A/N: Sorry it took long. But I finally have the 7th chapter ready! :)
Amphibia: Secrets of Newtopia
Chapter 7
Act I: Scavenger Hunt
One afternoon, Anne, Sasha, Marcy, their siblings, the Plantar's, Sundews, and toads were having lunch.
"Enjoy, everyone! This place makes the best beetle burger in all of Newtopia!", Marcy said as Polly ate one of said Beetle Burgers.
"What's that?", Polly asked.
"Oh, just my journal.", Marcy responded. "I like jottin' down theories and observations. You know, all about indigenous fauna, medicinal techniques, customs and nuances of Amphibious species-based caste systems...", Marcy responded, boring Polly.
"Sometimes, she even does drawings.", Sasha grinned.
"Yeah. Like this one.", Marcy added as she showed Polly said drawing.
"It looks just like me.", Polly gasped.
"Can you do me next?", Rose asked.
"Sure.", Marcy responded before starting on it.
"Wow! Anne, have you been keeping a journal too?", Hop Pop asked.
"Yeah, she's not the journal type.", Jackie stated to Hop Pop before Anne proved this by having two straws on her nose to resemble walrus tusks.
"Look, guys! I'm a straw-lrus! Like a walrus, but with straws!", Anne said, making the triplets laugh.
"You wook funny!", Lily giggled before Sprig laughed, slapping his knee.
"What's a walrus?", Sprig asked.
"You mean you don't have Walruses in Amphibia?", Alexis asked.
"Nerp.", Sprig responded.
"Walruses are marine mammals with large tusks that live up north in the arctic.", Alexis stated.
"Oh.", Sprig responded.
"Now, who should I give the bill to? Probably not you.", the waiter said.
Oh! I'll take it! It's, oh, let me guess... 56 coppers?", Marcy asked before the waiter flipped out the check which, indeed, have the cost Marcy guessed.
"Right you are.", the waiter responded before everyone ooh'd in amazement.
"Wow! Can you do math like that too, Anne?", Hop Pop asked before Anne blew the straws out of her nose.
"Uh, you mean like with numbers and stuff?", Anne asked a bit worriedly.
"Yeah, Anne's not exactly good at this kind of stuff, at least beyond addition and subtraction.", Jackie responded as Polly rolled up and spoke her mind.
"Can you imagine if Marcy got stuck with us instead of Anne? We'd be set for life!", Polly shouted.
"Hush, Polly. Think those thoughts, don't say them.", Hop Pop hushed.
"Yeah. I mean, things still worked out with us, didn't they?", Jackie agreed.
Just then, Anne screamed upon noticing an arrow headed right for her and the others.
"Look out!", Anne shouted before almost everyone screamed as they ducked underneath the arrow, which hit the wall, getting stuck in the process.
"Someone's trying to kill us!", Hop Pop shouted in panic.
"No, no. It's fine. It's just a message from the king.", Marcy assured as Max pulled out the arrow before pulling the message out of it and opening it.
"Actually, Mar-Mar, that's more like a puzzle-gram from the king.", Max responded.
"Oh, right! I totally forgot about those!", Marcy responded.
"What?", everyone puzzled.
"He's basically hidden clues around the city and when we collect them all, we get a message. Ah! It's so fun!", Alexis squealed.
"I know, right, sis?! Okay, anyway, this first symbol is a tree, so we should head towards Coral Park. Now come on, team. It's puzzle time!", Marcy declared giddily.
"A puzzle tour of Newtopia? Count me in!", Sprig grinned.
"Same here!", Ivy added.
"Count me in, too!", Sasha grinned before everyone else agreed with a cheer.
"Ah-ah-ah. I need you to stay with your troop and lead them on a tour.", Max advised.
"But why?", Alexis puzzled.
"Because sometimes, puzzle grams tend to be a little dangerous. And besides that, your original scouts haven't been in Newtopia before.", Max responded.
"Oh. Okay. There are a few really cool spots I want to show them, anyway.", Alexis grinned.
"Thanks, Lexy. You're the best.", Max grinned before leaving with the others.
"Come on, Polly! This may be our most exciting adventure yet!", Hop Pop grinned, picking up Polly.
"Hey, thanks for coming in. Would you like to join our customer loyalty program? You can get free gifts.", the waiter offered.
"Gifts?! FREE?!", Hop Pop and Sylvia beamed in surprise.
"Oh, no.", Polly said in worry.
"Okay, everyone! Who wants to go on a tour for Newtopia?!", Alexis announced.
"We do!", the scouts, including Pat and Rose.
Meanwhile, as Marcy led the way, Sprig was giggling like crazy as Ivy looked around.
"Wow! Whoa! Look at that!", Ivy said excitedly before she and Sprig, along with Sasha, Allison, Jackie, Grime, Percy, and Braddock turned to her.
"Anne. You're not marveling. Is everything okay?", Sprig asked.
"Well, I don't know. It's just... Marcy's always been the smart one in our group. I've always just felt kinda dumb around her.", Anne responded.
"What?!", Sprig shouted in disbelief.
"Shh! She'll hear you.", Anne whispered.
"Sorry. Sprig apologized.
"Honestly, it's really no surprise.", Jackie said.
"But that hasn't bothered you before.", Sasha added.
"Well, hey. Maybe if you can solve the king's puzzle gram before Marcy, it'll prove you're just as smart as she is.", Sprig responded.
"I don't think that's how it works, Sprig.", Jackie responded.
"Hmm. Mission 'Prove I'm not a dumdum,' engage!", Anne exclaimed before taking off only to bump into a sign that said, "Watch Your Step".
Just then, the gang arrives in the location of the first clue.
"Here it is, guys. Coral Park!", Marcy said before everyone looked in awe.
"Okay, you can do this.", Anne thought to herself before Anne spoke up, looking at the map.
"So, one eye open and one closed.", Anne said.
"Hmm...", Anne began.
"Look, Anne, it's okay if you don't...", Max began before Anne interrupted.
"Ooh! What if we aren't supposed to look at the trees? What if we're supposed to listen to them?", Anne asked.
"Yeah, that's probably not what the message means.", Jackie commented.
"I love it!", Marcy said.
"You do?", Allison asked.
"Hmm, but I was also thinking, this statue of Ezra Brackish is looking through a telescope.", Marcy responded.
"Oh, yeah. He's got one eye open and one eye closed, right?", Max realized before Marcy then stepped on top of the statue's tail and then pulled out the lid.
"Gotcha!", Marcy spoke before looking through the telescope.
"'Bring.' So that's the first part of the message. Brilliant!", Marcy spoke before gasping as she fell backwards with Max catching her.
"Easy there, sis.", Max said before Marcy chuckled.
"Okay. So the next clue is... Oh! I recognize this. Come on, gang. Let's motor!", Marcy said, leading the way for the next clue, leaving Anne upset.
"Maybe you'll have better luck on the next one?", Ivy asked.
"Yeah, I can do this! Let's go get that next clue!", Anne grinned.
"Whoop! Whoop!", Sprig shouted as he ran ahead with the frogs running ahead.
But along the way, they noticed a newt trying to get her pet to come down.
"Goblin! Come on, girl! Goblin, get down from there!", the girl pleaded.
"Don't worry. I got you.", Anne assured before climbing the tree while hopping from branch to branch and then picking up the pet, which meowed, before landing in the ground with the pet in her arms.
"Thanks, lady.", the child thanked.
"No worries. I actually have one just like that back home. But with less legs.", Anne responded.
"Aw. Anne may not be as smart as Marcy, but she definitely has heart.", Sasha grinned.
"Yeah.", Allison agreed.
"Guys, come on!", Sprig shouted.
"Whoop, gotta go! Don't let that thing grow up.", Anne said as she left.
"Catch you later!", the girl said, waving the pet's hand as it meowed.
"Wait. What does happen when it grows up?", Sasha asked.
"Trust me, you don't want to know.", Jackie responded.
Meanwhile, Alexis was taking her scouts on a tour of Newtopia, starting with the aquarium.
"Welcome to the Aquarium, Newtopia Scouts! Here in the aquarium, we have all kinds of sea critters. Lamprey Eels, Krakken, Sting Rays, and water snakes. And the highlight of the Aquarium? The Stingray stage show!", Alexis stated as she showed various creatures in the place, ending with the stingray show with which the exhibitioner finished surfing alongside the stingrays before arriving at the landing.
"All right, give it up for our stingrays, Sugar Ray and Billy Ray. And now for the main event, I'll need a volunteer.", the exhibitioner spoke up.
"I wanna go up!", Rose shouted eagerly, raising her hand.
"You, the yellow frog over there! Come on down.", the exhibitioner offered before the crowd cheered and whistled as Rose went down.
"What's your name, and where are you from?", the exhibitioner asked.
"Rose Boonchuy from Wartwood.", Rose grinned.
"Well, Rose Boonchuy, all you gotta do is put this fish in your hands and hold it out over the tank.", the exhibitioner stated.
"And the stingray will jump out and eat it, right?", Rose asked.
"That's right, little lady.", the exhibitioner responded.
Just then, the stingray jumped up and ate the fish like a vacuum, making Rose giggle from being tickled.
"It tickles.", Rose grinned.
Back with Anne's group, they stopped at a museum.
"Hmm. Why the 'W'?", Marcy asked.
"Yeah. I mean, what's that supposed to mean?", Sasha agreed.
"Let me take this one, Mar-Mar.", Anne said.
"Okay.", Marcy responded, giving Anne the map.
"Hmm.", Anne said, eventually straining as she looked at the map.
Then, suddenly, the dragonfly in the map turned toward Anne.
"You'll never solve me!", the dragonfly spoke before Anne yelped in shock.
"Ah! I mean, oh... I see.", Anne spoke.
"Anne, are you sure you know this?", Max asked.
"More importantly, are you okay?", Allison asked.
"Yes, because you clearly look spooked.", Grime added.
"Uh... Hey, I gotta go to the bathroom! BRB!", Anne exclaimed as she took off.
"Yep. She panicked.", Percy stated.
"I better go after her and make sure she doesn't get lost.", Jackie said before taking off.
"Hey, can I see your crossbow arm?", Ivy asked.
"I don't see why not.", Marcy grinned.
Meanwhile, Anne panted, looking around for anyone who can help her.
"Okay... Gotta find help. Um...", Anne spoke before she noticed an old lady sitting on a bench.
"Aha! An old person! Old people love puzzles.", Anne spoke before she went over to the old lady.
"Psst, hey. Wanna solve a puzzle?", Anne asked.
"Ooh! Looks like a juicy one. Pull up some bench, dear. The name's Doris.", Doris greeted.
"Anne. Okay, any idea what this symbol has to do with the museum?", Anne asked as she sat down on the bench.
"Oh! My son Harris used to work at the museum. Oh, wait, no. Harris worked at the library. Dusty worked at the museum. Or was it Dave?", Doris puzzled.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold on. How many sons do you have?", Anne asked before Doris showed her many pictures.
"Whoa.", Anne spoke in surprise.
"Uh, why is she showing you pictures of her sons?", Jackie asked before Anne turned to her and yelped in surprise.
"Oh. Hi... Jackie, meet Doris. Doris, meet Jackie.", Anne introduced.
"Hi.", Jackie and Doris greeted to each other in unison.
Back at the museum, Max turned to Marcy.
"Any ideas, Marcy?", Max asked just as she was coming up with a theory.
"Hmm. I wonder if...", Marcy began as Sprig tried out the crossbow shooter only to accidentally hit a bird in the sky, causing it to plop down on the ground.
Then, Marcy gasped as she checked the wall and realized something.
"I knew this looked familiar!", Marcy exclaimed.
"The lines between the bricks of this west side wall of the museum match up perfectly with the street grid of Newtopia. Which puts us right about... here!", Marcy said as she cross-referenced the map with the markings on the wall for the similarity and pulled out a block, which had the word "Me" on it.
"'Me.' 'Bring... me...'", Marcy said.
"That means there's only one clue left to go. Come on.", Max said as he and Marcy ran off to look for Anne and Jackie.
"Wow. I can't believe they figured that out so fast.", Grime said in disbelief.
"Well, they did live in Newtopia for some time now.", Braddock said.
In the tour, elsewhere, Alexis was now leading the scouts across the Newtopia Markets.
"And this is the Newtopian markets. We have all kinds of stores that you'd hope to see here. But that's not all we have in store.", Alexis said as Pat raised his hands.
"Yes, Patrick?", Alexis asked.
"Do the markets here have really cool events?", pat asked.
"You betcha. In fact, the annual Smash & Mash event is one of those events. It's coming up really soon! But until then, we could look around the markets and see what catches your eye. We could even meet some people, too. Like the annual champion of the Smash & Mash event coming up?", Alexis responded, gesturing to a tall and buff pink newt with a lighter underbelly and short, white cropped hair and many scars accompanied by a small light blue newt with tiny black eyes and blonde hair with a blue bow.
"That's right. Name's Priscilla the Killa. This is my daughter, Pearl.", Priscilla greeted.
"Hello.", Priscilla greeted.
"Hello.", the scouts greeted.
As for Jackie and Anne, they were speaking with Doris.
"Well, if Dusty is upset about what Buster said, he should just tell him so.", Anne said.
"Yeah. I mean, let him know, for goodness' sake!", Jackie concurred.
"Mmm-hmm.", Doris nodded.
"Hey, Anne, Jackie. So... Marcy figured out the second puzzle.", Sprig said.
"Already?", Jackie said in surprise.
"The puzzle! Sorry, Doris. Gotta run.", Anne shouted as she and Jackie took off.
"It was nice talking to you!", Jackie spoke as she followed Anne.
"You too, girls. Don't forget my offer to set you up with one of my sons.", Doris spoke up.
"Doris, stop it!", Anne laughed.
Meanwhile, the girls were now inside the a sort of grand hotel.
"And now, Scouts, this is the grandest part of Newtopia next to the castle, the Hemisphere Hotel! it has a lot of stuff you wouldn't expect from a normal hotel: An Ant Cream parlor, the clothes shop, the barber shop, a coffee barista, and best of all..., the Ferris Wheel!", Alexis stated, showing said spots in the Hemisphere Hotel.
"Those look so awesome!", Pat said, awestruck.
"I know! I want to go there so bad!", Rose responded.
"Who knows? Maybe you will.", Alexis assured jus sort of bellhop saw her and her scouts.
"Oh... I wish I was still young like that...", the bellhop sighed.
Back to Anne and Jackie, Marcy turned to them.
"Hey, guys. Glad you could catch up.", Marcy grinned.
"Take a look at the final clue. It's referring to the big bridge downtown. Come on, guys.", Max stated as he, Marcy, Sasha, Grime, Percy, Braddock, the bummed Anne, Jackie, Sprig, and Ivy ran past the others.
"Guys! We're goin' to the bridge!", Sprig shouted.
"Good for you!", Sylvia responded.
"Take me with you!", Polly shouted.
"Polly, look! Just 987 more lunches, and we get a free suit of armor!", Hop Pop grinned.
"Isn't this exciting?!", Felicia exclaimed before Polly groaned.
Meanwhile, the group arrived at the bridge.
"Okay, Anne. One clue left.", Ivy grinned.
"Yeah, and Marcy'll probably solve it before we get there.", Anne said, still bummed.
"You're still hung up about that, Anne?", Jackie asked.
"Oh, come on. So she's good at puzzles. That doesn't mean she's smart and you're dumb.", Sprig grinned.
"Thanks, dude. Huh?", Anne said in surprise as she and the others saw a statue erected in the middle of the bridge.
"Oh, boy.", Sprig said.
"What the heck?! You got a statue?!", Sasha exclaimed.
"Oh, yeah, yeah. I know. I made a few suggestions on how to increase the weight limit, and they kinda, like, named it after me.", Marcy explained.
"And that was their way of repaying her.", Max added.
"Oh, stop. Now, come on! Let's see where this triangle fits in.", Marcy blushed as she and Max went ahead.
"Okay, so she designed a bridge. That doesn't mean...", Sprig began.
"Please stop.", Anne interrupted.
"Yeah, okay.", Sprig responded.
"Why don't you guys go ahead? I think I need a moment alone.", Anne said, walking away.
"Anne...", Jackie said in worry.
"Uh, okay. Just holler if you need something.", Sprig said before hopping away.
Then, Sasha and Jackie turned to each other with the latter nodding before the two set off after Anne.
Then, just as Anne groaned while plopping on a bench near the Gnatcho stand from which the wind blew away 4 empty trays.
"What? My trays!", the gnatcho stand lady shouted.
"I got 'em!", Anne assured as she went after they trays and then caught 2 of them before Jackie and Sasha caught up, each getting one, leaving Anne surprised.
"Sasha? Jackie? I told you I...", Anne began.
"Need a moment alone? That's the last thing you need.", Sasha interrupted.
"We couldn't just leave you alone depressed.", Jackie added as she and Sasha followed Anne to the Gnatcho stand and returned the 4 trays.
"Thank you, sweeties! Here, have some gnatchos on the house.", the lady offered, placing some gnatchos in the tray.
"Thanks.", Jackie grinned.
"My name's Anne, by the way.", Anne greeted.
"I'm Jackie.", Jackie added.
"And I'm Sasha.", Sasha added.
"I'm Gertie. Nice to meet ya fellas.", Gertie greeted before Anne sighed sadly.
"Something got you down, Anne?", Gertie asked.
"Have you ever had a friend who's so smart, they make you feel dumb?", Anne asked.
"Honey, this is Newtopia. Everyone here's a genius. And then there's me, with my dumb old gnatcho cart.", Gertie responded.
"What? Gertie, don't say that.", Anne said.
"You're an independent businesswoman form what I can tell.", Jackie added.
"Yeah. You've got it goin' on!", Sasha agreed, earning Gertie's chuckle.
"Oh, aren't you sweet ones! You wanna know my trick? Fake it till you make it. If you act like you're smart, everyone assumes you are.", Gertie responded.
"Really? That works?", Anne asked, surprised and intrigued with the advice.
"Mm-hmm. I don't know the first thing about cooking, and look at me. I'm a famous chef! Well, I'm a chef. Well, I'm in the food business.", Gertie responded.
"Hey, guys! Marcy, Max, Ivy, and I are stumped. Get over here!", Sprig shouted before Gertie winked with a thumbs-up toward Anne with the trio rushing back to Marcy and her friends.
"All right. What do we got here?", Anne asked, looking over the map at the last clue.
"Hmm. Okay. Easy.", Anne said before thinking to herself.
"Come on, Anne... fake it.", Anne thought to herself.
"So, a triangle has three sides, right? Three rhymes with, er... 'tea.' You brew tea with water, and there's water in, uh... The sewer! Let's go down there.", Anne suggested, pointing to the sewer with safety cones and a sign surrounding it.
"Uh..., okay?", Max said before he and Marcy went over there with Sprig following as Jackie glares at Anne.
"What?", Anne asked.
"Faking it till you make it doesn't always work out for the best.", Jackie responded.
"Come on. Who's to say we wouldn't find the last clue down here? We don't know that.", Anne said.
"That's just it, Anne. We DON'T know! For all we know, we could be led to a dangerous situation we can't get out of easily alone.", Sasha responded.
"And on top of that, we're not even sure if we can make it out of this at all.", Grime added.
"What the...? Grime? How long were listening in?", Jackie asked.
"Since we left for the puzzle gram. I'm not exactly out of ear shot, you know.", Grime responded.
"You know about this, too, Captain?", Percy asked as he and Braddock popped up.
"And I thought we were the only other ones who knew.", Braddock added.
"What the...?! You guys, too?! How'd you even...?!", Jackie began before groaning.
"Look, Anne. For our sakes, this better not backfire on us...", Jackie warned.
Later, everyone went down into the sewers.
"Whoa! This sewer's shockingly clean.", Sprig said.
"But how?", Jackie asked in amazement.
"There's actually a reason for that. I...", Marcy began.
"Rehauled the sewer system.", everyone else interrupted.
"How'd you know that?", Marcy asked.
"It's not exactly hard to guess what with your accomplishments and all.", Grime responded.
"Hey! Check that out. That looks just like the circle in the clue. Kinda. We obviously have to turn it.", Anne said before turning the wheel on the pipe.
"Uh, Anne? I don't think you should've done that.", Sasha said in worry before an apparent gator popped out from the hole, much to the shock of nearly everyone.
"Speak of the devil! Here comes one of my improvements!", Marcy grinned.
"Improvements?", Sasha asked.
"Don't ask...", Max responded.
"Whoo-hoo. Ooh!", the gator spoke before eating the trash while also becoming piqued with interest toward Anne and the group.
"Jackie, don't scream. Don't scream.", Sasha said in worry as Jackie whimpered.
"Would you guys believe that in addition to eating live meat...", Marcy began, the last two words echoing as the gator's interest was heightened further.
"Ooh!", the gator grinned, only worsening Jackie's whimpers.
"...these babies love eating...", Marcy began before Jackie suddenly let out a loud shriek.
The loud sound disoriented the gator, surprising it all too much.
"...trash?", Marcy finished.
"Jackie! I told you not to scream!", Sasha scolded.
"Go, go, go! Let's move!", Anne urged as she led everyone to the ladder.
Just as soon as the gator recovered, he giddily followed after the group.
"Whoo-hoo! Whoo-hoo, hoo-hoo-hoo!", the gator spoke, trying to chomp down on the gang with little to no success.
"Get us out of here, now, now, now!", Jackie panicked before trying to lift open the grate, not taking into account of its actual weight.
"Holy crud, that's heavy!", Jackie grunted.
"Gnatchos! Get your gnatchos!", Gertie shouted from up above.
"Gertie? Is that you?", Sasha asked.
"It's us! We need help!", Anne shouted.
"AND WE NEED IT NOOOOW!", Jackie shouted in a panic.
"Anne? Jackie?", Gertie puzzled just as Alexis and her scouts were just passing by.
"Big sis?", Rose asked in worry.
"The gang's in trouble, scouts! We have to go help them!", Alexis exclaimed.
"Don't worry, kids. I got ya!", Gertie assured before trying to lift up the sewer lid.
Down below, the gator snarled and tried to chomp on Marcy only to miss before Gertie pulled the lid off.
"Got it! Here, grab my arm!", Gertie urged.
"Took you long enough! I mean, thanks! Sorry! We're just going through a lot right now.", Sasha shouted.
"We're saved! We're saved!", Jackie shouted in relief.
"Come on, Mar Mar.", Anne shouted before Marcy suddenly got pulled back.
"Hey!", Marcy exclaimed as while the gator missed Marcy, it did, however, succeed in biting into her cloak.
"Okay, now. Easy, big fella. Easy.", Max spoke before he took Marcy's cloak off her, causing it to fall back onto the sewer.
"Anne, Jackie, Sasha, you three hang in there, you hear?! Anne! Jackie! Sasha!", Gertie shouted before Doris and the little girl with her pet arrived.
"Did you say 'Anne'? And Jackie?", Doris asked.
"She saved my Goblin. We gotta help her!", the little girl urged.
"And we will. Together! Scouts, form a chain and help Gertie pull them to safety!", Alexis urged before the scouts, including Pat and Rose, nodded and fromed a chain with linking hands.
"Hang on, Jackie! We're here!", Rose urged.
Meanwhile, Hop Pop, Sylvia, and Felicia were wearing armor.
"Okay, they said they'd be at the bridge. Do you see 'em?", Polly asked before she and the others saw Gertie and the others pulling Anne and the others out to safety with the scouts led by Alexis helping out.
"Hang in there, Anne!", Gertie assured.
"We'll save you, everyone!", Alexis shouted before the gator roared.
"Typical.", Polly commented.
"Ooh, looks like this is it!", Anne said in worry.
"Goodbye, froggy world!", Jackie sobbed in fear.
Just then, Polly was brought down, held by Gertie.
"Grab on! Hop Pop, now!", Polly shouted before Anne and the others were lifted back up in time with the gator then becoming stuck halfway through with a roar as Jackie hyperventilated while balled up.
"Jackie! Are you okay? Are you all right? Say something.", Max said in worry before Jackie only sobbed as Max hugged her with Pat and Rose scolding Marcy.
"YOU KNOW JACKIE HAS HERPETOPHOBIA!", the two children shouted, surprising Marcy.
"Sorry! I completely forgot...", Marcy apologized.
"Anne, what happened? Are you okay?", Sylvia asked.
"Can't you all go ten minutes on your own without getting into some kind of crazy danger?", Hop Pop asked.
"Aw, give her a break, Hop Pop. She's been through enough already. We all have.", Sasha spoke up.
"Yeah. Anne's already sad because Marcy's so smart she makes her feel dumb.", Sprig agreed.
"Sprig!", Anne exclaimed.
"What? Anne, is that true? I don't know. Maybe? I guess I get a little jealous of you sometimes. I mean, you're so smart, and I'm... not. And worst of all, I traumatized Jackie with this whole sewer mess, leaving her a big mess.", Anne said with a sigh, gesturing to Jackie, who was still sobbing into Max's arms.
"Let's face it... I'm just gonna do more harm than good with my stupidity...", Anne said, upset about what happened.
"Stupidity?! Anne, that's insane. Besides, I'm jealous of you.", Marcy responded.
"Huh? What for?", Anne puzzled.
"Yeah, what for?", Sasha concurred.
"You get along with people so well. Three people you met today just risked their lives to save you.", Marcy responded before the girl's pet meowed.
"Heck, the Plantars here adopted you and your siblings and would do anything for you guys. Yeah, sure, I'm good at solving puzzles and calculating the check, but you're amazing at making connections. Me, I have trouble looking people in the eye sometimes.", Marcy responded as Jackie's sobs of fear turned into those of comfort as she grinned and calmed down with her sobs getting softer before Marcy looked away, blushing shyly.
"Thanks, Marcy. Maybe that's why we make such a good team. Come here, you.", Anne said before hugging Marcy.
"Aw!", Marcy spoke, returning the gesture.
"Hey, anyone else want a snack? That nice lady gave me some gnatchos.", Sprig said before Anne noticed that the chip looked familiar.
"Whoa! Wait a sec, it's... Look! The symbol... it's a gnatcho! Sprig, empty that tray!", Anne urged before Sprig did so with everyone looking in surprise.
"That means the message is...", Max began before Marcy got out two clues from before and read the full message.
"'Bring me the Plantars. Oh, guys, we've been summoned!", Marcy shouted.
"And you solved the puzzle gram, Anne!", Marcy grinned.
"Self-esteem boost and an audience with the ruler of this world? Win-win, baby!", Anne grinned before everyone cheered.
"So... you guys wanna feed gnatchos to that alligator?", Anne asked.
"NO!", Jackie shrieked, still balled up.
"Oh, Jackie... I'm sorry. If I had just gotten help from people I know when I needed it, none of this wouldn't have happened and you wouldn't have been in that scary position...", Anne sighed.
"Oh, it's okay. None of us who just came here knew that this croc was here to begin with. You can still feed the gator with some gnatchos if you want.", Jackie assured.
"Thanks, Jackie.", Anne said before she aimed the gnatcho at the croc's moth and tossed it before the gnatcho got in the croc's mouth.
"Ooh!", the croc spoke giddily.
"Just look how happy it makes him.", Sprig grinned.
"Oh, that reminds me! We got some lolli-poppies on the tour, Marcy!", Alexis remembered as she and her scouts got out flowers, petals of which resemble lollipops.
"Wow! Those look great, Lexy.", Marcy grinned.
"Aw. Thanks.", Alexis grinned.
Act II: The Gang Checks In
Sometime later, the whole gang was now in the halls of the castle.
"Dang, guys. This is where you've all been hanging out this whole time?", Anne asked.
"Well, I wouldn't say we 'hang out' here...", Max began.
"But yes! Staying at the castle has been awesome!", Marcy grinned.
"By the way, where'd you guys pick the lolli-poppies?", Anne asked.
"We picked the while we were at the garden. And the triplets had a lot of fun on the tour.", Alexis replied.
"Wow, I can't believe we're here!", Sprig said in amazement.
"And that we're about to meet the king of Amphibia.", Ivy added.
"You took the words out of my mouth, sister.", Polly grinned.
"Wow, just look at this place.", Felicia spoke in awe.
"Isn't this place amazing, Hopediah?", Sylvia asked.
Hop Pop, however, was more concerned about his presentability.
"Am I dressed okay? Should I have worn my silk ascot? I'll go back and get it.", Hop Pop spoke, attempting to run back before Marcy stopped him.
"Hey, hey. Don't stress, guys. This is no big deal.", Marcy assured.
However, the doors opened up ahead with Lady Olivia stepping up to the group.
"Okay, frog family. You're about to meet King Andrias. This is a big deal.", Olivia urged before everyone gulped.
"'No big deal', huh, Mar-mar?", Sasha asked sarcastically.
Moments later, they were now stepping up to the throne, looking around it.
"Wow!", everyone said in awe.
"I know. The decor looks beautiful.", Alexis grinned.
"May I present to you Andrias Leviathan, Lord of Amphibia. Peacekeeper of a thousand years and the first of his name.", Olivia introduced, much to almost everyone's surprise.
"Now that's king-sized.", Anne said as Polly gasped.
After a moment, the King spoke up in a most unexpected way.
"Hello, Plantar family!", Andrias greeted, making everyone gasp as Andrias laughed afterward.
"Oh, bring it in, you guys. Bring it in.", Andrias assured as he stepped down the stairs.
"Quick, kids, bow.", Hop Pop said before grunting as he, Sprig, and Polly wound up getting hugged.
"It's so good to finally meet you!", Andrias said before everyone grunted from the pressure prior to being released.
"I love this guy!", Polly grinned as she sat up before Andrias laughed.
"Dear King Andrias, just once, it would be nice if you followed proper castle etiquette.", Lady Olivia said before King Andrias only blew a raspberry.
"Oh, etiquette smetiquette!", Andrias retorted playfully.
"I like him already.", Sasha grinned.
"Ooh! And what do we have here?", Andrias asked upon taking notice of Anne, Jackie, Rose, Lily, Danny, and Andy.
"Hey.", Anne greeted nervously.
"You must be Anne. Not to mention Jackie, Rose, and the little triplets, Lily, Andy, and Danny. 'Sup? Um, am I saying it right? 'Sup?", Andrias asked, making Rose giggle.
"You got it!", Marcy responded, giving a thumbs up before Andrias laughed.
"The thumb of approval. And here's a thumb for you, Anne.", Andrias said, giving his thumbs-up as well.
"Oh, uh... right back at ya.", Anne said while giving him a fist bump, not knowing that her hand was leaving behind blue sparkles, which made Andrias chuckle before roaring with exuberant laughter.
"Delightful!", Andrias grinned.
"What's up, Andre?", Sasha greeted, prompting him to notice her, Allison, Pat, their triplets, Grime, Percy, and Braddock, all of which were toads.
"Egads! Toads?! What are you toads doing here?", Andrias asked.
"Your Majesty, I apologize on behalf of the toads for intruding upon this kingdom, but we have an urgent matter we need to address regarding the orc attacks on Toad Tower.", Grime responded.
"Orc attacks? Oh, that reminds me. Let's get down to business, shall we? Putting a stop to 'em and getting you girls back home, safe and sound. Hmm... it may be difficult to think of a perfect way to eliminate those orcs, though not impossible, so there's that. But as for returning you all home, alas, without the music box, I'm afraid there's nothing I can do. Marcy doesn't have it, and, well, I assume you don't have it either.", Andrias responded.
"Oh! Actually, we do have the box.", Rose realized.
"What? Are you serious?", Marcy asked.
"Why, this is marvelous news! Come, come, let's see it.", Andrias grinned.
"Well, that's the thing. we don't exactly have it.", Jackie responded.
"What do you mean?", Andrias puzzled.
"Hop Pop left it with some contacts to see what they could learn about it.", Anne explained before Hop Pop chuckled nervously.
"But I do have a photo of it.", Anne responded, getting out a phone.
"Yes, yes, a photo... Let's see here.", Andrias chuckled, getting out his glasses before seeing said photo.
"Hmm, how peculiar. Marcy, didn't you say the gems were colored? Look here. They're... They're gray.", Andrias stated.
"Hey, you're right. I never actually noticed that.", Anne realized.
"Do you know what that means?", Allison asked.
"This will require further study in the deepest of our archives. Give me a few days to work with this information. At that time, we shall reconvene and set a glorious plan in motion.", Andrias suggested.
"To put the orcs in their place, right?", Grime asked.
"Uh..., yeah. Somethin' like that.", Andrias responded.
"Great! Mar Mar, what can I do to help?", Anne asked.
"Can you translate ancient Amphibian runes?", Marcy asked.
"I sure... can't!", Anne responded.
"Don't worry, dude. I got this.", Marcy assured.
"Nice! Just like group projects back home.", Anne grinned.
"Until then, my dear friends, go forth and enjoy the sights of Newtopia. We've booked you a suite at the Hemisphere Hotel, my treat. And here... pick a hand!", Andrias assured while getting out two fists with Anne getting puzzled about which one to pick before Andrias looked to his right while clearing his throat.
"This hand?", Anne asked.
"Psych!", Andrias shouted before laughing as Anne grumbled.
"But wait, what's this? The Royal Credit Card! It will grant you access to do anything in Newtopia. Be safe with this now. Wars have been waged for less.", Andrias warned as he flipped said card form out of his fingers and then gave it to Hop Pop.
"Whoa, ho, ho, ho! We get to explore Newtopia with unlimited money? This is a dream come true! Onward, family! Time to see Newtopia!", Sprig said giddily as he and the others left, although Jackie, Allison, and Max turned back around, no one else knowing that they were seeing Andrias, who sighed before seemingly speaking to himself.
"Oh, boy. This isn't good...", Andrias sighed before, unbeknownst to Jackie, Allison, and Max, the core's eye on the crown opened above Andrias.
"Okay, I know that looks bad. But how was I to know that the toads would be coming here with them? Though, I guess that would explain that crimson light mixed with the blue light at night recently. After all, that's what the ritual is for, isn't it?", Andrias asked before the core gave concerned whispers to him.
"You're right. If we aren't careful, the toads could ruin everything. But on the other hand, there could be of some use for them, yet...", Andrias assured to the core, making the trio suspicious.
Later, Sprig was quite shocked.
"What do you mean, nobody wants to see Newtopia?", Sprig asked.
"We have been through a lot lately, Sprig. We just need to relax.", Ivy responded.
"We're all very tired, so a good sleep might be what we need to get our strength back.", Grime added.
"Come on. Don't you guys want to go out and explore Newtopia?", Sprig asked.
"Not happenin'. Polly happy right here.", Polly responded.
"Anne, come on. You're with me, right?", Sprig asked.
"Sorry, dude. The only thing I want to explore is that gift basket.", Anne said before reaching for it only to fail.
"Maybe later.", Anne sighed.
"What about you guys?", Sprig asked.
"Sorry, Sprig, but no.", Jackie refused.
"We have some things to think about here.", Max responded.
"But we have the Royal Credit Card! The city's our playground.", Sprig said.
"Sprig, the city will still be there tomorrow. Probably.", Hop Pop responded.
"Tomorrow? Or... I could take the card and...", Sprig began before Hop Pop closed his book and scolded him.
"Sprig Plantar! Under no circumstances are you to take that card outside of this hotel!", Hop Pop shouted as he confiscated the card and placed it in his jacket pocket before Sprig sighed.
"I won't, Hop Pop.", Sprig sighed, disappointedly.
"Good!", Hop Pop said before snoring.
After a moment, Sprig got an idea.
"Hmm... He didn't say anything about using it inside the hotel.", Sprig said before swiping the card and walking out with it only to notice a bellhop outside.
"Huh?", Sprig puzzled.
"Four years of Newtopia University and a mountain of student debt for this?", the bellhop puzzled before then turning to see Sprig.
"Oh, hi there. Bella the bellhop, at your service. Got the rest of your bags here.", Bella greeted before then went inside the room and then carted the luggage inside and exhaling before getting her hand out.
After a moment, though, she cleared her throat.
"How about a tip?", Bella asked.
"Oh, sure! If you were to do one thing in the hotel for fun, what would it be?", Sprig asked.
"Well, I've never gone, but everyone says the view from the top of the indoor Ferris wheel will change your life.", Bella said, not knowing that the 9 triplets, who couldn't sleep, snuck out the door, eager to have some fun.
"Great. Thanks for the tip.", Sprig said before going out the door and closing said door, leaving Bella grumbling in frustration.
As Sprig went outside, however, he became quite surprised to discover Lily, Danny, Andy, Rebecca, Abby, Sarah, Jamie, Alex, and Adam outside.
"What the...?! Triplets?! What are you guys doing out here? Aren't you supposed to be sleeping?", Sprig asked.
"Sowwy, Spwig. We couldn't sweep.", Lily responded.
"We'we too excited to sweep.", Danny added.
"Could we come with you?", Andy asked.
"Pweeeeeaaaase?", the triplets pleaded cutely with big eyes.
"Hmm... Well, it would be nice to have someone come along and explore with me. All right, but I'm keeping an eye on you guys. All of you. I don't want you getting lost or hurt. Okay?", Sprig asked.
"Okay.", the triplets agreed.
Later, Sprig and the triplets went down the elevator and the former became awestruck with the hotel while the triplets themselves got excited.
"This place is amazing! Look at that fountain! And ooh!", Sprig grinned.
"That's the indoor Fewwis wheel.", Lily said.
"Wait. How did you know that?", Sprig asked.
"We wewe on touw.", Danny responded.
"Wow. Did not know that. Anyway, I'm gonna save you for later.", Sprig said, winking toward the indoor ferris wheel.
"Excuse me. Are you winking at that Ferris wheel?", the Concierge asked.
"Yes, and I'm rich, so deal with it. Ha ha!", Sprig shouted as he hopped away only to hop back upon realizing something.
"Oh. Almost forgot those little cuties.", Sprig said before picking them all up and hopping off with them.
"Very good, sir.", the concierge spoke.
Later, Sprig came out of the store with 2 strollers, 1 for 5 triplets and another for 4 more.
"Well, that should do for you cuties. For now, anyway. So, where to next?", Sprig asked before then spotting an Ant Cream Parlor.
"Oh. Who wants some Ant Cream?", Sprig grinned.
"We do!", the 9 triplets grinned before Sprig brought them there.
"One ant cream sundae and 9 dipped cones for the triplets, my good man.", Sprig requested before the bartender got out said Ant Cream Sundae and dipped cones, much to Sprig's awe and the triplets' joy.
"Whoa.", Sprig beamed.
"Napkin, sir?", the bartender asked.
"What do I look like, a slob? Besides, these cuties may need it more than I do.", Sprig responded.
"Well, in that case...", the bartender said, giving 9 napkins to the triplets (1 for each triplet).
"Now, then...", Sprig began before he then ate the whole sundae as the triplets licked their cones.
Later, Sprig was now trying on a shirt.
"Looking good!", Sprig chuckled before inadvertently tipping the mirror, causing a domino chain of stuff to break.
Of course, surprised as he and the shopkeeper were, the former got out the card, willing to pay for it.
"Hey!", Sprig and the shopkeeper said.
Later, Sprig and the triplets were getting their new hairdos.
"Nope. Nope. Yes! How are you guys doing?", Sprig grinned as first, Sprig's hair was blonde, then blue and spiky, and finally, orange and curly with 4 bowties before it showed that the 9 triplets each have different hairstyles.
Lily has yellow spiky hair while Andy had green and spiky hair, Danny had a black Widow's Peak, Sarah had blue, wavy hair with a loose strand, Rebecca had wild, crimson red hair, Abby had short blonde hair, Alex had neat orange hair, James had short black hair, and Adam had a royal blue widow's peak.
"Thank you, my good man. And now, to put on my hat.", Sprig said as he and the others left while putting on his hat, leaving the barber gasping before sobbing.
Later, they all arrived at Vose's.
"Care for some Bug-accino, sir? Made fresh daily.", the shopkeeper asked.
"Five, please! And maybe some hot cocoa with marshmallows for the kids?", Sprig requested.
"Um, I can understand the hot cocoa, but these are pretty strong.", the shopkeeper warned.
"Five, I say!", Sprig said while hopping.
After a moment, 5 cups of Bug-accino and some hot cocoa were presented.
"Wow.", Sprig said before using his tongue to get all 5 cups and gulping down the liquid contents, although not without spitting out the mugs that were now empty.
"Blah! Disgusting! But maybe Hop Pop will like it. One to go, please.", Sprig requested before he was given a cup for him and placed it in his jacket pocket.
"And she said they were strong. I don't feel a thing.", Sprig said before suddenly, time started slowing down as he saw a fly pass by him, much to his puzzlement and eventual surprise upon noticing that everything else has slowed down as well.
Then, Sprig went over to the fountain and splashed a bit of water away.
"I'm the time lord now.", Sprig spoke in a deep voice.
Then, Sprig laughed and grunted a bit crazily, leaving the triplets giggling at the sight as Sprig babbled.
"I'll have what he's having.", one of the customers said.
"Well, all that's left is to ride the Ferris wheel, and I have just the thing to pay for it.", Sprig grinned.
Unfortunately, the card slipped out of Sprig's finger as it was spinning before falling down.
"Uh, Spwig? Wook.", Lily said.
"Huh? No! The Royal Credit Card!", Sprig shouted as he saw what was missing from his hand.
"We have to get it back!", Andy urged before Sprig carted the two strollers over to the elevator.
"Come on! Come on! Come on!", Sprig urged as he pressed a button before the elevator opened up to show a couple of old people inside.
"Excuse me, youngster. Could you push the 19th floor?", the old man asked.
"Uh, sure.", Sprig responded before he pressed a button with him, the triplets, and the two elderly newts inside before it went down a floor with the elevator opening.
"Oh, shoot. Can we try the 18th?", the old newt asked.
"Yeah-huh.', Sprig said annoyedly before the door closed and the elevator started going down.
"Spwig, wook!", Abby said before Sprig looked out and saw that the car had landed on top of the chandelier lights.
"We can still twy and get it.", Sarah grinned just before the elevator door opened.
"Here we go, 18th floor.", Sprig said.
"Nope. This isn't the casino either. Looks like we'll have to go to every floor until we find the right one.", the old newt said.
"It may take hours, but what do we care? We're old and have all the time in the world.", the old woman said before she and the old newt laughed.
Unfortunately, Sprig didn't have time! He broke a window and hopped out hurriedly toward the card as the old couple and the triplets watched.
"Caweful, Spwig!", Lily shouted before he wound up slipping and falling as does the card.
"Spwig!", the triplets shouted in worry.
Meanwhile, Bella was making lunch when a concierge spoke up to her from afar.
"Five minutes left on your break, Bella.", the Concierge stated before Bella sighed.
"Is this it? Is this the rest of my life? Oh, well. If the real world's taught me anything, it's that magic is dead and miracles don't exist.", Bella said sadly before, surprisingly, the card landed right in her hand as Sprig fell and landed in the fountain.
"Oh, thank goodness. I was beginning to think I'd never get my Royal Credit Card with unlimited funds back.", Sprig sighed as he got out of the fountain.
"Did you say, 'unlimited funds'?", Bella asked in surprise.
"Sure did! Oh, you're gonna steal it, aren't you?", Sprig realized.
"Finders keepers!", Bella shouted as she took off with the card.
"Hey!", Sprig exclaimed, chasing after Bella in hot pursuit.
From there, while Bella slid past the ropes, Sprig hopped up above them.
"Oh, no, you don't!", Sprig shouted before landing on top of Bella and causing the card to slide out and land on top of one of the ferris wheel pods.
"Well, Ferris wheel. The time has come.", Sprig said as he winked to it.
"Are you winking at that Ferris wheel?", Bella asked.
"Yes, and I'm rich, so deal with it!", Sprig exclaimed before hopping away.
"Hey, get back here!", Bella shouted before chasing after him.
"Go, Spwig! Get that card back!", Andy cheered before Sprig got on one of the ferris pods outside.
"Ha ha!", Sprig spoke before blowing a raspberry.
This earned a grumble from Bella, who was no longer the sort to give up easily.
"Glad I'm a frog right about now.", Sprig sighed.
But Bella was swimming upward through the water current before then going past the pod Sprig was on.
"Hey, no fair! I'm just a frog!", Sprig shouted before chasing after her.
"Wow! Wook at them go!", Alex said in awe.
Soon, the chase came to a head and the two finally arrived at the pod where the card was on top with Sprig and Bella doing a tug-of-war over it.
"Hey! Give me that!", Bella exclaimed.
"It's mine!", Sprig shouted before the two grumbled while fighting over it.
But then, they gasped as soon as they saw a sunset over Newtopia.
"Ooh!", Sprig and Bella said at the same time.
"Ah!", the couple below spoke.
"Whoa, it's spectacular.", Sprig said in amazement.
"It's even more amazing than everyone says.", Bella said before letting go of the card and handing it back to Sprig.
"Sorry about trying to steal your card, kid. I shouldn't have. I... just... I just really need the money.", Bella sighed.
"Oh, that's okay.", Sprig assured.
But just then, the ferris wheel started moving again, tipping Bella over and causing her to fall down, much to Sprig's worry.
"Ah! I'll never get to her in time! Unless...", Sprig began before drinking his cup with his eyes widening again.
"She's in twouble!", We have to save her! Dwink up!", Lily urged before she and the triplets drank all their hot cocoa with marshmallows, causing their calamity marks (blue for Lily, Andy, and Danny, crimson red for Sarah, Abby, and Rebecca, and emerald green for Alex, Adam, and Jamie) to light up from their arms all the way up to their faces with blue, crimson red, and emerald green irises appearing with time slowing down as Bella and the card fell with two patronages exclaiming in shock while elsewhere, the couple was in the middle of an exciting marriage proposal.
From there, the triplets jumped from light to light before reaching the ground and catching up to Sprig.
"Whoa! How are you guys...?", Sprig began.
"Talk later, piwwows now!", Lily urged before she and the triplets dispersed to different rooms to help Sprig get an abundance of pillows in a short amount of time, even passing by someone taking a shower and someone sleeping, which left them surprised. It wasn't long before Bella landed on the pillows to safety as the card landed in Sprig's hand before Lily passed out in exhaustion as did the rest before sleeping comfortably.
"Whoa...! That was awesome! How did you guys do th...", Sprig began before noticing that they fell asleep.
"Huh. Must've passed out.", Sprig said.
"What the... You all saved me! Thanks, kids.", Bella said before the Concierge arrived and picked the two up to reprimand them.
"You two are in big trouble! Nobody rides the Hemisphere Ferris wheel for free!", the concierge exclaimed.
"Oh, sure. Here you go!", Sprig exclaimed before the Concierge gasped.
"My mistake, sir.", the Concierge said before tossing Sprig aside and then turning to Bella, livid.
"You, on the other hand, are fired!", the concierge shouted before Bella groaned just as Sprig turned around and knew he had to do something.
"Excuse me. Were you about to fire your best employee?", Sprig said.
"My best?", the concierge puzzled.
"This bellhop recommended the Ferris wheel, but also went above and beyond her duty by showing it to me personally. I think the Newt King, who I happen to know, would be upset if she didn't get a raise!", Sprig threatened.
"The king? Uh, yes, absolutely. Sound good, Bella?", the concierge asked.
"Yes, sir!", Bella responded with a salute.
"Thanks, kid. It's people like you that make me ever so slightly more positive about the future.", Bella thanked.
"Don't mention it! Wanna go buy, like, 500 ant sundaes? Half of those might go to the triplets once they're awake.", Sprig offered as he put the triplets in their strollers and went with Bella, who helped by carting one stroller as Sprig did another.
"If you're paying, let's make it 1,000.", Bella said.
Later, Sprig returned to the hotel room with all 9 triplets in tow, sleeping away with Sprig yawning as he is now tired.
"What a morning!", Sprig sighed before the alarm beeped, waking everyone else, including the triplets up.
"Nothing like a nap to feel rejuvenated and full of energy.", Hop Pop grinned.
"You got that right, Hopediah. Why, I feel as though I can crush 10,000 orcs with the energy I have.", Grime agreed.
"I even feel like doing a comedy routine all night!", Percy grinned.
"Whew! That was a great nap...", Sasha sighed, cracking her back with a stretch and some knuckles as well.
"You fellas wanna check out the hotel?", Sylvia asked.
"Rise and shine, Sprig! Let's go, little buddy!", Anne asked.
"Time for more crazy hijinks!", Polly cheered.
"Go away.", Sprig groaned.
"What the...? Who are you and what have you done with Sprig?", Jackie puzzled rhetorically.
"Come on, boy. I want to get my adventure on!", Felicia urged.
"Milk that credit card!", Polly urged.
"I hear there's a Ferris wheel!", Rose added.
"All right, Sprig, what happened?", Ivy asked.
"Well, it's kind of a long story.", Sprig said before Hop Pop noticed two strollers.
"Wait a minute. Where did these strollers come from?", Hop Pop puzzled.
"Like I said. A long story.", Sprig responded.
A/N: And that finally concludes the 7th chapter. There will be an 8th coming soon this week. Or the next. At least before the end of this month. :)