A/N: And here, we also have the 3rd chapter of "Secrets of Newtopia"! This time, the triplets would get more screen time with Polly. :)
Amphibia: Secrets of Newtopia
Chapter 3
Act I: Truck Stop Polly
An owl hooted one night as Anne, Jackie, Sasha, Grime, Ivy, and Sprig watched the passage. Bessie was nervous as Polly, Rose, Pat, and the 6 triplets appeared, looking at the landscape.
"Whoa. Sure is spooky out there.", Pat said as he and the others looked around before Lily noticed someone familiar.
"Oh, hey! Is that Mrs. Cwoaker?", Lily asked before the fog cleared, revealing that it was just rare wood.
"No. It's just a log.", Andy said began before the rare wood suddenly moved.
"What the...", Polly began before a carnivorous creature appeared, squealed and attacked her, Rose, Pat, and the triplets, only stopped by Percy and Braddock before it could even get to the window.
"Oh, no you don't!", Percy glared before tossing it up with Braddock then slamming it back to the log it came from.
"Wow! Nice serve, you two!", Rose grinned.
"Aw, thanks, Rose.", Percy grinned.
"We dealt with way scarier.", Braddock added.
Of course, the 6 triplets were starting to cry as they sniffled.
"No, no, no, no, no. It's okay. It's okay, this is fine. The monster's gone.", Rose assured.
"It's not that, Wose...! We just want to go home...!", Abby sobbed a bit.
"Don't worry, Abby. We'll all be home from Amphibia, soon.", Pat said.
"No. I mean back in Wartwood...", Abby explained, sniffling.
"Back in Wartwood...?", Polly asked before looking toward the map.
"Whew! Man, look at how far we are from home. It's a big scary world out there. Kinda makes a little tadpole like me feel small and scared.", Polly said, looking at the map while Rose and Pat felt just as homesick, before the former got an idea.
"I know! Maybe some story time will help take our minds off it!", Rose grinned.
"What?", Pat said, a bit bummed.
"Story time? Hey, that's a great idea, Rose!", Polly said before she jumped over to the book shelf, which had books like, "Wart and Peace", "The Great Gnatsby", and "Fergus Frog Finds a Friend".
"Hmm. This one.", Polly said, pointing to "Fergus Frog Finds a Friend" before grabbing it and jumping on top of Hop Pop, who was sleeping.
"Hop Pop!", Polly shouted.
"What's wrong? We driving off a cliff? I knew I shouldn't have let Anne drive.", Hop Pop said.
"No, Hop Pop. Everything's fine. I was just thinking it's a perfect time for story time!", Polly said before Hop Pop yawned.
"Sorry, Polly, but no. I've been drivin' all night and I need some rest.", Hop Pop refused before Polly gave a puppy dog face.
"Please, Hop Pop?", Polly pleaded before Hop Pop sighed.
"I guess one story couldn't hurt. Hop on up, little camper.", Hop Pop said before Polly went over to Hop Pop, who opened the book.
"Here we go. 'Fergus Frog finds a...' ", Hop Pop began only to fall asleep and snore.
"Hop Pop! Hop Pop!", Polly shouted as she tried to wake him up with his tongue, but failed before groaning and leaving.
As for Rose and Pat, they went over to Sylvia, who was making dinner.
"Hey, Sylvia. Can you read us a story? Hop Pop's asleep, so we figured we'd ask you.", Rose asked.
"Oh, I wish I could, but I'm making some dinner.", Sylvia said before Rose groaned.
"Well, what's that you makin'?", Pat asked.
"Well, this is the fanciest meal from my own recipe book: a roasted grasshopper with ladybird sauce. It's quite a treat for frogs.", Sylvia said.
"That sounds like something I read from a book when I was a kid. Sounds great. Can't wait for dinner.", Rose grinned.
Meanwhile, back with Anne, Sprig, Sasha, Grime, Jackie, and Ivy...
"Man, this road is treacherous. Thank goodness I got you, Sprig.", Anne grinned.
"Hey, don't mention it.", Sprig grinned.
"So, how is it looking?", Jackie asked.
"Now, let's see here...", Sprig spoke as he looked with his binoculars.
"Looks like there's a sharp turn coming up on the...", Sprig began before Polly jumped up.
"Sprig! Guess what time it is? Story time!", Polly exclaimed.
"Not now, Polly. This stretch of road is dangerous and...", Sprig began before Polly interrupted.
"But it's a pop-up book!", Polly said before opening the book with a figure coming out and hitting Sprig, causing him to lose the map and binoculars in the wind.
"Wh... Whoa! Hey!", Sprig exclaimed before Anne spoke up nervously.
"Sprig, which way? Left or right?", Anne asked.
"Uh... Uh, right. No left.", Sprig responded.
Then, Anne lost control when she ran into a sinkhole, prompting her to try to stop Bessie. Luckily, she managed to do it just in time when she approached a bush with thorns. Everyone let out a breath of relief, even Bessie, before Hop Pop burst out.
"What in tarnation? This is what I get for letting you kids drive!", Hop Pop scolded.
"Wait, no! This wasn't our fault.", Anne exclaimed.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. You three, inventory duty with Felicia. I'm driving from now on.", Hop Pop said before
Anne and Sprig go back inside, but not before scolding Polly with a glare, making her feel down as she sighed.
"So much for story time. Well, there's always bath time. Hugs and scrubs at the same time. Whoooo!", Polly said as she went back inside before Hop Pop yawned.
"Now remember kids, safety first...", Hop Pop said before falling asleep and falling down.
"Yeesh. He wasn't kidding when he said he needed some rest.", Sasha said.
"Indeed. It's a good thing we're out here, then.", Grime responded.
"You said it.", Ivy agreed.
Meanwhile, at the inventory room, Felicia spoke to Anne and Sprig.
"Okay. There should be about 50 Mushroom Bars in here.", Felicia said.
"All right, how many mushroom bars do we got left?", Anne asked before Sprig counted.
"Uh, 28, 29...", Sprig began.
Unfortunately, Polly burst through the mushroom bars, all dirty as she held the bucket.
"Boom! I'm filthy!", Polly smirked.
"What the heck, dude?", Anne exclaimed.
"Hey, I was counting those!", Sprig exclaimed.
"Young lady, this behavior is unacceptable!", Felicia exclaimed.
"Who wants to give me a bath?", Polly shouted.
"No, not inside!", Sprig shouted.
"Yoo-hoo!", Polly shouted as she jumped into her bucket, causing a total mess of suds inside the mobile home before the water washed away with the triplets giggling as they floated.
"Wait, are those suds?", Percy puzzled, noticing from outside.
"Ah, cremany! All our mushroom bars are mush.", Sprig groaned as the mushroom bars then turned into mush before Felicia growled and then spoke in a distorted voice.
"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!", Felicia snapped.
"Uh... Oops?", Polly said.
"Fortunately, I brought this fancy tray and lid along. Apparently useful for this kind of emergency.", Sylvia grinned as she opened the lid, showing that the roasted grasshopper was still dry as can be before Hop Pop went in.
"What's all the ruckus?", Hop Pop asked before Sasha, Grime, Ivy, and Jackie burst in as well.
"What did happen in there?", Jackie puzzled.
"And what's with all this water?", Sasha asked.
"And where did that ominous voice come from?", Grime added.
"It's Polly. She made a huge mess.", Sprig scolded as Hop Pop got down.
"C'mon, kids. I'm too tired for this.", Hop Pop groaned.
"If you're tired, Hop Pop, I know what'll wake you up. Zap-tag! Just got to build up a charge, and...", Polly said as she then shook on the carpet, causing static electricity.
"Polly, no. It's wet in here.", Hop Pop exclaimed before Polly jumped up toward him.
"You're it!", Polly shouted as she touched Hop Pop, electrocuting him in the process and inadvertently zapping, Anne, Jackie, and Sprig as well before the power explodes with Hop Pop exhaling smoke.
"Polly!", Anne, Jackie, Sprig, and Hop Pop shouted.
"But you guys loved zap-tag back home.", Polly groaned.
"Yeah, but we're not at home.", Hop Pop retorted.
"Don't have to tell me twice.", Polly sighed.
"Guys, look. There's a truck stop ahead.", Ivy said.
"She's right. We'll pull in and clean this mess up. Also, I'm gonna need about 30 cups of coffee.", Hop Pop stated.
Then, Anne, the Plantars, the Sundews, the Waybrights, and the toads arrived at the Truck Stop.
"Sprig, Anne. You two start cleaning out the fwagon. (takes the hose to Bessie to feed) Polly, go get some paper towels.", Hop Pop said as he took the hose and fed it to Bessie.
"Okay, Hop Pop.", Polly agreed before she hopped over there and saw something supposed to be identical to her.
"Whoa! A new friend! Twinsies!", Polly said before she looked at it at a better view.
"And I'm talking to a rock.", Polly said before entering the bar.
"Order up.", the employer said as Polly took the paper towels, but doesn't cut before back to Anne and the others near the fwagon.
"All right fam, got your paper towels right here.", Polly grinned.
"Man, what's with Polly today?", Sprig puzzled before Polly noticed and decided to watch, not knowing that the triplets noticed her as she hid behind a box.
"Is it just me or is she being extra annoying?", Sprig asked.
"Like a pest!", Felicia exclaimed.
"Mom!", Ivy exclaimed.
"What? We're all thinking it.", Felicia responded.
"By the way, I had no idea you could make your voice sound so ominous like that. I like that.", Grime said.
"Oh. Thank you.", Felicia responded.
"I know. Zap-tag? More like zap-pest.", Anne joked.
Although, no one laughed.
"Really, Anne?", Sasha glared with one eyebrow raised.
"They can't all be winners, okay, Sasha?", Anne stated.
"I see what you mean, though. Polly was forcing that kind of stuff from back home on us recently.", Jackie responded.
"Maybe she's just not cut out for this.", Sprig said before Hop Pop sighed.
"It's times like these when I wonder whether I should've left her with Mrs. Croaker back home in Wartwood.", Hop Pop said before Polly shed tears from hearing this and then left, still unaware that the triplets were watching her and getting sad for her.
"Okay, you don't mean that. You're just a little frustrated.", Anne responded.
"I've been there, myself. Believe me.", Jackie agreed.
"Yeah, I'm sure she's got her reasons.", Sprig added.
"You're right. You're right. I'm just so hoppin' tired!", Hop Pop shouted before groaning with Anne offering him a cup of coffee.
"Here, Hop Pop. Have some coffee.", Anne said before Hop Pop dipped his tongue in the cup and was instantly energized.
"Whoa, nelly! Whoo-hoo-hoo. Now, let's get this show on the road.", Hop Pop said.
"Oh, no! Powwy thinks her famiwy hates her!", Lily said.
"We've gotta bwing her back, fast!", Andy said before Lily, Danny, Rebecca, Abby, and Sarah nodded in agreement and hopped for her.
"Should've left me back in Wartwood, huh?", Polly asked, furious, before looking at the pink rock.
"Hmm. Well, if they don't want me on the trip, maybe I won't go on the trip anymore.", Polly smirked as she got an idea.
As Anne and the others got ready to continue the journey, Polly carried the pink rock, put it in her bucket, and put on her anti-makeup and bow tie with a chuckle before leaving only for Anne, Jackie, Rose and Sprig to pop back down from the roof.
"Hey, Polly, we just wanted to say we understand...", Anne began.
"Shh, we never bother Polly while she's napping.", Sprig said.
"Oh, well. We'll just talk to her when she wakes up then.", Anne said as she moved back out.
"Never.", Sprig whispered.
Meanwhile, Polly chuckled while watching them.
"When they see that's not me, they're gonna freak out and then they're gonna come crawling back. Serves them right.", Polly said before Lily whispered.
"Psst! Powwy", Lily whispered.
"Wha...? Lily? What are you all doing here?", Polly asked.
"We need to bwing you back.", Rebecca replied.
"Sorry, but I'm kinda in the middle of something here.", Polly said.
"But they'd be wowwied about you!", Lily shouted before Danny gasped upon noticing something.
"Guys, wook!", Danny urged before everyone noticed Anne and the others leaving.
"All right, gang. Let's get going!", Hop Pop said as everyone left, much to Polly's shock.
"Hey! Over hewe! What about us?!", the 6 triplets clamored.
Unfortunately, no one on the fwagon could hear them loud enough.
"Did you guys hear something?", Anne asked before Sprig shrugged.
Meanwhile, the triplets were in disbelief.
"Did they just leave without me? I mean, us?", Polly asked.
"They weft us... and they didn't know we weren't hewe with them...", Liliy said sadly.
Play Monsters at Work Music: "36 1/2 Hour Energy Drink" (1:04/1:14)
Then, Polly panicked and screamed before she calmed down.
End Monsters at Work Music: "36 1/2 Hour Energy Drink"
"Okay, got that out of my system.", Polly said before the triplets started crying.
"Oh, no, guys. Look. I'll help look after you. After all, 3 out of 6 of you here did save me and the others from those orcs at the inn. The least I could do is look after you in return.", Polly offered.
"Weally?", the 6 triplets asked.
"Aw, of course I do.", Polly assured before hugging them all in a group hug.
"Okay. So, we live here now. Starting over from scratch. We've got no one but each other. We don't know no one, and no one knows us.", Polly said before Soggy Joe passed by.
"How's it hanging, Polly?", Joe asked.
"Sup, Soggy Joe?", Polly greeted.
Minutes later at the restaurant, while Polly got her drink, the triplets were just feeling down, although having at least some comfort from Soggy Joe himself.
"Ah! Now where was I? Oh, yeah! I just wanted to have some fun, like we did back home, but they were all like, 'Cut it out, Polly!' So frustrating, right?", Polly asked in slight anger.
"Hmm. Sounds to me like you were homesick, and trying to compensate by recreating a homelike environment through familiar activities.", Soggy Joe responded.
"Without taking into consideration the inability of your family to provide comfort at this juncture.", Soggy Joe's first friend added.
"Also sounds like you have a problem revealing vulnerability, even to those closest to you.", Soggy Joe's 2nd friend added.
"Oh, yeah. Totally.", Soggy Joe responded in agreement.
"Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.", Soggy Joe's first friend nodded.
"What the hey hey? I thought you truckers would be all grumpy and agree with me. What's with all this maturity and biz?", Polly asked.
"Well, when you spend a lot of time on the road alone, there's not much to do but better yourself.", Soggy Joe's second friend said.
"I just got my PhD.", S. J.'s first friend stated.
"Up top, sister!", Soggy Joe's second friend said before he high-fived her with their tongues.
"Who are you two, anyway?", Lily asked.
"Oh, us? My name's Gunther. And this is Cecelia.", Gunther responded.
"Hewwo. I'm Lily. Those are my bwothers. Andy and Danny.", Lily greeted.
"Hewwo.", the two waved.
"I'm Webecca.", Rebecca greeted.
"Abby.", Abby added.
"And Sawah.", Sarah added.
"Aw. So cute.", Cecelia grinned before an amphibia cowboy entered the restaurant desperately.
"Hey! Did any of ya'll take the big, purple stone that was by the door here?", the cowboy asked.
"Uh, maybe. Why?", Polly asked.
"'Cause it weren't no stone. It was the egg of a heron, a giant, flesh-eating, ravenous bird. Was just about to sell the bugger to the circus down the way. Someone must've pinched it. Too bad for them, though, 'cause that bird's gonna devour the first frog it sees once it hatches. Which should be in about five minutes now.", the cowboy said.
"You mean...?", Rebecca asked after everyone gasped.
"Yep. They're as good as bird food.", the cowboy responded.
"Oh, no! Who cares if they left us behind? We gotta do something or the family's toast! Ah, ah, ah!", Polly said nervously before noticing Soggy Joe's car just outside and gasping.
"Soggy Joe, how fast can that thing go?", Polly asked before Soggy Joe took off his hat, showing in its place, a red hat with flames and wings with the words, "Speedy Joe" on it.
"From now on, call me Speedy Joe.", Joe said as the triplets got amazed.
"Do we have to?", Polly asked.
"It'll help, yeah.", Speedy Joe responded.
Back at the mobile home...
"Grime, we're starting to get worried.", Sasha said in worry.
"Yeah. We haven't seen the triplets since we left the diner.", Jackie said in worry.
"Yeah... Come to think of it, neither have I.", Anne said.
"Nor I.", Ivy added.
"Well, we haven't heard a peep from 'em since we left.", Sprig added.
"Well, I think that makes six of us. I normally don't go through 15 minutes without seeing at least one of them.", Grime said.
"We'll go look for them when we do story time with Polly.", Anne said before Jackie, Sprig, Sasha, Ivy, and Grime nodded and Anne and Jackie entered before going over to "Polly".
"Psst! Polly. I know Sprig said not to wake you, but I thought you might like a little story time. Polly?", Anne asked before she moved in to touch it only for the egg to move with a hop.
"Wait a minute...!", Jackie realized before she then grabbed the bow and the mask, revealing it to be an egg.
"What the... Sprig! Hop Pop! Sasha! Grime! Ivy! Everyone! Code purple!", Anne shouted.
"What?!", Hop Pop exclaimed.
"Polly didn't go with us! She was left behind! Which means...", Jackie said before gasping in horror.
"The triplets must've went after Polly but got left behind!", Jackie shouted, making everyone gasp.
"No! How could we leave them behind like this?!", Allison shouted.
"What kind of monsters are we?!", Pat added.
"How could we abandon those poor little triplets! They're lost without us! Lost!", Rose sobbed.
"They must be at the truck stop! We gotta go back!", Hop Pop urged.
But before any further action could be taken, the egg began to break and an eye was seen.
"Well, that's mildly concerning.", Anne said in worry.
Back with Polly, the triplets, and "Speedy" Joe...
"Anything?", Speedy Joe asked.
"Not yet. Wait up. I think I see them. Looks like they're totally fine.", Polly said.
"And not only that, they came back for us.", Lily said in relief before she, Polly, and the other 5 triplets burst out.
"Hey, fam! We're right here!", Polly shouted.
However, Anne and the others were fleeing as a giant baby heron was just born, making Polly and the triplets gasp.
"Whoa! Again with the heron?!", Percy exclaimed.
Speaking of which, it stopped the fwagon and eyed both Bessie and Stumpy, both scared, although only the former hid inside her shell, before the heron tried to eat her.
"Oh, no, you don't!", Anne shouted as she, Jackie, Rose, Sasha, Allison, and Pat jumped in toward the baby heron.
"Hands off our snail!", Hop Pop shouted as he, Sprig, Grime, Ivy, Sylvia, and even Felicia, much to everyone's slight surprise, leapt toward the baby heron to hit it. Of course, Sprig fell off, but came back with the bucket still with soap and water.
"Eat suds!", Sprig shouted, throwing the bucket at the bird, which only got more feral than ever.
"They're in twouble!", Lily shouted in worry.
"And they're about to be bird food!", Rebecca added before the two then started to growl angrily as while Lily's eyes glowed blue, Rebecca's glowed crimson red, much to Polly and Speedy Joe's surprise.
Then, Andy, Danny, Abby, and Sarah got just as angry, if not determined, before blue (for Lily and her brothers) and red (for Rebecca and her sisters) markings appeared and worked themselves all the way up from their small arms up to their heads with the markings going over their eyes as they growled angrily, astonishing the two.
"What is THIS now?!", Polly exclaimed before the triplets gave off red and blue auras, which caused static electricity to surge toward Polly, causing her to emit a combined red and blue aura with the red overlapping over the blue.
"Ohohoh! I like this! Joe, what is this? Wool?", Polly asked.
"Bee wool, actually. Thanks for noticing.", Speedy Joe responded.
"Go faster!", Lily urged.
"Yes, ma'am!", Speed Joe said before accelerating in a hurry.
"Oh... I get it now. Hit the brakes!", Polly urged.
"Wha...", Speedy Joe puzzled.
"Just do it!", Polly shouted before Speedy Joe hit the brakes and sent Polly, Lily, Rebecca, Andy, Danny, Abby, and Sarah flying into the air straight to the heron.
"Zap-tag!", Polly, Lily, Andy, Danny, Rebecca, Sarah, and Abby shouted.
"Ah, crud!", Sasha shouted.
"Hit the deck!", Anne shouted as she, Sprig, Hop Pop, and the others all broke free before the kids all touched the heron, causing a massive electrocution of red and blue lights, which shot up just as powerful as the last blue beam of light from back when they nearly lost Anne to Red Leg.
In the meantime, at Newtopia, Marcy, Max, and their own 4 siblings, 3 of which were little triplets, named Alexis, Jamie, Alex, and Adam, looked out in awe at the two bright red and blue lights in awe with one of them being surprised.
"What is THIS now?!", Marcy asked.
"It's just like the bright blue light from before.", Marcy's brother asked.
"Yeah, but this time, there's a red light to go with it, too.", Marcy responded.
As for Andrias, he, too, saw them, widening his astonished eyes.
"There it is again. The sudden burst of energy! And it's getting closer to home.", the newt king said.
"Oh, my.", Littlepot said in awe.
Meanwhile, the pillars of red and blue light died out as everyone looked on in surprise before the bird learned that it was completely plucked and flew away.
"Oh! That's right! You better run! Nobody terrorizes my family, but me!", Polly said as she took her hat off and put her bow on before seeing them.
"You're all okay!", Polly said before hugging them with grunts and some laughter as the triplets, who went back to normal, went over and hugged Anne, Sasha, and their siblings as well.
"Oh, and you're welcome. I'd also like to thank Speedy Joe for his help and...", Polly began as Speedy Joe greeted them.
"Polly Petunia Plantar!", Hop Pop shouted.
"Lily Malee Boonchuy!", Anne scolded.
"Andy Ananada Boonchuy!", Jackie scolded.
"Danny Kanchana Boonchuy!", Rose scolded next.
"Rebecca Daisy Waybright!", Sasha shouted.
"Abigail Daniella Waybright!", Allison scolded.
"Sarah Rose Waybright!", Pat added.
"Uh-oh, full names. Could you give us a minute, Speedy Joe?", Polly asked.
"You got it.", Speedy Joe said before he left them alone while backing up his car.
"Boop, boop, boop, boop.", Speedy Joe said.
"So... sorry about the killer heron.", Polly apologized.
"Forget the killer heron! Don't you ever run away from us again! You hear me?!", Hop Pop exclaimed.
"We were worried sick ever since we noticed you were all gone!", Anne exclaimed.
"You were?", Lily asked.
"Heck, yeah, we were!", Jackie exclaimed.
"What if something happened to you guys on our watch?", Sasha added.
"What if you'd gotten hurt, or lost, or worse?", Allison added.
"I knew it! I knew you'd all be worried!", Lily said.
"What?!", Jackie exclaimed.
"Wook. Powwy left the fwagon because she thought you thought she was nothing but twouble.", Lily explained.
"So, we twied to get her to come back.", Andy said.
"But then we all wound up left behind.", Danny said.
"I really am just trouble, aren't I?", Polly said before sniffling.
"You were right. Maybe you should've left me back in Wartwood.", Polly said before Hop Pop and the others grew shocked that she heard what they said before Hop Pop sighed and picked her up.
"Heard all that did ya? Polly, I'd never leave you behind. Not ever.", Hop Pop assured.
"Powwy took good care of us.", Rebecca added.
"Aw. She did?", Allison asked.
"Well, that was a surprise.", Sasha added.
"We shouldn't have been so harsh.", Anne said.
"You're such a tough little tadpole, we forget you need a lil' loving occasionally.", Sprig grinned.
"Yes. Although, I would've gone for the tough love routine myself.", Grime added.
"Thanks, guys.", Polly said before she, Anne, Jackie, Rose, the Plantars, the Waybrights, the Sundews, and the toads hugged.
Then, Soggy Joe interrupted them again for a moment.
"Sorry to interrupt, but do you guys need a tow to the next stop? Betcha they'll have everything ya need to fix up your wagon.", Speedy Joe said.
"Fwagon.", Everyone corrected.
"Is that a word?", Speedy Joe asked.
"It's short for Family Wagon.", Jackie responded.
"Oh. I see.", Speedy Joe responded.
Minutes later, Soggy Joe was shown carrying Anne, the others, and the entire mobile home in his car.
"Well, now that we got a breather, who's ready for story time?", Hop Pop asked.
"Whoo!", Polly whooped.
"Yeah!", Sprig added.
"I'm 13, but okay.", Anne responded.
"And we could eat some nice roasted grasshopper with ladybird sauce.", Sylvia said.
"Dinner and a story? Set me up!", Sasha grinned before everyone got their dinner plates.
Moments later, the group was almost finished with their dinner just as the story, likewise, was almost finished.
"All right, now where were we? Rain poured from the sky as Fergus Frog and his wife faced the attempted killer in the deserted alleyway.", Hop Pop read aloud before Allison and Grime joined in.
"'Who sent you?' demanded Sadie.", Allison said.
"'My employers will never give up,' growled the assassin. 'There will be another man after me. Then another and another after that. You will never find peace.'", Grime added.
"'Ain't that a shame,' said Fergus as he drew his knife and stabbed it near the assassin's side!", Hop Pop added as a knife came out.
"'Then, tell your employers that we'll be ready,' said Sadie. 'And we'll be waiting.'", Allison read.
"Ho, ho! Tell 'em, Sadie!". Polly shouted.
"Man, this book is dark.", Anne said.
"Well, it did say it was based on a true story, Anne.", Jackie said.
"Huh. Who knew?", Anne asked.
Act II: A Caravan Named Desire
It began with everyone crossing a dark path at night.
"All right, everyone! We're about to hit the Dry Swamp.", Hop Pop announced before Sylvia offered Anne, Jackie, and Rose her canteen.
"Here, Anne. You're gonna wanna hydrate. Same with you two.", Sylvia warned.
"Okay.", Rose and Jackie agreed.
"That's okay, dude. It's still a swamp. How dry could it be...", Anne began with a snap before, the next day, Anne was now dried out.
"Gimme that stuff!", Anne said, dried up before she then hydrated herself after taking the canteen while Sprig still had it.
"Whee!", Sprig grinned before Hop Pop chuckled.
"Welcome to the Dry Swamp, Anne! Home to giant frog-eating sand worms. Bandits. Vagabonds. You'd know if you'd ever read the classic play, 'Fear the Dry Swamp'.", Hop Pop said while showing the group a scroll.
"Oh, brother.", Polly groaned.
"Oh, not this again.", Anne groaned.
"He's gonna act.", Sprig added before Hop Pop started acting dramatically as a spotlight appeared on him.
"Hark! For I am homeless. I am friendless. I am the Dry Swamp.", Hop Pop acted before the reflector disappeared.
All except Grime were disinterested.
"That... was... stunning! I never thought you'd had a thing for poetry.", Grime grinned.
"Really? Why, thank you, Grime. You know, I was this close to getting the lead part once.", Hop Pop said as he rolled up the scroll.
"You don't say...", Sprig said.
"Uh-huh.", Anne said at the same time.
"Yep. Before I was a farm frog, your Hop Pop had dreams. Next life, I suppose.", Hop Pop replied.
"Okay, how did we not know that Grime has a thing for poetry, too?", Percy asked in surprise.
"Who knew?", Braddock added.
"Well, it's kinda been his passion when he was little.", Bombina stated.
"That is sensitive info, Bombina.", Grime blushed a bit.
Suddenly, a sand worm from the desert appeared and then attacked them. While Anne, the Boonchuys, Sasha, the Waybrights, the Sundews, Percy, Braddock, and the Plantars screamed and escaped, Grime and Bombina jumped up and each landed an attack on it, but the sand worm was hunting them down before an unknown frog riding a large fly appeared.
"Hey, you! Head towards that dune! We've got a caravan on the other side and this thing's spooked by numbers!", the unknown rider warned.
"What?", Hop Pop asked before the unknown went past the dune and returned with a caravan surrounding Anne and the others in order to confuse the sand worm and prompt it to leave.
"Yee-hay!", Hop Pop cheered before the unknown touched down on the sand.
"Hey, thanks for your help out there.", Hop Pop thanked.
"Don't mention it. You know, you folks really shouldn't be out here on your own. Haven't you ever read 'Fear the Dry Swamp'?", the stranger asked.
"You know that play?", Hop Pop asked.
"Know it? Ha! I directed it!", the stranger said.
"Wait a minute. I know you! You're...!", Grime began.
"That's right, toad!", the stranger said before she took off her hood and revealed her caravan.
"Renee Frodgers is the name and managing this acting troupe is my game.", Renee introduced.
"An acting troupe? Here?", Hop Pop and Grime said in surprised unison.
"And they ride across the dunes?", Sasha said in surprise.
"Wow. What are the chances.", Anne said in surprise.
"Say, why don't you folks join our caravan? We could use extra stagehands and you know what they say: 'Safety in numbers!'", Renne said.
"We're in!", Hop Pop and Grime said in unison, although the latter was more giddy, before everyone went down to look inside the trailer with Renee opening the front door.
"Welcome to our humble operation.", Renee offered as Hop Pop and Grime gasped in awe.
"To be or not to be.", the first actor said with Hop Pop exclaiming as Renee guided them.
"Wow. This place really is hoppin', isn't it?", Percy grinned.
"Hey, Francis! Show these youngsters to the kids' wagon.", Renee said.
"As you wish, madam.", Francis said.
"And who are you?", Braddock asked.
"I am Francois, heir to House D'arncool.", Francis introduced.
"He's method.", Renee explained.
"Oh, yeah, that makes sense.", Percy grinned as Braddock nodded.
However, almost everyone else was puzzled.
"Uh...", Sprig and Polly said.
"He's what-what?", Anne asked.
"I second that 'what' 3 times. What-what-what?", Sasha asked.
"It means he embodies a character on and off set!", Hop Pop responded.
"Obviously. Everyone in the acting world knows that.", Grime added.
"Right back at ya, Captain.", Percy grinned.
"Thank you, Percy.", Grime said.
"Ha! Ha! Sharp as a tack, you two. Care to join me in my trailer? I'd love to pitch you guys our latest production.", Renee grinned.
"WOULD WE?!", Hop Pop and Grime said, the latter being giddy again before she left as the two followed her with Francis clearing his throat.
"You three are free to join me if you wish. Ha! Ha!", Francis said before running away in a swashbuckling skip.
"Wow. That guy...", Sprig began.
"is a blowhard?", Jackie asked.
"A stuck-up jerk?", Sasha and Allison said in unison.
"A narcissist that rubs us the wrong way?", Bombina added.
"...is the coolest kid I've ever met! Let's go with him.", Sprig grinned with Polly jumping into Sprig's hands.
"I'm in.", Polly said.
"Yeah!", Sprig grinned.
"Absolutely not!", Anne and Jackie shouted in unison.
"Aw... But why?", Rose asked.
"We were in a school play once. It ended badly.", Jackie responded.
"And this place is bringing back... memories.", Anne added before it flashed back to Anne and Jackie as kids while dressed up as teeth.
"I'm a tooth. That's the truth", Young Anne and Young Jackie sang before they collided with the wooden toothbrush, inadvertently knocking down the spotlights and setting a fire throughout the theater, causing panic to the other children before it went back to the present.
"Four out of five dentists agreed, we were scarred for life!", Jackie stated.
"Traumatized.", Anne added.
"Oh, yeah. I heard about that.", Sasha said.
"Now, if you don't mind, we're gonna try a jigsaw puzzle that's complicated enough to take our minds off this incident.", Jackie stated, showing the group a puzzle box.
"And this one has our names on it!", Anne said before whispering to the box.
"Yes, my babies. Yes.", Anne said, caressing it.
"Okay, we're going now!", Rose said, freaked out by Anne's apparent "Creepiness" before she and the others left, leaving the triplets behind.
Back with Hop Pop, Grime, and Renee...
"Here we are! Excuse the mess. We're in the middle of casting our lead. But none of the candidates are popping, you know?", Renee asked.
"So, what is it that you're looking for?", Grime asked.
"Uh, older gent. Rough around the edges, but still has a good heart. Someone like you two, actually. Too bad you're not actors.", Renee said.
"Perhaps that can be arranged.", Grime responded.
"Actually, I am... an actor.", Hop Pop said
"That so? Huh, you wanna audition?", Renee asked before Hop Pop started acting dramatically as a spotlight appeared on him.
"Hark. For I am homeless. I am friendless. I am...", Hop Pop began before the reflector disappeared.
"Stop! You're hitting me, but you're not knocking me out. Know what I mean?", Renee asked.
"No.", Hop Pop responded.
"You're not right for the part.", Renee explained.
"Oh.", Hop Pop said in worry.
"Why not let me give it a go?", Grime asked.
"All right, Grime. Shoot.", Renee said.
"Well, if you insist...", Grime said before clearing his throat.
"'Hark. For I am homeless. I am friendless. I am... the dry swamp.", Grime said.
"Well, that's a little bit better, but I think you'd do better as the narrator.", Renee said.
"Narrator. Well, I suppose that's a good place to start.", Grime said.
"Super! Guess we're all done here then.", Renee said before ordering some papers only to notice that Hop Pop was still standing.
"That was your cue to leave.", Renee said.
"I'll take care of this.", Grime said as he picked up Hop Pop before leaving with him.
Meanwhile, in another part of the caravan, Sprig, Polly, Rose, Pat, Sasha, Allison, Bombina, Ivy, Felicia, and Sylvia observed some child actors as the former of the Plantars sighed.
"These kids are so cool. If only I could be one of them.", Sprig said.
"Honestly, I don't know what you see in them.", Bombina sighed.
"I don't know if that's a good idea, there.", Sasha said.
"Yeah, take it from me. Being in a troupe like this is not all it's cracked up to be.", Allison agreed.
"Eh, it can't be that hard. Here!", Polly said before she pushed Sprig, who accidentally collided with Francois as a result.
"Hey! Watch it!", Francois exclaimed before Sprig got nervous.
"Heh. Sorry. I'm Sprig by the way.", Sprig greeted before the children gasped for Sprig, who got confused.
"We don't use our real names here. For we must become our characters.", stated Francois.
"Well, then I'm... Spruueg Plantoir. Your... nemesis. En garde!", Sprig said as he grabbed a wooden sword only to get slapped.
"I don't believe you.", Francois said before Sprig sighed.
"C'mon Polly, let's get outta here.", Sprig said sadly before noticing that Polly disguised herself, much to his puzzlement.
"Huh?", Sprig puzzled.
"Who's Polly, governor? I'm Lydia Davenport. The black widow.", Polly said in a british accent, wearing a cobweb bowtie and a black widow eyepatch.
"Ignore him, Lydia. He clearly doesn't have enough... character.", Francois said before the children laughed at Sprig, who then asked Polly for support, only for her to laugh.
"Character.", Polly said before Sprig glared at her.
"I'm gonna get in with this group if it's the last thing I do.", Sprig said.
Ivy, however, was glaring at Francois and the others as they laughed, not only out of anger, but also out of suspicion.
Back with Hop Pop, Grime, and Renee, Grime was trying to escort Hop Pop out, only for him to get stuck.
"Okay, this isn't the best idea.", Grime said before scooting back in and setting him down.
"Okay, Hopediah, this is starting to get a little sad.", Renee said.
"Sad? Sad?! I'll tell you what's sad. Sad is having a dream that will never come true. Sad is knowing you'll never be more than a vegetable farmer. But you know what? I'd still rather be sad and have a dream, than live life without one.", Hop Pop proclaimed before Renne clapped her hands, applauding and puzzling him.
"Now that's what I've been looking for. Theater is truth, and, baby, you just served up a heaping spoonful. You got the lead part, Hopadiah.", Renee grinned as she gave him a medal, making Hop Pop gasp.
"Now, let's get this show on the road. Literally.", Renee grinned before it showed a montage in which Hop Pop became a great actor during the tour as Grime did the narrating, while Sprig (as Ivy, naturally, shared her suspicions with her mother and grandmother, who passed that knowledge over to Sasha, Allison, Bombina, Percy, Braddock, Rose, and Pat) and Anne (accompanied by Jackie) are each frustrated to achieve their current goals.
"Oh, come on!", Anne and Jackie shouted in frustration while the triplets were having fun with the puzzles.
After some time, Hop Pop and Grime came out of their dressing room.
"Oh, yeah!", Hop Pop grinned before the two went to Renee's while whistling before he knocked on the door.
"Say, Renee, I've got a dialogue suggestion for page 9 that could...", Hop Pop said before the door opened.
"Huh? Renee?", Hop Pop puzzled.
"What could be going on over here?", Grime asked before he and Hop Pop peeped through the door.
"So the next town's bank has two guards unarmed. We wait till Hopadiah's big death scene, then take 'em out.", Renee said as she hit the table before Grime gasped and Hop Pop cleared his throat.
"Excuse me, is this a bad time?", Hop Pop asked.
"Ah, nuts. Boys, will you give us a moment?", Renee asked before the two strongmen left the dressing room.
"Renee, wha... What's going on?", Hop Pop asked.
"Well, Hop Pop, since you're the lead I'll level with ya. We're trying to find the best way to rob this next town blind. Care for a drink?", Renee asked as she offered him a drink.
"Oh, no, thank you. Wait, what! Why?", Hop Pop exclaimed.
"Truth be told, there's not much coin in theater these days. We're barely scraping by as is. So we travel from town to town and while people are transfixed by our amazing plays... Blamo! We take what we deserve.", Renee explained.
"But this is wrong!", Hop Pop exclaimed.
"What's wrong is how under appreciated the arts are. Besides, we only take what we need and just think about what this play means to you. You're the lead. Every dream has its price, am I right?", Renee smirked, making Hop Pop doubtful.
"Well...", Hop Pop began.
"That's the spirit. We'll see you tomorrow for the big night.", Renee said as she pushed him out of the dressing room and then closed the door.
Needless to say, Hop Pop was distraught as Grime glared toward Renee's direction, and decided that he needed help. So, he knew just the people to talk to as he then went to Anne and Jackie by slamming the door so hard, he and Grime inadvertently scared them just as Anne was about to put on the last piece of it.
"Anne! Jackie!", Hop Pop exclaimed.
"Dude! What the heck!", Jackie exclaimed.
"My apologies, Jackie. But we have some bad news. The play's been nothing but a distraction for a bank robbery this whole time.", Grime stated.
"What?!", Anne, Jackie, and the triplets exclaimed.
"I know! On one hand, that's awful. But on the other hand, we need to support the arts, right?", Hop Pop asked.
"What? No! They're using you to commit crimes. You can't just pretend you don't know that.", Anne exclaimed.
"Yeah! You need to bust those perps good!", Jackie exclaimed.
"Hmm. Perhaps we could do both.", Grime said, puzzling the two.
"Uh, excuse-a-what, now?", Jackie puzzled.
"It's simple. We'll play along for now. But after I do my first narration, while Hop Pop does his thing, I'll warn Bombina about the situation and she'll go right over to the guards and warn them about the robbery. Nay, she'll aid them with an ambush as the robbery happens.", Grime stated.
"Hey. That could actually work.", Jackie realized.
"I am clever, aren't I? So, what do you say, Hop Pop? Think you could play along long enough?", Grime asked.
"Hmm. I probably could. I'm a very good actor, you know. Thanks for the advice, you two.", Hop Pop said before leaving.
"Just don't get involved anymore than you have to!", Jackie says before the door closed.
"I hope he knows what he's doing...", Jackie sighed before she and Anne noticed that the puzzle was somewhat messed up by Hop Pop's table knocks, although the triplets didn't mind.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?", Anne asked before Sprig burst through the door, surprising the two, as Ivy, Sylvia, Felicia, Bombina, Sasha, Allison, Rose, and Pat waited outside.
"Anne! Jackie! The theater kids don't like me.", Sprig exclaimed.
"And they're a bunch of jerks!", Rose added angrily on her part.
Frankly, Anne and Jackie exclaimed in frustration before they both calmed down a bit.
"You got a point, Rose. It doesn't matter what those theater dorks think.", Anne said.
"Yeah. Why don't you just do what comes natural to you?", Jackie asked.
"You're right. It matters what they feel. I just have to speak to their hearts.", Sprig said.
"Oh. That's not exactly what we were going for.", Jackie said.
"Thanks, guys. Bye.", Sprig said before leaving with Sylvia, Felicia, Ivy, Sasha, Allison, Percy, Braddock, Bombina, Rose, and Pat entering as Sylvia held the door open.
"You got something to say?", Jackie asked.
"Actually, yes. Something's not right with those theater kids back there. And it's not because they're stuck-up jerks, either.", Sylvia said.
"It's about the bank robbery, isn't it?", Jackie guessed.
"A robbery?! I knew something odd was going on here!", Felicia exclaimed.
"Actually, I didn't see that coming.", Sasha said.
"Me neither.", Allison agreed.
"All I know so far is that they're lying thieves who steal from banks.", Bombina said.
"Why those contemptable liars! Sullying the arts' good name!", Percy growled.
"They should be ashamed.", Braddock agreed.
"So, here's what we're going to do. We'll ambush those perps before they could rob the next bank blind.", Ivy said.
"Ambush, eh? I like the sound of that.", Sasha grinned.
"Me, too.", Allison grinned.
"Fine. Now, can you please let us finish this puzzle?", Jackie asked.
"Aren't you two a little obsessed with that?", Rose asked.
"That's not good for you.", Pat added.
"You have no idea...", Anne sighed before Ivy shrugged and closed the door as she and the others left, leaving the two frustrated.
"I don't know about the triplets, but if we never see another interruption again, it'll be too soon...", Jackie said exasperatedly before Polly went in through the window.
"Anne! Jackie!", Polly exclaimed.
"What?! What is it now?!", Jackie exclaimed.
"I love you, girls!", Polly said, puzzling Jackie for a moment.
"Oh.", Jackie said.
"We love you too, dude!", Anne exclaimed.
Later, at night, a new Hop Pop show was starting in Banksville.
"I hear these guys are good.", the first townsperson said.
"I'm excited.", the second added before Renee looked at the bank and chuckled.
Then, the show started as Grime spoke.
"It all began with one frog. This frog had known nothing but despair since he was wrongfully captured and enslaved. But one day, he decided that he has finally have had enough! And thus, the revolution was born.", Grime narrated.
"I am a common frog. Yet my soul burns with the spirit of... revolution!", Hop Pop shouted as he raised his wooden sword and, together with some actors, made a musical performance.
"All right. I still have sometime before I have to get to my line. Time to spread the word.", Grime said as he left and found Bombina.
"Oh! Bombina. I was just looking for you.", Grime said.
"Don't tell me, Renee and her gang's about to rob the town blind?", Bombina asked.
"Yep.", Grime responded.
"And with two strong henchmen?", Bombina asked.
"Most likely.", Grime said before Bombina then pressed her right fist against her left hand.
"Bring it on.", Bombina said, cracking her knuckles.
Meanwhile, Sprig rushed toward Francois, pushing a couple of kids away and grunting.
"Francois! Francois! Francois, just hear me out. I've always wanted to be a part of a gang of friends and if you give me a chance, we can become more than just a group of friends. We can become a family.", Sprig said.
"Ugh! What are you talking about?", Francois only responded, dashing his hopes away and replacing them with spurned anger.
"You know what, Francois, I'm sick of this. Keep your snotty attitude and your dumb accent. I'm out!", Sprig said as he left.
"That intensity. That hatred. Now, this I believe. You're in!", Francois said before Sprig hopped back to him in a pirate costume.
"Yay!", Sprig shouted.
Play Don Hooper Music: "Peter Gunn (The Lion King 1 1/2)"
Meanwhile, as the Hop Pop show continued, Renee was about to execute her plan together with her 2 strongmen, only to notice one problem: Renee whispering to the bank guards, who turned to her and her henchmen, making them stop.
"Ah, crud... The jig is up, boys. Every frog for themselves!", Renee shouted before Ivy shouted.
"Ambush!", Ivy shouted as she fell right on top of Renee while Percy, Braddock, Sasha, Allison, Sylvia, and Felicia pinned the other two henchmen before Rose and Pat landed on top of the henchmen's heads with the two guards handcuffing Renee and her henchmen.
"How long have you all been here?", Renee asked.
"We have always been here! Just like justice...!", Percy retorted in a gritty voice for the last three words.
End Don Hooper Music: "Peter Gunn (The Lion King 1 1/2)"
Back with Hop Pop...
"Seize this nonsense, Archibald Hopperdink. Join us and we'll make all your dreams come true.", the actor said.
"Never. Only a selfish frog would put his own dreams against the needs of others. Against justice, against... righteousness.", Hop Pop said before looking at his poster and realizing the mistake he's making before sighing.
"Goodbye, my dream. Didn't know you long, but you were a swell fella.", Hop Pop said before the 2nd actor checked the script.
"I, uh... I don't remember this part.", the actor said before Hop Pop spoke out to the public.
"Everyone, this is a sham! They're robbing you blind!", Hop Pop shouted as he pulled out his fake beard and pointed aim at Renee and the 2 strongmen with the audience turning to them, who were now apprehended.
"Correction: They WERE robbing you blind. But we intercepted the robbery before it can begin. So, consider this robbery attempt denied.", Grime said.
"Very clever, but you forgot about one thing. And that's when to expect... misdirection.", Renee said as the handcuffs suddenly came loose from her.
"What the...? How did she do that?!", Allison exclaimed.
"Every frog for themselves! Again.", Renee said before she pushed the hefty man on her right into the crowd, jumped on top of him and Hop Pop, losing her boots, and then, with a somersault, went to the driver's seat of the trailer and fled, not knowing that a sand worm had already sensed their presence.
"After that thief!", Grime shouted as he, Hop Pop, and the others followed after her.
Meanwhile, Anne and Jackie have finally finished their puzzle.
"Yes!", Jackie sighed.
"Finally!", Anne said before the shaking then messed up the puzzle again, but this time, Jackie hopped onto the puzzle and made certain that only a few were knocked off the order, giving them a breath of relief while the triplets then hopped around for fun with giggles.
Back with Hop Pop and his own gang, they went to the top of the trailer and went after Renee, managing to get to her.
"End of the line, Renee Frodgers.", Grime sneered.
"Dah! You idiots! What about your big break? Your dream?", Renee asked.
"That's the thing about dreams, Renee. Sooner or later you gotta wake up!", Hop Pop retorted.
Then, Renne kicked Hop Pop and pulled a lever to free herself from the load, leaving the other wagons behind.
"Renee!", Hop Pop shouted.
"Yeah, I don't think so.", Grime said before lurching his tongue toward Renee.
"Ha! Ha!", Renee exclaimed before his tongue grabbed Renee just before the sand worm came out, kerplop, with a burst and it seized the wagon with a snap before Grime caught Renee.
"Now that's dramatic.", Renee said.
"Pretty cool, huh?", Grime asked.
Minutes later, the police had handcuffed Renee this time.
"Philistines! Barbarians!", Renee exclaimed while she was being taken away by the police.
"Aw, don't look so sour. I did happen to use your misdirection to get this group together and bust your little scheme, didn't I?", Grime asked.
"You...! You know, you're right. Good technique, Grime.", Renee grinned.
"Hey, thanks a lot for helping us out, actor guy.", the Sheriff said to Hop Pop.
"Aw, don't mention it.", Hop Pop said.
"And you're sure you didn't know nothing about this robbery beforehand?", the sheriff asked.
"Scout's honor.", Hop Pop assured.
"Well, it's been fun, Sheriff, but I believe it's best that we call it a night now that the matter is resolved. Everyone! It's time to leave!", Grime said as he and everyone else got in the fwagon and rode off into the moonlight.
"Movies are better!", Anne shouted as she leaned out the window.
A/N: So, what'd you think about this chapter? As Captain Grime said, "Pretty cool, huh?"? At any rate, I believe the next chapter would be a real surprise for everyone. :)