Chapter 12
"Heya Jo!
So, been a bit since that whole shipping war, and man things are great!
Ever since I came out to the Plantars, it's felt like a huge weight got lifted off my shoulders! It's great!
Not only that, I can be as open about my feelings about Anne as I want now! It's really nice! Polly hates it though.
*the rest of the page is filled with a picture of Anne and Marcy hugging with hearts colored like the lesbian and bisexual pride flags surrounding them*
I'm sorry, I just can't get over how great it is that they just… accept me for who I am… Anne's family was the same during the brief time I stayed there of course, but their love is more 'you're dating our daughter so we care about you!' kind of love… this is familial love.
I really like familial love…
Anyways, Hop Pop is currently in the middle of a… well, depressive episode. He's really not taking losing the family stand to well.
So, I just took him into town to try and get him a new job at Grub n' Go, hopefully get some of that fire back in his eyes!
I am actually just waiting for him to come back from his interview now! Oh! I see him!
Wish us luck Jo!"
Closing Jo, hopped off Bessie and walked over to Hop Pop.
"Well? How'd it go?" Marcy asked.
Hop Pop just sighed.
"I don't think I am getting that job…"
Marcy then began to frown.
"Gosh Hop Pop, I'm sorry… but don't worry! We'll find something for you yet!" Marcy announced, voice filled with confidence.
"Oh I could just go back to the couch and wallow in my misery…" Hop Pop said, voice filled with sadness.
Before Marcy could respond to that, she heard a commotion coming from behind her.
"Huh? What's going on over there?" Marcy asked.
Walking over, they saw…
"Ugh… Toadstool making a show of something again?" Marcy asked.
"Yup, it's election time again." Felicia said from besides her.
That got Marcy's attention.
"Election time? Really?" Marcy asked.
"Yup."
"Hmmm…"
"Just remember! If you vote for me, I'll always look out for the little guy!" Toadstool said before promptly using Toadie, a little guy, as a stepping stool to get on his snail.
"… So like, we aren't actually gonna vote for him right?" Marcy asked.
"Wish we had a choice! But no-one really ever wants to run against him!" Felicia explained.
"Wait, really?! Why not?" Marcy asked.
"Well, he's a toad, and we're all frogs. Hierarchy and all that." Felicia explained.
Marcy had to frown at that.
"After everything that he has done, between raising the taxes, not doing anything productive with them, and flat out stealing money from the town, NO-ONE wants to run against him because of some stupid hierarchy?!" Marcy asked.
"… I mean, when you put it like that…" Felicia started.
"Heck, I have done more for this town than him probably, and I've only been here for a couple of months!" Marcy said.
Some of the frogs then began turning and muttering amongst themselves, realizing that she was right.
"Are we just gonna stand around and let him run this town into the swamp, or is SOMEONE going to stand up against him?!" Marcy shouted.
"YEAH!" The town cheered.
"Now… WHO'S GONNA RUN?!"
Then, all the frogs began pointing at her.
"… BESIDES ME!"
The frogs then continued to stare at her.
"… Really? Me?"
"Marcy…" Hop Pop said. "I'll be honest with you… I don't think there's a frog in Wartwood who'd be more qualified than you."
"But… I'm not from here." Marcy said.
"So? Just about anyone could run, whether it's a child, elder, newt, toad, whatever." Hop Pop explained.
"And besides, I don't think there's anyone that more frogs would get behind than you." Felicia said. "Especially after all the trouble you went through to fix the town a while back."
"I… I mean I guess… but…"
"THREE CHEERS FOR MARCY! FUTURE MAYOR OF WARTWOOD!" Wally suddenly announced.
The crowd then began to cheer, causing Marcy to smile.
"… Alright… why not?!" Marcy announced, causing the crowd to cheer some more.
And then she sighed.
Just what in the world did she just get herself into?!
"You're WHAT?!" Sprig asked when he received the news.
"You heard me, I'm running for Mayor." Marcy said as she opened a book on election procedures. "Let me guess, you think this is a terrible idea?"
"No, actually I think this is an AMAZING idea!" Sprig said.
"Seconded." Polly added.
Marcy put the the book down and looked at them with a confused look on her face.
"Ok, not the response I was expecting." Marcy said. "Why are you guys so on board with this?"
"Cause if you win you'll be in charge! Sounds like a huge win for us in my book!" Polly said happily.
"… That… AND this means that you'll be the Mayor! Which means that you would get to do something that you were trying to get Toadstool to do for you!" Sprig explained with a wink.
Marcy thought about it for a second, and then came to a realization.
"I'd be able to get in contact with Toad Tower!" Marcy said suddenly.
"Of course! Why didn't we think of this sooner?!" Hop Pop asked. "If you win, we'll be that much closer to maybe finding your friend Marcy!"
"Right! Ok! Now I am SUPER invested! Let's DO THIS THING!" Marcy said with a cheer.
And the rest of the Plantars joined in.
Marcy couldn't help but smile now. After all, just about all of Wartwood HATED Toadstool now!
"This, is gonna be easy."
"… This is not going to be easy…" Marcy said as she stood in front of a cave, clad in Anne's swimsuit/shorts combo that she had to have someone refit for her.
She'd apologize to Anne for that later.
"So, the first task is to tame some monster bug right?" Marcy asked Duckweed.
"Yup! Anything goes! Just as long as you're the first one to mount it!" Duckweed explained.
"Ok… let's do this." Marcy said as she reached into her pocket with her still only good arm.
"Not too late to give up, you're still dealing with that broken arm after all!" Toadstool said. "Besides, Toads have gone uncontested for decades… this is a disgrace."
"Says the walking talking disgrace!" Marcy said with a smug smile.
The town was now filled with "Ooooh"'s and "Ahhhh"'s as they recognized the sick burn Marcy just dealt.
"I taught her that one." Polly whispered to Sprig.
"Shh." Sprig shushed.
Duckweed then pulled out his horn and began blowing.
Suddenly, a very angry, very large beetle charged out of the cave and began screeching.
"READY SET GO!" Duckweed shouted as everyone began running away.
However… it was over in an instant, as Marcy used her glyphs to ensnare the beetle in vines before climbing on top.
Everyone was completely stunned by this, but began cheering regardless.
"Marcy wins the first trial! And in record time!" Duckweed said happily.
Toadstool just glared at her.
"Well no matter, I'll win the next trial." Toadstool said.
The next trial went terribly for Toadstool.
The task was simple, figure out what a group of baby birds were upset about.
Toadstool, being the dumb Toad that he was, thought they wanted money… they didn't like it, and attempted to peck him to death.
Marcy, however used her keen mind to figure out exactly what they wanted.
Upon requesting a knife, she was able to chop up a group of nearby worms, and served the food to the baby birds on a platter.
The babies were satisfied, and stopped crying.
The crowd cheered for Marcy, before they went on to the third trial.
This went equally as well for Toadstool.
The trial was to get dropped off in the middle of the woods naked and to find their way home.
First of all, Marcy managed to convince the town to let her keep wearing her swimsuit, saying it was a human thing, which everyone, even Toadstool, completely understood.
Second of all, it took him all night to get home, and he clearly lost.
Marcy though had to thank Hop Pop's old beetle friend Jeremy for guiding her home.
Seeing that his chances were dwindling, he decided that he had to handle this right away…
Illegally, of course.
"So Marcy, how are you feeling about tomorrow's trial?" Sprig asked.
"It is the final one!" Hop Pop pointed out.
"Really nervous… I mean, it's supposed to be a boxing match right?" Marcy asked.
"Yup, that's how it works!" Hop Pop confirmed.
"How the heck am I supposed to win that with one arm?! I mean, I'd probably have trouble with two!" Marcy explained.
"Hmm… fair point." Hop Pop said.
"Eh, he's fat, you'll be fine." Polly reasoned. "Just dodge him until he gets tired!"
Marcy looked at Polly in surprise.
"Huh… that might actually work!" Marcy said. "Ok, I can do this!"
Suddenly though, there was a knock on the door.
"… Wonder who that could be…" Marcy said.
Walking to the door, she saw someone in a cloak covering their face…
It was obviously Toadie.
"An… anonymous individual would like to speak with you…"
"… You mean Toadstool?"
"ANONYMOUS!"
The Plantars all looked at each other.
"Dude, he's like, the only person you know." Sprig pointed out.
"Just come with me." Toadie said.
Shrugging, Marcy followed Toadie through the rain into a carriage, where Toadstool was waiting.
"Ah, hello there Marcy… I am sure you are wondering why I called you out here." Toadstool said.
"You want me to throw the match tomorrow." Marcy said flatly.
"I want you to… how'd you do that?" Toadstool asked.
"Sounds like something you'd do is all." Marcy said with a shrug.
"Hmm… I see… well, that makes things easier." Toadstool said.
"Sorry, but it isn't happening." Marcy said sternly. "Your reign has to come to an end."
"Hmmm, I see." Toadstool said. "And let me guess, you want to use your authority as mayor to contact Toad Tower, correct?"
"Uh… yeah?"
Then, Toadstool then did something Marcy didn't expect.
He laughed.
"You… you really think they'll ACTUALLY help you?!" Toadstool asked.
"Uh… yeah? I mean, don't they have to help the mayor?" Marcy asked.
"No no no! You misunderstood! Being the mayor only lets you get in contact with them! They don't have to actually listen!" Toadstool explained. "And as soon as they find out that you're not a toad well, you can guess how it would go."
"… Badly."
"Bingo!" Toadstool said. "So! Let's make a deal."
"… I'm listening."
"If you throw the match tomorrow, not only will I send a letter to the captain of Toad Tower for you, but I'll also give your family it's stand back!" Toadstool explained. "Best location in the market, and tax free. How does that sound?"
Marcy swallowed thickly at that.
It did sound like a good deal…
"I… I need to think." Marcy said.
"Take your time, just be prepared for tomorrow." Toadstool said as he gestured for her to leave.
Getting out of the carriage and going back to the house, Marcy had a very contemplative look on her face, which the other Plantars quickly noticed.
"So, what did he offer you if you threw the match?" Polly asked.
"… He said he'd contact Toad Tower for me and give the family it's stand back." Marcy said.
"Psh, that all?" Hop Pop asked. "I wouldn't take that deal."
"Yeah well… he said that I wouldn't be able to contact Toad Tower on my own even if I was mayor, and that the stand would be put in the best spot in town… and tax free." Marcy said.
Hop Pop… didn't have anything to say to that.
It really did seem like a good deal.
"But… Am I really willing to throw the entire town under the bus for that?" Marcy asked.
Hop Pop sighed at that.
"Well kiddo, this is for you to decide." Hop Pop said. "We'll support you either way."
"Yeah, just take your time." Sprig said. "Well, good night guys."
And with that, Sprig hopped away.
"Just remember Marcy, you could totally kick his butt." Polly said before following.
Hop Pop just patted her on the back before leaving himself.
When they left, Marcy sighed.
She had a lot of thinking to do.
The next day, the entire town had shown up for the final trial.
"So, you've seen our competitors go up against monsters, but for the final challenge they shall fight… EACH OTHER!" Duckweed announced.
"Wow he is good at this." Marcy pointed out.
"Go get em Marcy!" Polly said.
"Show him who's boss!" Sprig said.
"Right…" Marcy said as she climbed into the ring.
"Now Marcy, I think this is obvious, but this is meant to be a fist fight, so I can't have you using that magic of yours." Duckweed said.
"Yeah, I figured." Marcy said, watching Toadstool struggle to get into the ring.
"Now then, the fight shall begin when the bell rings!" Duckweed said.
Just then, the frog that was supposed to ring the bell woke up with a start and rang the bell.
Toadstool quickly got to work, and threw his first punch, which Marcy was able to dodge, though it also very nearly hit Duckweed.
Toadstool then began launching a barrage of punches, which Marcy was doing her very best to avoid, to much success.
Her plan seemed to be working perfectly, she just had to keep this up until he got tired!
… Then she tripped.
"Gotcha now!" Toadstool said as he raised his fist into the air.
He then winked at the girl… he thought that was on purpose.
Deciding that a fist to the face would NOT be a fun time, she rolled out of the way just in time.
Getting back to her feet, she raised her one good fist.
"Ok Marcy… enough playing around… you know what to do." Toadstool said.
Marcy then frowned, and her arm went slightly slack.
Was she really about to do this?
Then, she looked to the crowd.
She saw all of them cheering… cheering for her.
These frogs were counting on her to win, to not give up and to save them from Toadstool's tyranny.
… It felt just like when her school came out to her trial…
Was this really any different? She was just standing up to a big bully who thought he could boss her and everyone else around…
Suddenly, Toadstool raised his fist.
"I'll keep this gentle, just for you… so just take the fall." Toadstool said as he threw his punch.
It connected… but Marcy was still standing.
"Wha?"
"Sorry Toadstool… but some things are just more important than what I want…" Marcy said with a determined look in her eyes.
Feeling that he was in trouble, Toadstool backed up.
Then, Marcy began charging forward, and let loose a thundering war cry, as she threw her fist forward.
"TAKE THIS YOU CREEP!" Marcy shouted as the fist connected.
…
…
…
*squeak*
"… Huh?" Toadstool said.
Looking down, he saw that Marcy's punch did connect… but it didn't seem to hurt… like, at all.
"…"
Marcy then continued to throw the same punch, earning a squeak each time.
Looking up, all the determination in Marcy's eyes disappeared.
She completely forgot that she was a total wimp.
Toadstool smiled, and simply pulled his fist back.
"Gotcha." Toadstool.
And for Marcy, everything suddenly went black.
When Marcy woke up, she saw her family.
"Heya kiddo, how do you feel?" Hop Pop asked.
"… Sore." Marcy said, before grabbing her head, which currently hurt like no-one's business.
"Right…"
"So… what happened with the election?" Marcy asked.
The Plantars all looked sad at this.
"Sorry kiddo…" Hop Pop said sadly.
"… Right, figures…" Marcy said before pulling her legs into her chest.
Then, the other Plantars, along with some towns-folks who were concerned about her began to hug her.
"Whoo! Well, nice hard fought election Marcy, but we both knew who'd win in the e-" Toadstool said, on his way over to gloat.
Then, he saw Marcy's crying form on the ground.
He could hardly blame her, after all, she gave up everything to try and win that election… only to lose.
He had to respect her conviction, that much was sure.
However… why did his chest feel tight seeing her so upset?
Was he… feeling bad for her?
…
Eh, how bad would one small favor for a child be anyways?
Sighing to himself, he walked over.
"Well kiddo, I gotta go and report my winning the election to Toad Tower." Toadstool said. "Though I may have to request an in person meeting for some logistical stuff."
Marcy's eyes went wide at that, and looked up at him.
"And I guess I could let you talk with the captain if you want." Toadstool said.
"What? But…"
"But geez, that punch was so weak! What, were you trying to let me win or something?" Toadstool said with a wink.
Marcy was stunned, but smiled none-the-less.
"Right… Thanks Toadstool."
"Don't get it twisted, this is for me, remember?" Toadstool said.
"Right, yes sir!" Marcy said.
And with that Toadstool left.
"Hey… sorry I couldn't get the stand back Hop Pop." Marcy said. "I was gonna lower the taxes and revoke your eviction when I became mayor…"
"Oh that? It's not a problem." Hop Pop said.
"Oh yeah! Get this Marcy! The town was so grateful that you tried to help everyone, that they paid to get us the stand back!"
"Wait, REALLY?!" Marcy asked.
"Yup… the Plantar Family stand is officially back in business!" Hop Pop said. "And it's all thanks to you."
Marcy couldn't help but smile at this.
"Well, glad I could help." Marcy said as she pulled the Plantars in for a hug.
Then, she climbed to her feet.
"Sasha… I'm gonna find you soon… I promise."
A couple of days later, Toad Tower.
"Captain Grime sir!" A toad named Percy said as he entered Grime's quarters.
"What is it private? I am busy." Captain Grime said.
"We received a letter from the Mayor of Wartwood, he wants to meet with you about something!" Percy said.
"… Isn't he that Mayor who embezzled the town's money?" Grime asked.
"Uh… I think so?" Percy said. "Bog was kinda peeved about it."
"Right, I remember." Grime said. "Unfortunately, due to the recent Heron attack that SOMEONE caused…"
He then gave Percy a very pointed look.
"… Sorry…"
Sighing, Grime said: "It's fine… but I need to overlook these repairs…"
"Oh, well maybe we can send someone else?" Percy asked.
"Hmmm… you know what? I know just the one…" Grime said with a grin.
End of Chapter 12
Next time, an original chapter.
Sorry this is a day late, I won't sugarcoat it: I was playing the new Zelda game during most of my free time… it is just too good.
But I am done with that, so I should be good to go!
Also remember, there will be a two week gap between chapters now, and the next chapter will be the last one of this batch before we go back to some Recovery for a bit.
My choice to have Marcy run for Mayor might be an interesting one to some. I honestly think that in this situation, she'd want to be the one to run, and everyone else who know's how smart she is would agree.
Also, this might come into play later. We'll see.
Anyways, I hope you all enjoyed, and see you all next time!
