A couple of days have passed since Anne, Charlie and the Plantars fought the cloaking Frobot at the market and while they didn't like lying to Anne's parents or to Charlie's family, they knew they only lied to them in order to protect them from what was coming after them.

Charlie hated having to lie to his family as he's never had conflict with them before while Anne hated lying to her parents since they were only informed about what they told them but not informed about what they've planned on doing in order to get back to Amphibia. They really didn't want to scare them with any of the more graphic details and one of them was the fact that Charlie had actually slain some giant bugs, a dangerous reptile that was the last of its own species and a Scorpileo with his katana sword, used a grenade to slaughter a problem with Magpie Beetles to prevent them from returning to cause havoc in Wartwood, he even took on a giant snake with a gas grenade and fought toad soldiers and more but he didn't want to scare his family with those details.

Charlie decided to show Anne and the Plantars the house he lives in which wasn't far away from where Anne lives. Charlie's house was a two-story high house that had two floors. It looks almost similar to Anne's house, but the house was painted a shade of white, the mailbox was in front but had a small praying statue near the front entrance on the left, they had a chimney like Anne's the gables were painted grey, it had a garage that had the doors closed, it even had a basketball hoop at a gable which was also above the garage door. The backyard was behind the house as it was able to be entered in two separate side paths through two different white wooden doors.

Inside the house, the living room was located on the left near the front door, the kitchen was behind the living room, they had a closet near the right side of the front entrance, a hallway that had the first door to the right that led to a bathroom, the second door on the right led to the laundry room but the first entrance to the left of the hallway was a staircase that led to the second floor of the house where it had a hallway as that had Charlie's mother's room at the far back to the right and Charlie's room across the hall from his mother's room to the left, the second doors down from their rooms on the left and right shown bedrooms as the one on the second door down the right had four beds in there that four out of the other women in the house slept in and the second door down the hall to the left was the other bedroom with three beds where the rest of the women in the house slept in. The third door down from those bedrooms to the right was another bathroom.

The house looked beautiful from inside and out. Charlie shown them around the house while the Plantars were in their human disguises while heading over there. They got a good look at the house inside, but Polly was now using a human disguise that was her wearing a blue fisher's hat with baby blue stripes, a dark tan raincoat, yellow rain boots, and a blonde wig, all of which served as her human disguise.

Charlie's family gotten to officially meet Anne and the Plantars while they were adored by Polly and Sprig's adorable appearance as of which some of them hugged them and kissed them on their foreheads.

"They look so adorable." said Sonya.

"The one kissing me on the forehead with the big lips. You must be Kagura." said Sprig blushing wide eyed.

"So Charlie has told you guys about us, huh?" giggled Kagura.

When the ladies of the house met Hop Pop. They were surprised by his knowledge and years of experience and wisdom but were surprised by how Charlie and Hop Pop developed a father and son bond and relationship.

"How did you do it, Chōrō?" asked Hayami.

"How'd I do what?" asked Hop Pop curiously.

"Charlie had dad issues for years and his own father was never there for him and his father not being there for him on his birthday was killing him, even by his eleventh birthday, he realized that he was never coming back to see him, that really hurt him, and he often blamed himself and made excuses for his dad. But more or less than seven months with you, your grandchildren and Anne has made him more of a stronger, braver, confident young man whose gotten over his dad issues. How did you do it?" said Hayami looking surprised. "He's not even afraid of old men with canes anymore."

"For one, we were there for him when he needed us, I was there to support him when he needed me, when he realized I prefer to use my words and not my fists when giving him a talk about what he should and shouldn't do, like when he accidentally lets a swear word slip, I was calm and understanding with him about it because he confessed it and apologized for it too. He saw that I was nothing like the old man who traumatized him, we were there for him through the good and bad times, I'm a parent too and I never walk out on my family, we defended him when he needed protection, and Anne becoming his girlfriend really gave him the confidence boost he needed. But we were surprised at how physically strong he is. He helped out the elderly a lot, watched out for other's kids when they were unattended and had to be taken back to their folks if they got lost, he practically helped out with a lot of heavy lifting, was great with the farm work, knew many natural healing remedies that actually work, he even planted these golden apples that eating one would heal you of anything within seconds. When we did a bit of a road trip to Newtopia, he would give some of these apples to any town or city we came across so they can use the seeds to plant and grow them so they can use them for future use. He even used one to heal a wheelchair bound frog that can actually walk again. He's proven to be very smart, protective of those he loves, but wow, he sure can sing and dance." said Hop Pop bragging about Charlie and his talents. "He did attract a lot of attention from other girls though. But Anne turned out to be the only girl he was in love with. Calling each other soul brother or soul sister as they put it."

Hearing Hop Pop tell the ladies of the house how he helped Charlie get over his dad issues and how they helped him overcome his fear of elderly men with canes with love and support as well as Anne, Sprig and Polly doing the same for him. Being there for him, keeping him safe, showing him love and all of this was in the course of more or less than seven months and Charlie became a more confident young man, won the heart of the girl of his dreams, became stronger, braver, body became a bit more of a muscular appearance and how he did so much to help as many people as he possibly could. They were surprised, impressed, amazed yet adored by their actions having a positive impact on Charlie.

"Hop Pop, is it?" asked Kikyo.

"Yes." answered Hop Pop.

"You're a blessing to our family, to our Charlie and both you and your grandchildren are more than welcome to our home. Since you and your grandchildren have become part of him, looks like you've all become part of this family. Regardless if family is related to each other by adoption, blood, marriage or all of the above." Hayami stated as she hugged the elderly male frog. "You and your grandchildren are part of this family and we're grateful that you kept our baby safe, fed, sheltered and alive."

The women of the house hugged the Plantars and they hugged back, feeling touched that they're officially part of the Matsuda family.

Later on. Anne and Charlie told the ladies of the house about how they first met, how everything went between them as they bonded, went on the journey they were on in order to find a way back home with the Plantars helping them out, and throughout the whole time, they've become romantically involved, but they've become adored by how Charlie won Anne's heart, how he confessed his love to her, along with how their first kiss turned out.

"Charlie boy, you are quite the romantic." said Selena looking impressed.

"I knew you'd find the girl who's your soulmate. Yeah!" said an excited Kagura as she hugged both human teenagers while giving them a kiss to their foreheads.

"Oh Kagura." chuckled Charlie.

Charlie could hear Anne's thoughts when she told Charlie with her mind "You're right, Kagura's got some huge lips" while Anne said out loud "That's my soul brotha" and Charlie said out loud "That's my soul sista" while it seemed like their time at Charlie's house was just like Charlie told them when they'd meet Anne and the Plantars.

The Second Day

Anne, Sprig, Polly, Hop Pop, Charlie, Anne's parents and Charlie's family were all at Charlie's house as they were outside on the front lawn. Having a barbecue as if celebrating the return of Anne and Charlie's safe return while thanking the Plantars for keeping them safe and alive. They were eating what got cooked on the grill.

Some were having a cheeseburger, grilled chicken breasts, salmon yakitori and koji-cured grilled salmon. All tasted incredible as Charlie and Mabel were able to cook the food while others would step in and volunteer which they've accepted. The Plantars were in their human disguises at the moment.

"This is incredible." said Sprig devouring the Salmon Yakitori he had that was on a kabob stick. "What is this?"

"Salmon Yakitori." answered Charlie. "It's a type of fish."

"We sometimes had fish back in Amphibia. The fish we caught were huge. They go good with tartar sauce or garlic sauce." said Hop Pop.

"Charlie caught a huge fish once and we ate good that night. Or should I say for two nights." said Polly eating koji-cured grilled salmon.

Charlie's family along with Anne's parents looked towards a confident Charlie who had a grin and blushed a bit.

"It was bigger than a giant Queensland grouper. I would freak out Jeremy Wade." said Charlie slightly bragging. "We even made dishes out of it for others in Wartwood to eat. That was quite the barbecue."

"That he's right about." said Hop Pop. "Who's this Jeremy Wade?"

Anne whispered to Hop Pop on who the man that was mentioned by name by whispering it to him and he nodded twice, understanding who this man was that had been mentioned by name. That's when they all had themselves a bottle of soda as Kikyo, Charlie's mother, announced a toast.

"Now I know we both have been through tougher times in life, our toughest times being that our children went missing when they accidentally got transported to another world. We had no idea that was ever possible unless you're Kagome." said Kikyo. "I know we're all glad that Charlie and Anne are back alive and in one piece and not five or six. Knowing that the Plantars have kept them safe, alive and in one piece. To the Plantars and our children."

"To the Plantars and our children." said everyone in unison.

Everyone clinked their bottles of soda together and drank down a a few mouthfuls of soda. Drinking, tasting and swallowing down the tangy taste of the sodas as each one of them ether had the same or different flavor.

"Nothing brings this event down." said Charlie, Anne and the Plantars in unison.

It wasn't long till a 2018 modeled Ford F-150 drove by and they at first thought it was only driving by to get to where it needed to be by taking a turn down their road, but it didn't take a turn down the road. It drove up on the side of the road and the car window rolled down. The car was painted sky blue.

"Is this the Matsuda residence?" came a male's voice.

The male spoke in a deep voice that sounded like he had a Brooklyn accent that was detectable but not exaggerated from the sounds of it.

"Yes, this is the Matsuda residence." answered Charlie.

The man who drove up to them opened up the car door to the driver's seat and the man that came out was revealed to be a tall and slender bodied man with dark hair going down to his neckline, he had a similar appearance to Charlie as they had hair like each other, but Charlie's was longer, same eyes as each other's, their faces almost looked like each other's faces, but some features were coming from Kikyo's face. He was wearing a red flannel shirt with blue jeans and black boots.

Kikyo, Hayami and the ladies of Charlie's home looked at the same with a cold expression, immediately recognizing the man that stood on the front lawn. Charlie, Anne, the Plantars and Anne's parents didn't recognize him at all.

"Hey Charlie, guess who's back? I hear you went missing and you're back." the man said as he approached them.

"Who are you?" asked Charlie confused.

"Hello Dante." said the ladies of Charlie's house in an unamused tone.

Charlie looked at his mother, his aunt and the ladies of the house and back at this man named Dante. He started to figure out who he is just from the cold response they gave this man.

"Dad?" said a surprised Charlie.

"I know it's been a while and I probably don't look the same and the last time we saw each other, you were two and you probably don't remember what I look like. But whoa! You got taller and have you been working out? You look like a mini-Schwarzenegger." said Dante as he embraced Charlie.

Charlie felt awkward as he reluctantly hugged him back. He had no idea how to react to this. His grip was firm, yet Dante and Charlie released their arms from each other. Seeing that this man is Charlie's deadbeat father suddenly left Anne and the Plantars giving the man a cold expression.

"Yep! Definitely stronger than the Terminator himself." said Dante with a grunt.

Dante suddenly looked at everyone that stood in front of him. Most of them were looking like they weren't happy to see this man at all. Charlie's mother divorced him for her own reasons since things didn't work out between them, but she hated the fact that Dante never shown up to see Charlie on his birthday every year when he said he would but only sent postcards, things for her and her son weren't easy when he left for eleven years.

The women of the house and Kikyo's sister Hayami felt the same way Kikyo felt. Polly knew this man was the reason for Charlie's dad issues, she wanted to throw down on him but she held back from the urge at Sprig's request. Sprig wasn't amused by this man as he felt the same way Polly did but kept himself civil. Hop Pop on the other hand was trying to be civil but he knew that Dante showing up meant something bad was brewing up.

"Hey Charlie, who are these extra people I don't know?" asked Dante curiously.

"These are my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Boonchuy, and I'm Charlie's girlfriend, Anne. You be Charlie's dad." said Anne not sounding friendly to the man. "These three people here are the Plantars. Extended members to both families. Hop Pop, Sprig and Polly."

"You got a girlfriend? I know a lot can happen in a year but when did you and this girl start to even be in a relationship?" said Dante looking surprised.

"Over two months and three weeks now. First fell in love with Anne when I was twelve and been trying to tell her how I feel since. I did date someone else before Anne but that's something for another time." answered Charlie. "I take it you found out me and Anne went missing when it was on the news?"

"Yes. But I heard a rumor going around that you and Anne are back. How did you get so huge?" asked Dante.

"You know, eating right, hitting the gym, getting plenty of rest, helping out grandma and grandpa at their farm, even did the same for Hop Pop and his grandchildren. They're farmers as well." answered Charlie. "How you've been doing?"

"I've been alright. Been working the same job as a trucker and got my own rig and everything. When I heard you went missing. I tried calling your mom but her phone number must've changed." answered Dante.

"Yes, I've changed the number since Charlie last saw you." said Kikyo subtly reminding him of how he abandoned them.

"I guess everyone changes their phone numbers for a reason. But I've arrived in town and wanted to know how you've been doing since you've been found." said Dante trying to remain friendly and unbothered by the awkwardness.

"I've been alright. Being raised in a house full of women. A lot of love in the house. I'm dating a beautiful honey and met some relatives of mine that we've kept in contact with for a while and it's their first few days here in town. We're getting to know them." said Charlie half telling the truth and half telling a lie. He knew that they couldn't tell Dante the real truth or risk the Plantars getting found out.

Dante looked towards the Plantars and Anne and even Anne's parents. Things were awkward around everyone but Dante gave the Plantars a friendly expression.

"Hello Mr. Plantar. Where you and your grandchildren from?" asked Dante curiously.

"From out of town. But we've been in touch with Charlie and Anne for a long time and been there when they needed us." answered Hop Pop looking a bit stern.

"I see. Charlie, I'm actually staying in a hotel that the company pays for me to sleep in and I'm actually glad to see you're doing alright. You know, you can always call me if you want to hear from me while I'm in town. I'm actually finding out there's a job opportunity in town where I can stay in town permanently. I know I haven't been there for you in so many years but maybe we could try again, you know." said Dante giving him a slip of paper with a phone number written on it. "I'm there and in town if you need me. Both at the hotel or if I'm somewhere in town."

Dante was about to head out but something in Charlie's mind and heart told him to try and interact with him. He stopped him when he spoke in a Japanese when he told him "Mochikotaeru" which worked. Dante turned to face Charlie.

"Where is this hotel you spoke of? I expected you'd be in the Quality Inn or maybe some place nicer than that." guessed Charlie.

"I'm at the Overlook Hotel. Just kidding. I'm at a hotel that's known as the Ritz Ronaldo in town. It looks like the Overlook except it isn't haunted." said Dante making some humor.

"Maybe we can get a tour of the place tomorrow." said Charlie looking interested. "Oh lord, I got to use the boy's room for a moment. The barbecue is going right through me."

Charlie took off inside to use the bathroom and once he was inside his home. Dante saw that they were all looking right him and most of them were giving him a cold expression while Mr. and Mrs. Boonchuy were not sure what to feel as they were awkward as anyone there.

"Mr. Plantar, these two are your grandchildren? The littlest one, Polly. I remember I used to hold Charlie when he was as little as she is." said Dante.

"Then why did you run out on him?" Polly blurted out.

Hop Pop silently quieted Polly down as things were now tense in the air.

"What are you doing here?" said Kikyo looking as though she was tempted to slap the man.

"I'm here for a few days or so. How's it been Kikyo?" answered Dante.

"We're fine, Dante. So you've been working at the same company?" said Kikyo looking less then surprised.

"Well, I'm in town for a job opportunity to see if I can be there for Charlie. I know I haven't been there for him but maybe I can try again. I'll hear from them in a few days. If I get the job, I'd make more money than I ever made on my current job." said Dante.

"Oh really? Why didn't you think of that before abandoning Charlie and his mom?" Sprig blurted out.

"Okay now, everyone. Let's try to be civil." said Hop Pop trying to calm everyone.

Charlie came back out and Dante had an idea to ease the tension going on.

"Hey Charlie, while I'm in town for a job opportunity to be in town permanently. Want to check out the hotel I'm in? It's like The Plaza but slightly smaller." offered Dante.

"I've never been there before. But aren't you busy at the moment?" Charlie hesitated.

"Actually, I'm off for a few days so I've got the time." said Dante.

"Shotgun!" said Charlie approaching the truck.

"Charlie wait!" called Hop Pop.

"Not to worry, Mr. Plantar. It's a safe place. Besides, Charlie could use some fun with his old man. I'll be back with him later on tonight." reassured Dante.

Dante and Charlie got into the car and began to drive off towards the hotel Dante was staying in but Anne, her parents, the Plantars and Charlie's family were all in full mama and papa bear mode at the moment.

"Any children here should cover their ears right now. What's about to be said out loud is going to be swear word bullets flying." warned Kagura.

Anne, Sprig and Polly covered their ears and the women of the house were outraged.

"What the fuck is Dante doing here?!" said Kikyo, Hayami and the ladies of the house in outraged unison.

"We're good!" Hop Pop told the kids loudly.

As they removed their hands from their ears. They knew it was best not to ask what swear words have been used since Charlie's family dropped the F-bomb. But one of them was curious.

"Which swear word got dropped?" asked Polly curiously.

"You don't wanna know." answered Hop Pop. "But I also feel a bit outraged. Charlie hasn't seen his daddy since he was two, was a no show to his birthday every year, by age eleven, concluded he was never coming back, hurt him deeply inside and now he's back after all these years, saying he wants to try again. You know what this means?"

"You can't trust him as far as you can throw him." answered Elena and Selena in unison.

"I was going to say something a bit harsher but can't say it because children are present." said Hop Pop.

"He walked out on me and Charlie long time ago and since then, I've been needing help raising Charlie and enlisted the help of my sister and our closest friends. For years, Charlie blamed himself for Dante being a no show and he never got to experience a father and son moment while every other kid has. If Dante disappoints him again, lock up all the weapons in a place I don't know where they're at." Kikyo warned.

"He better prey hope that this mama bear doesn't get to him first if he upsets my man." warned Anne.

"What do we do for now in case anything goes wrong?" asked Polly.

There was a moment of silence before anyone spoke as they knew that Dante was there for a reason but sensed that Dante was going to disappoint poor Charlie, again. Especially when Charlie just gotten over his dad issues.

"If anything goes south. We'll be there for him. And hope to frog that Dante is wearing his running shoes or we'll be giving him a reason to run." said Hop Pop.

They all nodded in agreement as they felt a sense of worry for Charlie. They didn't know who was more worried than the other.

"We're here for you if Dante disappoints you again, Charlie." said Hop Pop under his breath.