A/N: So everyone knows, there's been a slight change of plans. Rose, Pat, and Alexis would be 12 years old while the triplets are 5. And the very first chapter of my Amphibia story will be updated soon to help the Owl House timeline run currently well as it ended in 2023. Also, I just realized today is Amphibia's 4th Anniversary, so this will be all the more fitting! :)
Amphibia: Secrets of Newtopia
Chapter 18: The Third Temple
6 years ago, on Earth, a young Anne was busy swinging with a young Marcy while a young Jackie and Max were playing at domed monkey bars and Rose and Alexis played in the sand box.
"Look, Marmar! I'm an eagle!", young Anne grinned as she swung.
"Cool! Well, I'm a twin engine cemax amphibious aircraft!", young Marcy added, swinging, too.
But very soon, their laughter turned to screams as they were suddenly launched off the swings by two no-good teenagers.
"Oh, how cute. Now beat it. These swings are ours.", the first mean girl sneered.
Young Jackie, Young Rose, Young Max, and Young Alexis could only watch as young Anne and young Marcy started to cry and they did not like this at all.
"We have to help them!", Young Rose urged.
"Against them?", Young Jackie asked.
"But what can we do?", Young Max asked.
"If we try to get them head on, they'll just mess with us, let alone trounce us, too.", Young Alexis responded.
Just then, a voice called out.
"Not so fast, evildoers!", Young Sasha called.
"Leave those kids alone!", Young Allison added.
"Yeah, or else we'll beat you up!", Young Pat added.
"Whoa!", Young Anne, Young Marcy, Young Jackie, Young Rose, Young Max, and Young Alexis spoke in awe.
Young Sasha then slid down and leapt off with a kick only for the two jerks to dodge her, causing her to scream and land on the ground.
"Sasha!", young Allison shouted before she slid down next and charged toward them only to miss as they dodged yet again before Young Allison fell down.
"Are you okay?", Young Rose asked before Young Allison got up.
"Why wouldn't I be?", Young Allison grunted.
"We're not done yet. We'll never give up! No matter what!", Young Pat vowed.
But as soon as he slid down and screamed with a roaring charge, he suddenly tripped on his feet and fell down. But it wasn't to say the trio's unsuccessful attempts didn't have an effect on the two teens.
"This is getting weird.", the 2nd admitted.
"Yeah, we're out of here. Enjoy your swings, babies.", the first begrudgingly concurred before she and her friend got off the swings and stormed off.
Seeing this as a victory, Young Sasha got up with a laugh and dusted herself off.
"Swings are all yours.", Young Sasha grinned.
"Courtesy of the Waybrights.", Young Pat added.
"Wow, that was so cool how you slid down an charged at 'em.", Young Rose stated.
"And how you charged at them.", Young Jackie added.
"Well, all in a day's work.", young Allison said before she, Sasha, and Pat started to leave only for Anne to stop them.
"Hey, you guys wanna swing with us?", young Anne asked.
This made Sasha widen her eyes and blush slightly.
"I-I'd like that.", Sasha grinned bashfully.
"That would be nice.", Allison grinned.
"Uh, yeah! I so wanna swing with you guys!", Pat added.
"I'm Anne, by the way. Those are my sisters, Jackie and Rose. This is Marcy.", Anne introduced.
"I'm Max and this is Alexis. But I usually call her Lexy.", Max introduced.
"Hiya!", Marcy greeted.
"Nice to meet you guys, Anne, Marcy. I'm Allison. You can call me Ally, though. And this is Pat.", Allison introduced.
"'Sup.", Pat greeted.
"And I'm Sasha. Sasha Waybright!", Sasha greeted.
Then, it went back to the present where everyone, joined by Frobo, has arrived at a volcano with Frobo carried by Joe Sparrow's legs, though not without Joe Sparrow getting tired as he landed.
"And, wha-bam!", Anne shouted as she got out the Calamity Box from her backpack, the light of which shone toward the temple's entrance at the archway.
"The entrance to the third temple.", Jackie said in amazement.
"Wow... We're here already.", Rose said in awe as she and everyone else gathered near the pink, glowing entrance to the third temple.
"What's it say, Marcy? What's it say?!", Sprig urged.
"Yeah, Marcy, don't keep us in suspense.", Ivy added.
Then, Marcy noticed something very puzzling.
"Well, this can't be right. Lift to enter, 'brah?'", Marcy said.
"What? Was someone really that far ahead of their time writing that?", Sasha asked with a chuckle.
Then, the Waybrights saw what appeared to be a large, armored titan, inactive as it is, just above the glowing entrance.
"Whoa... Is that...?", Pat began.
"A Titan?", Ally added.
"Yeah. I think it is.", Sasha agreed.
Then, Frobo went to the door and lifted it up, impressing everyone.
"Wow!", everyone shouted in awe, clapping.
"Way to go, Frobo!", Hop Pop congratulated.
"Alright, let's go crush this temple!", Anne urged.
"Yeah!", everyone agreed before Marcy called to them.
"Wait a minute! We can't go in without drinking these first.", Maddie warned, getting out bottles of cooling potion for everyone.
"These should last us the whole time we're in the third temple.", Maddie stated before she and the others drank their cooling potions.
"Mmm. Moon berry.", Hop Pop grinned.
"I'll await the rest of you near the entrance.", Olivia said.
"You mean you're not going with us in this one?", Sasha asked.
"I have a feeling that this temple is extremely dangerous.", Olivia responded.
"Eh, suit yourself, Olivia. No matter how dangerous, this temple is no match for... the Great General Yunan!", Yunan exclaimed.
Then, Hop Pop turned to Frobo.
"Look after Joe Sparrow, Frobo. We'll be back soon.", Hop Pop requested before Frobo gave a thumbs-up in response.
Then, Hop Pop and the gang proceeded inside as Olivia and Frobo went over to Joe Sparrow as requested on the latter's part. But when they went to Joe Sparrow, the Titan's clawed hands started to move slightly from the rock.
Once inside, near the entrance to the first trial, the gang noticed how normal it felt for them despite how hot it actually is, especially if there's an abundance of lava.
"Whoo! It's hot in here! Or it would be if, you know, we hadn't taken those potions.", Anne admitted.
"Yeah. It just feels as warm as it was out there.", Sasha responded.
"Sounds like those cooling potions are working like a charm.", Alexis grinned.
"Those were really great, Maddie.", Marcy grinned.
"You kidding? It was Lexy who finished them.", Maddie responded.
"Yeah, but you had most of them finished before we met you and helped bring Fleafy to life.", Alexis responded.
"Actually, yeah, that's true.", Maddie admitted.
"All right, gang! There should be four challenges just like the two other temples.", Marcy grinned.
Then, they entered the first room and turned to see a box with an inscription above it.
"'Whoa, there, boss. Think you're strong enough to get across?'", Marcy read.
"I have a distinct feeling that this temple is about strength.", Anne guessed.
"No duh.", Sasha agreed.
Then, the box opened, revealing an assortment of weapons inside.
"Huh. Wonder what those are for.", Sprig pondered.
Just then, an armored, horned caterpillar emerged from the lava and screeched as Sprig gasped in shock.
"Sprig!", Anne shouted before she then grabbed one of the weapons from the box and then whacked the monster away.
"Man, this thing weighs a ton!", Anne exclaimed before noticing several other monsters jumping across the lava bridge, much to everyone's shock.
"All right, guys. It's hammer time!", Marcy urged before she got out a hammer as everyone else except Olivia and Yunan picked the hammer up as best they could, although much easier for the toads.
"Oh, yeah. I'm rocking this weapon.", Yunan smirked.
Then, everyone went forward, bashing as many armored caterpillar as they can. But as Marcy and the Plantars continued, suddenly, a large Lava-made mole emerged from the lava.
"LAVA MOLE!", the Lava Mole shouted.
The Plantars screamed as Marcy and Alexis struggled to lift their hammers.
"Guys, no!", Anne shouted.
"Mar-Mar, no!", Sasha shouted at the same time.
Marcy and the Plantars screamed before suddenly, Allison whacked the Lava Mole on the nose, making all who saw this gasp in surprise as the Lava Mole then started to whimper sadly.
"Bad! Bad Lava Mole.", Allison scolded before the Lava Mole went down and swam away.
This worried Rose, Pat, and Alexis.
"Uh, are you okay there, sis?", Pat asked.
But Allison only turned and went forward toward the gate.
Then, as concerned as Rose, Pat, and Alexis are, everyone went past the gate in order to enter through to the next room. Once there, they noticed not only a barbell, but also yet another inscription.
"'Sup, broseph. Do you even lift?'", Marcy read.
"It's not even trying anymore.", Anne commented.
"Yeah, it barely even rhymed.", Jackie agreed.
"I got this.", Sasha smirked, going toward the barbell.
"Wait, Sash? There's always some kind of catch. Let's just search the room before we try that thing.", Anne advised.
"No time!", Ally urged, surprising almost everyone.
"Wait, what?", Pat puzzled.
"That'll take too long. Besides, this temple's been pretty direct so far.", Allison responded, almost as if she's in a rush.
"Well, if you say so...", Sasha responded, almost unsure.
"No. Wait, Sasha. I really think we should-", Anne began before she lifted the barbell and the gate glowed and opened.
"Huh.", Anne said in surprise.
"Yes! Finally! This thing's gonna be over before it starts in no time! Let's get going, nerds!", Allison urged as she ran forward, which left Sasha puzzled.
"Okay, something's definitely up. My sister would never use the word, 'nerds'.", Sasha responded.
"By nerds, she means you guys.", Grime stated.
"Okay, Grimesy, I think we get that.", Sasha responded.
Then, everyone entered the room, which appeared to be vacant, save for the 3rd inscription, which glowed before Marcy read it.
"'Slow your roll, dog. Unless you wanna get lost in a mental fog.'", Marcy read.
"Mental fog? What does that mean?", Sasha asked just before the fog started to roll in beneath the gang and all around their feet.
"You had to ask.", Anne responded.
"Fog? Why, I haven't seen that since before...", Hop Pop began before gasping in horror from remembering an awful memory.
"Before I saw the herons eat Sprig's parents!", Hop Pop exclaimed.
"What?!", Anne, Sasha, Marcy, and their siblings (save for Allison) exclaimed.
Before anyone knew it, the two gigantic herons seemingly rose up from the fog, but more transparent as it screeched, towering over and traumatizing the Plantars, who screamed. As for Sasha and Pat, they recognized them, too.
"Wait a minute. Didn't we slay those things back before?", Sasha asked.
"Wait, you fought those things before?", Sprig asked.
"Yeah, before Grime recruited us into his army.", Sasha responded.
"And before he gave us this cool armory.", Pat added.
"It's true. I did.", Grime grinned.
"Whatever...! We fought those things before, we can do it again.", Allison groaned before roaring as she charged toward them.
Confused as they were about her behavior, while the Plantars remained frozen with fear, the rest of the gang charged into battle. But it proved to be more difficult, especially for the toads and Yunan, whose blades broke upon contact with the large beasts.
"Aw, come on!", Yunan exclaimed.
Even with the warhammers, let alone Anne, Sasha, Marcy, and her siblings' calamity powers, it still wasn't enough as they kept missing the two Herons, which practically pulverized everyone else while the Plantars could only watch in horror, Sprig and Polly's parents taking their place for a moment. Finally, Hop Pop has had enough.
"Frogdang it! We've already lost Sprig and Polly's parents to those things. We ain't gonna lose anyone else again! Are we, kids?", Hop Pop asked.
"No!", Sprig and Polly responded.
"Then there's only one thing to do.", Hop Pop glared.
"CHARGE!", the Plantars shouted as they hopped toward the two herons and kicked one of them back by the side.
"What? Guys?", Anne asked in surprise.
The Plantars then glared at the two Herons.
"If you think we're gonna sit here for another second...", Hop Pop began.
"While you try to take away the only family we have left...", Sprig added.
"You got another thing coming!", Polly finished.
Then, all 3 Plantars yelled out as they hopped forward and smacked the warhammers against the heron, knocking it straight toward the other heron before both disappeared and the fog lifted away, revealing a path through the cave.
"Whoa...!", almost everyone spoke in awe.
"Wow! You did it, guys!", Rose grinned.
"Yeah, you showed those herons who's boss!", Anne agreed.
"That was amazing! Although, I kinda thought you would've broken something by now...", Jackie said.
Just then, something in Hop Pop did snap, making him widen his eyes and lean forward with his back arching slightly.
"Yep, there goes my sciatica.", Hop Pop said.
"And there it is...", Jackie sighed, heading over to Hop Pop to help him up.
"What are we waiting for, guys? Let's just get the third temple done already!", Allison urged as she moved ahead and slid down.
"Okay, something's REALLY going on with her.", Sasha said.
"But what could be going on in her head?", Pat asked.
"Time will tell, fellas. Time will tell.", Hop Pop responded.
Then, everyone else caught up and found a peeved Allison pacing around the fog.
"It's that fog again...", Rose said.
"That can't be just a coincidence, right?", Max asked.
"Well, it could be worse. We might have to deal with Ichabod and Elliott.", Jackie assured.
Suddenly, two such enemies rose from the fog, accompanied by 5 mutants and 5 duplicates.
"Aw, come on!", Jackie groaned.
"No sweat. We can take 'em.", Anne smirked.
So, they proceeded to fight the enemies. As they did, Jackie activated her calamity powers and flew over to Ichabod.
"I really don't get it. I thought you retired to Newtopia with Katrina.", Jackie stated in confusion.
"Lies! As if I would ever retire! Not until you are out of the picture, Jacquelin!", Ichabod snapped.
"Wait a minute... Something doesn't seem right.", Jackie pondered.
But suddenly, before she even had time to figure out, the 5 mutants ridden by the 5 duplicates dogpiled on the gang, trapping them on the ground.
"Ahahahahahaha! Yes! Yes! The mighty Boonchuys and Plantars, humbled by 5 giant frogs!", Elliott chuckled.
But this chuckling only served to make Grime angry as he growled and his face turned red.
"Oooh, you guys are in for it now.", Sasha smirked.
Then, Grime exploded in fury, lifting one mutant off him before getting out Barrel's Warhammer and then smacking the rest with said warhammer until they, along with Ichabod and Elliott, who were on each one, vanished and the fog lifted as another pathway was revealed, Grime panting a bit from the attack.
"Whew...! Good battle.", Grime grinned.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, let's get going.", Allison urged as she, again, went ahead of everyone else.
However, they were starting to get worried for Allison as they followed her into the pathway and seemingly wound up in the same area again.
"Ally..., are you okay?", Sasha asked.
"I'M PERFECTLY FINE!", Allison shouted.
Then, she gasped, realizing how loud she was, and covered her mouth before clearing her throat.
"I'm perfectly fine.", Allison responded calmly.
But neither Sasha nor Pat were convinced.
"Really? 'Cause right now, you kinda look like you're in a rush.", Sasha responded.
"Not to mention the time you rushed us without stopping to see if we're okay.", Pat added.
"This is just too important. For all we know, Azog, Bolg, Zog, or maybe even Norok would be out there, hurting those poor frogs!", Allison responded.
"Wait, how'd you guys know Zog and Norok?", Anne asked in surprise.
"Bombina and I have been keeping tabs on every orc we fight before Sasha and her family joined us.", Grime responded.
"Still, don't you think we should slow down and think ahead on some of these things?", Bombina asked, not knowing that Azog, Bolg, Zog, and Norok were emerging from the fog; but Pat noticed as he gasped.
"Slow down?! Think ahead?! What's the matter with you guys?! You want me to let them win?!", Allison exclaimed.
"No, that's not it, Ally.", Sasha responded.
"Uh, we got a problem!", Pat shouted, pointing to the orcs, who Sasha and the rest of the group noticed the 4 orcs, who were snickering.
"What the...? How are those guys even here?", Sasha puzzled.
"I think they're here to take the stone!", Marcy guessed.
"But why come after us, then? This doesn't make any sense.", Anne asked.
"Well, let's not give them the chance to take the stone. Azog's mine!", Allison said before charging after Azog.
"Ally, wait!", Sasha urged.
But it was to no avail and Sasha groaned in frustration before she drew her sword.
"I guess we'll just take care of those 3, then.", Sasha sighed.
"Well, that doesn't sound so bad.", Rose grinned.
"Yeah. We can take 'em.", Jackie agreed.
Then, they roared and took off toward the 3 orcs, who roared as they charged toward them. When they fought, they did so surprisingly well against the gang with Zog's necromantic spells against the Boonchuys, Norok's mastery with the sword against the frogs (and Yunan), and Bolg's hammering skills against the toads.
"Okay, what the heck?!", Anne exclaimed.
"I know! How are they overpowering us?!", Jackie concurred.
"They must've figured out a way to work together! They aren't usually that cooperative in rank.", Grime guessed.
"Well, they picked a really bad time to do this!", Max responded.
Meanwhile, Allison and Azog were clashing blades with one another, dodging Azog's hammer, albeit barely. In spite of this, though, Allison was on par with, if not faring better than Azog, who simply chuckled.
"Tell me, Azog...! How many innocent people have you hurt?! Bent under your will?! How many people begged you for mercy before you ended them?! How many?!", Allison shouted angrily.
Before the exchange could go on, she suddenly heard screams from the others and turned to see the gang being overpowered by the 3 orcs. It didn't matter how much power Anne and the others had in numbers. They were still being manhandled by the 3 orcs' respective strengths, much to Allison's shock and worry.
"Guys...!", Allison said in worry before she turned back to Azog, who still smirked at her.
"I'll deal with you later.", Jackie glared before she withdrew from her clash and charged toward the 3 orcs.
Meanwhile, Bolg raised his hammer, ready to strike.
"We do not fear death.", Grime spoke.
Suddenly, a blade cut right through Bolg, who, after a moment, poofed into fog, which dropped down into the ground, saving the toads.
"Ally!", Sasha and Pat shouted in relief.
"You guys okay?", Allison asked.
"Barely...", Sasha sighed.
"He nearly pulverized us!", Pat added with a snap.
"Still, we're glad you came back to help when you did after taking down Azog.", Bombina grinned.
"Actually, about that, I didn't... But I heard you guys scream. I couldn't just leave you guys hanging.", Allison explained.
Despite this, Sasha grinned.
"There's the Ally we know and love.", Sasha grinned.
"Yeah. I'm back. Let's go help the others. They might be in trouble.", Ally urged before Sasha, Pat, Grime, and Bombina nodded.
As a matter of fact, they were having trouble. Zog was casting a spell on Anne, Jackie, and Rose, starting to take their souls.
"Anne! Jackie! Rose! Go for a hopping kick in the gut!", Allison urged.
Seeing Ally shouting advice to Anne and the other frogs was enough to make her grin as she saw this as a sign that Ally is being herself again.
"All right, guys. You heard her. On 3!", Anne grinned before the boonchuys nodded.
"1...", Rose began.
"2...", Jackie added.
"3!", Anne finished before the trio managed to deliver a kick to Zog, causing the spell to backfire and release the rest of their souls back into their bodies.
The kick was so powerful that he crashed onto the wall and poofed into fog.
"Phew! That was close... Thanks, Ally.", Anne thanked.
"You're welcome.", Ally grinned.
As for the Plantars and Sundews and Yunan, Yunan was clashing with Norok to keep him away from the frogs. Unfortunately, she was having too much fun.
"You can't beat me, Norok! For I am General Yunan, Scourge of the Sand Wars, Defeater of Ra...", Yunan began.
"Stop gloating, Yunan! You'll leave yourself open!", Allison urged.
Sure enough, Norok was about to strike her as she did indeed leave herself open. But thanks to Allison's warning, Yunan was able to parry and slash downward with her claws. When she did, the orc turned into smoke and poofed away like a fog.
"Phew. Thanks for the heads-up, Ally. He could've had me while I was making an introduction. Still, he would've been no tougher than Ra...", Yunan began.
Little did she know that as she spoke, the fog showed no signs of lifting. But Jackie noticed and as Yunan was speaking, she looked as though a theory dawned on her before she interrupted Yunan.
"Stop! Don't say that name! I don't exactly know why yet but, just... don't say a word!", Jackie shouted.
"Well, that was a bit rude, but all right.", Yunan said.
After a moment, the fog finally lifted, revealing, this time, a gate, which glowed pink and opened.
"Looks like we made it through the 3rd trial.", Sasha said.
"But what was that fog about?", Sasha puzzled.
"I wasn't sure back then, but now I know. It had the power to make illusions of our past enemies if we mention their names.", Jackie responded.
"So, if we say their names, they just show up out of nowhere and attack us? Sounds like a great training course. Or rather, it would be if we aren't in a hurry to charge the stone.", Grime responded.
"Yeah. That's just too bad... Still, I guess that trial was teaching me to slow down, ease up, and know when a battle gets unwinnable; trying to show me I had the strength to know when to stop fighting, save my energy, and think of others first. I guess I lost sight of that after seeing what happened to your triplets, Marcy. I was just so panicked about the possibility of is happening to them that I just couldn't stand it anymore.", Allison explained.
Hearing this, the group felt bad and hugged her.
"Aw.", Polly spoke.
"It's okay, dude.", Anne grinned.
"Yeah, we totally get it. We know what it's like to want to keep everyone safe.", Sasha agreed.
"Thanks. So, through the gate?", Allison asked.
"Through the gate.", everyone else responded.
So, everyone crossed through the gate and entered into what appeared to be the center of the volcano with which rain fell from the clouds above.
"All right, this should be the final room.", Marcy spoke before the gate behind them closed.
When it did, what should give a booming laugh but a big voice?
"Congratulations, bros! I didn't think you made it this far! Now, I get to really cut loose and have some fun! After all...", the voice began before suddenly, the final titan landed on the big ring.
It was quite a giant as it brandished a shield in its arm and held what appeared to be a hilt on the right side of its face. It even had four wheels attached to its body as if for greater mobility along the terrain.
"You've definitely got skill, no doubt. But it's time you learn what strength is all about.", the voice continued.
"Another Titan?!", Max exclaimed.
"Yeah. And not just any Titan, if there even are any. It's the Titan of the Third Temple.", Alexis responded as the Wu triplets looked in awe.
"The Titan of the Third Temple? Wow! I'd bet Olivia would've went nuts for that one.", Yunan spoke in pride.
"Yep. And guess who's piloting it? One of Valeriana's daughters, boi! My name's Vi. But we can get to the rest of the introductions later. That is, if you can beat me!", Vi spoke.
"Stay back, everyone. I got this.", Sasha grinned.
"Oh, that's a good challenge.", Vi smirked.
However, as soon as the Titan's one good eye flashed pink, Vi started spinning around on the ground, summoning tectonic spikes as she spun. Soon after, they rippled across the ground, not only creating an earthquake, but also causing the gravitational field on the ring to increase, making the gang drop to their hands and knees while causing most of the Wu's to lose their balance and only Marcy lost her balance completely.
"Whoa!", Marcy shouted before landing on the ground, earning Vi's boastful laughter, peeving Marcy.
"Come on! Again?!", Marcy groaned.
"Great grasshopper guts! It's like an elephant tick is standing on my back!", Grime grunted.
"That Titan has somehow increased the room's gravitational force.", Marcy guessed.
"I-I can't get up.", Sprig grunted.
"Yeah... Me neither...", Ivy grunted.
"It's so... heavy...!", Maddie added.
"Come on! How could it be too heavy for me! I'm General Yunan!", Yunan grunted in frustration.
"Just sit tight. We'll handle this.", Anne assured.
"You go, girls.", Polly cheered as Anne, Sasha, Marcy, and their siblings all went forward as best they could toward the Titan.
"Time to knock down some pins, bro. I was hoping for a strike, but I'll take a spare.", Vi spoke as the Titan then grabbed chunks off the ground and rolled them like bowling balls.
Anne, Sasha, and their siblings barely dodged, especially Max and Alexis. Unfortunately, Marcy was frozen in fear as she whimpered while her siblings gasped in worry.
"Look out!", Max and Alexis shouted.
Fortunately, they and Sasha were able to push Marcy out of the way before she could get hit.
"Thanks, guys.", Marcy thanked.
"No problem.", Sasha assured.
As Sasha got up, however, when Marcy tried to get up, too, she and her siblings wound up unable to do so.
"The gravity's too much.", Marcy grunted.
"We can't move.", Alexis grunted.
"Yeah..., you kinda have to go the rest of the way without us!", Max grunted.
"Don't worry, guys. Leave this to us.", Allison assured before she, her siblings, Anne, Jackie, and Rose stepped forward toward the Titan.
"Ha ha ha! Seriously? You brought those weak little nerds with you? Do they even lift bro?", Vi teased.
"HEY! Don't talk about my friends that way.", Sasha glared.
"Who would've thought? Us working together this far after everything that's happened?", Anne stated.
"Yeah, unbelievable.", Sasha agreed.
"That's saying something since before we wound up in Amphibia, back home, you've been pushing me around my whole life.", Anne stated, making Sasha feel downtrodden.
"I know.", Sasha sighed, leaving Anne surprised as her eyes widened.
"But ever since we saw you and got to Toad Tower with you, you've actually gotten better.", Jackie grinned.
"Yeah. You're a really good friend.", Rose agreed.
"And outside of the obvious, Sash, maybe it changed us for the better, too.", Allison grinned.
"Yeah. Who knew we'd love a place like that?", Pat agreed, making Sasha grin with tears forming in her eyes.
At that moment, though, Vi spoke up.
"Uh, okay, dudes. I really don't mean to put a damper on this touching moment, but... BOOORRIIIIIING!", Vi boomed before she lurched her clawed hand toward the ring.
This, in turn, caused the gravitational force to get stronger and pull the Boonchuys and the Waybrights harder to the ground.
"It feels like my lungs are going to explode.", Anne grunted.
"Mine..., too!", Jackie exclaimed.
"Mine, three...!", Rose added.
"You kidding? I feel like I've been flattened...!", Pat grunted.
"How can we... overcome that?!", Allison grunted.
"It's over. We can't do this.", Sasha groaned.
"Aw, what? Boo! Come on! I thought you'd be stronger than that, but I guess not... Well, time to smash you all then.", Vi groaned before picking off a stalactite from the upper wall.
"You're right. We can't. But you three can.", Anne assured.
"Yeah. We believe in you.", Jackie concurred.
"We all do.", Rose agreed.
"You what...?", Allison asked.
"Are you seriously missing the part where we get flattened?", Pat asked.
"What? How can you believe in me after I was such a jerk to you?", Sasha asked.
"That was then, Sasha. This is now.", Rose responded.
"Did you seriously forget that talk we had back in the Olm cave near Quarreler's Pass?", Jackie asked teasingly, making her gasp in surprise.
"Besides, you weren't just a jerk, you also inspired us. You're fierce, you're brave, and most of all, you three never give up.", Anne grinned, barely able to even give a thumbs up before her hand fell to the heavy ground.
Sasha, Allison, and Pat gasped again, remembering when Pat said something similar when she and her siblings were little.
"We're not done yet. We'll never give up! No matter what!", Young Pat vowed.
And just like that, something snapped inside Sasha, Allison, and Pat as if giving way to a burning flame. This left the Titan puzzled.
"Okay, what the frog?", Vi puzzled.
"You're right!", Sasha grunted before she, Allison, and Pat groaned as they started getting up, the pink hexagon symbols glowing brightly before then traveling upward over their respective arms.
"We can't give up!", Allison started.
"We WON'T give up!", Pat added.
"Not today, not EVER!", Sasha finished as her hair as well as Allison and Pat's turned pink and flaming all while their eyes glowed pink.
"Let's see if you can still say that after THIS!", Vi shouted, swinging down her stalactite club before... CLANG!
Much to the Titan's surprise, as well as everyone else's, Sasha, Allison, and Pat were not only holding back the club, but were also doing so without their armor, which now rested on the ground, explaining the clanging sound. Anne, Marcy, Jackie, Rose, Max, Alexis, Grime, Bombina, Yunan, Maddie, and the Plantars and Sundews gasped in awe.
"Hey, Vi!", Allison began with a smirked, lifting the club up.
Play Sonic Frontiers Music: "Find Your Flame (feat. Kellin Quinn & Tyler Smyth)"
"Loved your workout!", Allison finished, still smirking before then bashing the club toward Vi with a kick, shedding her armored shoes off and knocking her back with Pat doing his own kick on Vi by the back, knocking his shoes off in the process, too, with Sasha raining down kicks of her own upon Vi, forgoing her armored shoes as well and knocking her to the floor.
"Whoa.", Anne, Sasha, Jackie, Rose, Allison, and Pat spoke in unison as everyone else watched.
We won't back down
We won't (yeah, yo)
"How heavy was that armor?", Sprig puzzled.
Then, the Waybrights hovered together in the air as Vi recovered from the surprise assault, chuckling excitedly.
"There it is! There's the kind of power I was looking for!", Vi chuckled excitedly.
"We're glad you're amused.", Sasha smirked, cracking her knuckles.
I'm here to go beyond my limit, not to compromise
And you can tell me if I mean it looking in my eyes
'Cause I've been waiting for my moment to strike
So come close, let me show you what it's like, yeah
By then, Vi was now almost finished in recovering.
"Finally...! A good excuse to get serious with you...!", Vi smirked before the Titan drew its sword from on the right side of its face.
At first, it seemed wobbly, but once drawn, the sword hardened into a fine, straight blade, especially when made of obsidian.
"Okay, on one hand, ew. But on the other hand, you rock that sword, girl!", Sasha complimented.
"Thanks.", Vi responded before she started moving around very quickly.
You can try to stand in my path but you're gonna regret it
I'll be the one who laughs last while I'm making my exit
'Cause this is only for the strong of heart, nod if you get it
And no matter what the outcome, you better accept it
After a moment, she jumped up and prepared to strike only for Sasha to counter the attack and go on the offensive. But when she did, she wound up hitting the shield instead.
"What the...?", Sasha puzzled.
With that, she tried to break through it, but it didn't do any good. Instead, she got blown back.
"Sasha!", Allison and Pat shouted before flying over to her.
I can cut right through steel, I can bury the pain
So don't doubt for a second; just get out of my way
You cheat and you steal, I'm not lеtting it go
So take this as a lesson, 'cause it's all that we know
As they did, they then turned to see Vi moving her right arm.
"Ohoho, no, you don't!", Ingenii spoke before stretching her right arm out, her shield brandished onto it.
In no time, the shield sprouted 8 blades like a buzzsaw and started to spin around.
"Catch!", Vi shouted before she tossed the shield at the Waybrights.
Despite the incoming shield, they were undeterred. Instead, they growled and all countered the shield, knocking it back before taking a ride on top of the shield.
Will the whole world know your name
When we dance with destiny?
"Not bad, but can you make it past this?!", Vi shouted.
As the Waybright trio rode on the shield, Vi started preparing to fire missiles in response. For a time, it seemed to work and as it was headed for Vi, she blocked it and blew it back with her sword.
"Ha! Rejected!", Vi scoffed.
I've been there, and I've seen it
I'm never gonna stop believing
You'll find your flame
"Whoa! We have to get past the missiles and get to that Titan fast!", Allison urged before Sasha then saw the way the missiles were launched toward her, or more accurately, the shield, and smirked.
Oh, we can save the day (the day!)
"Maybe we don't have to.", Sasha sneered before Sasha helped maneuver the shield as best they can to use the missiles as a way to take Vi by surprise.
And they did, for this time, when the shield headed for Vi, she got hit and shredded by the shield, knocking her back and making Anne and the group cheer.
We won't back down
We won't (yeah, alright)
Of course, Vi wasn't done yet as she got up and chuckled.
"You guys are making a majorly huge mistake. All you're doing now is getting me fired up!", Vi shouted excitedly.
Then, the guardian roared at the same time the Titan roared as well, almost as if in unison right before 6 rods went up, 3 on each shoulder, charged up pink energy, and fired multiple rounds of green energy like fireworks, amazing the audience below.
"Ooh...!', the group spoke before the guardian's laser blasts ceased.
It's like I'm seeing double vision. Take a seat; I'm on a mission
We got everything to gain (everything to gain, yeah)
To become everything you're not, you just give it all you got
And take the pleasure with the pain, yeah
I can feel my fire awaken; no time for being complacent
There's a dream on the horizon, you know we gotta chase it
And when we get to where we're going, then we start the invasion
Best me? Nah, you must be mistaken (hey)
"You guys are really making this fun for me, you know that?! I knew you three were stronger!", Vi smirked.
"Was there ever any doubt?", Pat responded.
Energized by the brawl, Vi prepared to toss her shield again as it spun with serated spikes like before. This time, however, when she tossed the shield, it only hit the wall of the crater and bounced off in a different direction with Ingenii moving around. At that point, the trio noticed something in the shield's constant movement that'd help them out, adding to the fact of how the Titan is often moving around across the terrain before all three nodded to each other with grins.
You know I'll turn you into rust, grind you right down to dust
You thought you were the best; well, you haven't met us
I'll bring the fire and rain, call me the hurricane
I'm not letting it go, 'cause it's all that I know
Will the whole world know your name
When we dance with destiny?
"Probably not the best idea to leave that shield bouncing around when we can do this.", Sasha smirked before she, Allison, and Pat vanished.
Then, much to Vi's surprise, they suddenly caught the shield after reappearing in its path.
"Okay, everyone. Ready... Aim... Fire!", Sasha shouted before she and her brother and sister kicked the shield toward the Titan, damaging her.
"Okay, ow! That one actually hurt!", Vi groaned.
"Don't like it? Then, you're really gonna hate this!", Sasha retorted before she quickly left a crimson trail of light around Vi and lifted Vi up via a crimson beacon of light hoisting her up.
"Whoa...!", Vi shouted.
This gave Sasha and her siblings the opportunity to charge in and attack Vi in the face. It was only after Sasha delivered a zipline kick that sent the Titan down to the ground that it got back up and prepared to retaliate.
"OH, YOU'RE ASKING FOR IT!", Vi shouted before swinging her sword only to miss the Waybrights.
From there, Pat hit her 4 legs rapidly before she toppled to the floor with Allison landing a blow on Vi so mighty it sent her flying into the air before Sasha flew up toward the Titan and got on top of her before sending a kick down toward the Guardian, making her crash down to the ground before recovering.
I've been there, and I've seen it
I'm never gonna stop believing
You'll find your flame
Now here we go, it's the end of the show
Hear them? They're calling your name
'Cause in the end, it's you and your friends
You'll find your flame (go!)
"All right, that tears it!", Vi growled as she drew her sword before clenching her grip on the sword tightly, making the sword stretch out longer before raising her sword.
When the guardian lowered it, Sasha managed to catch the blade with her hands.
"Gotcha!", Sasha smirked before the Guardian only lifted her sword with Sasha holding it.
"Whoa!", she shouted before Vi then jumped, landed, spun around, and swung the sword on the wall in an attempt to crush her.
Of course, Sasha was not willing to let herself get crushed again, let alone literally.
"You think that will stop me?!", Sasha shouted before then pushing it off her and then kicking the sword back in a way that made Vi spin around before she stopped.
"CHARGE!", Allison shouted before she, Sasha, and Pat all flew around the Titan, who tried to strike them, but failed as she missed with the sword and her hand.
Sasha let out a battle cry as she struck Vi in the face, making her lose the sword as it flew right off from the impact and was suddenly caught in mid-air by Sasha.
"The Great Warrior Sasha turned the mighty sword loose on its owner.", Marcy spoke in wonder.
"Strike 'er down, Sash!", Yunan cheered.
"And with a mighty blow from above, she strikes her enemy down with one blow!", Sasha finished.
"Get croaked!", Sasha yelled as she raised the sword and lowered it just right onto Vi, not only striking the Titan, but also cleaving her in two.
The results became clear as a gash severing the two lit up with the Titan turning to Sasha, Allison, and Pat and giving a thumbs-up.
"Not bad, kid. Not bad.", Vi grinned, much to the Waybrights' surprise before the Titan succumbed to its cleave, became enveloped in a big red sphere, which shrunk and then exploded, much to everyone's astonishment.
"Wow...", Sasha spoke in awe before dropping her calamity powers while returning to normal as well as Allison and Pat with the gravity being returned to normal as well.
Now here we go, it's the end of the show
Hear them? They're calling your name
'Cause in the end, it's you and your friends
You'll find your flame
End Sonic Frontiers Music: "Find Your Flame (feat. Kellin Quinn & Tyler Smyth)"
"The gravity's back to normal! You did it, Sash!", Marcy spoke excitedly as she and the others caught up while a stone-charging station appeared at the center.
"No, Mar-mar. My brother and sister? We did it.", Sasha responded.
"Yeah, you did. You gave me an even better fight than I thought. That's the most fun I've had in years! In other words, Congrats, brah. You finally know what it takes to go the distance. For what is true strength without persistence?", Vi agreed, shown to be a younger newt similar to Valeriana, but in a molten purple color.
"Well, that came out corny, but thanks. Also, whoa! Is that how you actually look? Because you're rocking that look. Get it?", Sasha asked.
"Yeah, don't ruin the moment, please.", Vi asked with an unimpressed glance.
"Oh. Sorry.", Sasha apologized.
"But your Titan. Can it even be fixed?", Allison asked.
"Oh, yeah, sure. That's not a problem, brah. But first, you guys came here to charge the stone, right?", Vi asked.
"Oh, yeah. We did.", Pat remembered.
"Here, go ahead.", Anne grinned, giving the inert gem to Sasha, who then put the stone in the slot.
Suddenly, pink light erupted from the gem, making Sasha and her siblings gasped.
Play John Murphy Music: "The High Evolutionary" (0:00/3:01)
Then, the trio were beset with visions of Melkor and Andrias. First off, it showed Andrias laughing proudly, his shadow looming over a shocked group of frogs, toads, and newts, as well as witches and demons, five of which were furry and had horns on their heads. Then, it showed Melkor roaring in pride at Castle Newtopia right before it showed a sort of laser blade piercing right through someone. After that, it then showed tubes being attached to Anne, Sasha, and Marcy's arms and legs.
"What...? What is this? Huh?", Marcy spoke in fear before she and her friends each looked up and saw an antlered helmet above Marcy and two masks (one for Anne and one for Sasha), lowering over their heads.
"This is the Genesis of our conquest. And where you three will be reborn.", Melkor replied as the trio groaned and strained, desperately trying to avoid the helmets but to no avail, helpless to do anything but shake their heads.
"Marcy!", Olivia exclaimed.
"No!", Yunan shouted.
Then, it showed Luz in a shadow form on the wall and a seemingly lifeless, puppefied Amity on the ground near Luz.
"Anne!", Luz exclaimed.
"Sasha!", Amity added in fear, though only in thought-speak as her mouth did not move.
King Andrias, however, only turned away with no reaction. The helmets then attached to Anne, Sasha, and Marcy's heads.
"You... serve... ME!", Melkor spoke as his clawed hand manifested flames before he then thrusted it toward a sort of panel to activate some kind of procedure.
Very quickly, they writhed in agony as something began to take over and then screamed as they were blasted with fiery red light while Binary code seeped up the tubes into their bodies. After that, Anne, Sasha, and Marcy's bodies jerked upright as crunching sounds were heard. Once they were straight, the Core's eyes opened on their helmets.
"Why, hello there.", the trio spoke at the same time before the view faded to black around the Core's eyes, the center of which showed a silhouette of Melkor standing in front of the flaming ball, which scared Sasha into yelling, taking the stone away from the station, and panting, surprising everyone as Sasha's eyes were now half black, half pink.
Stop John Murphy Music: "The High Evolutionary" (0:42/3:01)
"Whoa, dude. Are you okay?", Vi asked.
After a moment, Sasha stopped panting as the pink glow faded and realized what happened.
"Oh. Sorry about that. Just got spooked there. But it looks like it's charged just about enough.", Sasha sighed.
"Want to do the honors?", Anne asked before Sasha placed the gem back on the box.
"I guess that's that. Should we open it?", Anne asked.
But then, Marcy butted in.
"No! No! No! If we turn that thing on, who knows where we'll end up? And that's not the worst part. After what we saw while charging the stones, I'm not so sure Andrias can be trusted with it. There may be a good chance he's involved with the chaos somehow. Besides, Alexis probably knows how to work the box now. And with the orcs still out there, we need to make sure everyone is safe before we head back home. You know, as a thank-you to them for always looking out for us no matter where we all ended up.", Marcy grinned.
"Of course! Trust Marcy to already have a plan!", Sasha grinned as she handed the box back to Anne.
"Look at this! The gang finally back together again! Now, come on. Let's get back to Wartwood.", Marcy grinned as she hugged the trio.
"Agreed.", the gang nodded.
"And not a moment too soon. The cooling potions could wear off at any minute.", Maddie stated.
Then, everyone started to leave before Vi called out to them.
"Hey! Don't be strangers! You hear me, brah?!", Vi shouted.
"Yeah, Vi! I feel you!", Sasha responded as she left.
Moments later, they finally got out of the Third Temple.
"Finally!", Sprig grinned.
"Sweet relief...!", Ivy sighed.
"Take me to my bucket.", Polly sighed.
"Thanks for all of that stuff back there. Believing in me and junk.", Sasha thanked.
"Oh, hey. No biggie. Sasha, do you think maybe when we get home, we could start over? Do things right this time?", Anne asked.
This made Sasha widen her eyes and blush.
"I- I'd like that.", Sasha grinned.
"Just like 6 years ago back home, huh?", Allison grinned.
"Yeah. Deja Vu.", Pat agreed before Anne cleared her throat.
"Well, I'm gonna walk away before things get more awkward.", Anne said, walking away as Sasha laughed.
"Not possible.", Sasha grinned.
But then, Grime spoke up from behind.
"All right, you three. Out with it. What did you see from charging the final stone?", Grime asked.
"What makes you ask?", the trio asked.
"Sasha, in the past few months I've known you and your siblings and in the brief few weeks that we've worked with Andrias, you have never been more sure about doing this until just a moment ago. So, what did you see?", Grime puzzled.
After a moment, Sasha sighed and came clean.
"We saw Andrias, but he was with Melkor this whole time. We fought, but we were no match for him and lost. Then we saw something we've never seen before and it takes over us. And then, we become something else; something... evil.", Sasha said with genuine worry and fear.
After a moment, which left Grime understandably concerned, he gave a reassuring look as he spoke further.
"Well..., whatever happens, we'll be ready for it. Right, Lieutenant?", Grime asked with confidence and valor in his voice before giving a salute.
"Right…, Captain.", Sasha said before saluting.
Resume John Murphy Music: "The High Evolutionary" (0:42/3:01)
Meanwhile, at the castle, at night, Andrias walked out from the basement back up the stairs as the secret passage closed behind him before black mist formed beside Andrias and ignited into a flaming being. The two then went over to the communication monitor and contacted Nechros, a message finally opening up for him as it showed his face in the monitor.
"What's good, Nechros?", Andrias asked cooly.
"Well, you sound like you're in a good mood...", Nechros responded.
"You bet I do. The box is fully charged!", Andrias grinned.
"The final preparations of the Day of Unity are complete. When the spell takes hold, it will affect not only those with Coven Sigils, but also those with Bile Sacs.", Nechros added, making Melkor grin.
"Everything has fallen into place. Soon, no one on this or any other world will stand against our power.", Melkor grinned.
"I should hope not, Melkor. The Day of Unity is about to begin.", Nechros smirked as his eyes glowed red.
Stop John Murphy Music: "The High Evolutionary" (1:25/3:01)
A/N: Oh, no! This is terrible! Not only do we see terrible visions of what's to come, but we also see that Melkor and Andrias are set to begin their ultimatum! Still, pretty cool song for the third temple battle, huh? Regardless, can our heroes be truly prepared for what's to come?! We'll only begin to know soon when Chapter 19 of "The Owl House: Coven of Rings and Darkness" comes next week. But for now, some chapters need to be updated tomorrow to help things pan out the way they should.