was exactly like them. She could've done something.

But she wasn't there. Instead, she was having fun sneaking into the arcade with the other kids. She was having fun, while Flossie was being hurt.

Clutching the arm rests in anger, Jean closed her eyes. She couldn't do anything now. The best she can do is try and be there for Floss.
She was glad Marcy was there to comfort her, at least.

Letting out a puff of air, Jean's gaze returned to the stars. Why couldn't she just make the right choices? She's supposed to be the responsible one, and be there for her little siblings. Yet everything she did was wrong. It was beginning to get way too stressful…

(Back at the castle…)

Marcy sat up in her bed, scribbling down the events of her day in her journal.

"I think it's about time we made a few changes to the Colosseum, since there is something CLEARLY wrong if an animal with a preference to a herbivorous diet is hunting other creatures…"

As well as taking notes.

She draws a picture of Flossie using her water powers, as well as a beat-up looking toad. The Newtopian guards had caught the toad trying to sneak out of the colosseum, carrying the keys that had previously held the iguana. When questioned why he did it, the toad didn't reply.
General Yunan suspected it was an attempt to kill the Ruler of Amphibia, King Andrias.

Marcy didn't like the sound of that, and knew she had to do something about it.

Putting down her journal Marcy lay back on her bed, thinking over the day. And how the other newts treated Flossie.
Yes, she'd heard that albinos were considered a threat, but she didn't think that they'd be driven away like that. They certainly didn't treat Marcy like that.

It was strange. Albinos could be useful allies with their gifts, but they've been shunned upon because of it. The human wanted to understand why, especially since there wasn't anything about why it all started in Newtopia's library. Not even in the secret library.

Maybe she could ask Andrias about it?

A/N: A THROW BACK TO THE FIRST AND THIRD CHAPTER?

Man, I had FUN with this chapter! Thank you for the suggestion, thy mysterious guest!

Anyway, did you know that in some gladiatorial battles if they had animals, the animals went unfed to make them more violent toward the gladiators? (I mean I should've known that from already from reading the Roman Mysterious (I LOVED reading those as a kid))

I hadn't realised that Amphibia had one, but with the different time frames it has, I should've suspected it lol. Grime had fought in it before he rose to the rank of captain (I think it's mentioned in Toad Catchers?)

(Yes, I tried to research but things may still be inaccurate so don't take anything seriously-)