A/N: Well, good news, I'm still alive. I now have an appreciation for airplane rides. And even more good news. With this chapter, I am now 2 chapters away from finishing the two stories before I can focus on others as well. Also, I added in a song you might be surprised with once you give it a listen or two eventually. :)

Amphibia: Secrets of Newtopia

Chapter 20: Battle of the Bands

One night, Andrias and Melkor spoke with Nechros, neither one knowing that Aruman and Malthael were spying on them.

"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.

"Ooh, I can't wait for that. Andrias out.", Andrias spoke with a cute wink and a deeply look before the call ended.

Unfortunately, at the same time, Malthael stepped in a bad spot, causing a few small pebbles to fall near Andrias and Melkor, and they looked up at them, spotting Aruman and Malthael in the process.

"Wha?", Andrias spoke, surprised.

"Run.", Aruman and Malthael spoke in unison before they took off.

"INTRUDERS! Don't let them escape!", Andrias urged.

In no time, 9 wraith-like demons spawned and gave chase toward them with a screeching hiss!

The next day, the citizens of Wartwood were gathered in front of a stage. Sasha had a bit of a nervous look as she and the roads sat in the fountain and then, she heard Marcy call to her just as she, Anne, and the others arrived.

"Hey, Sash.", Marcy greeted.

"Hey.", Sasha responded.

"Is something wrong, Sash? 'Cause I've been getting kind of a vibe over here.", Marcy asked.

"Well…, it's just that I don't feel ready to say goodbye to these guys just yet.", Sasha responded.

"Come on. We still have some time before we do that. Besides, I thought you wanted to go back home.", Marcy pressed.

"I do. But are we really sure this world would be safe? Even if we get rid of the orcs, something even worse could show up. And the vision I had doesn't help, either.", Sasha responded before gasping, realizing what just came out of her mouth.

"No. Way. You too?!", Marcy exclaimed.

"Wait. You had a vision, too?!", Sasha responded in surprise.

"I thought I was the only one!", Anne responded.

"Anne?! You, too?!", Marcy and Sasha shouted.

Then, Allison, surprised as she is, spoke to Sasha.

"Sash… they deserve to know.", Allison urged.

Then, Sasha sighed in defeat.

"You're right.", Sasha said.

"Well, since we all know. I think it's best if I share my vision first. When we were charging the stone of wit, my siblings and I saw the box. But it wasn't just that. We saw Luz, too. Only she didn't seem like herself. And the next thing we knew, we saw some gigantic demon with horns and every witch panicking amongst shooting stars.", Marcy explained.

"Wow… Well, my vision was kinda like yours. Except that after the demon thing, we saw someone getting stabbed and then souped up in some kind of armor with helmets and a mask.", Anne responded.

"Mine's even worse. It turns out that those people getting souped up in those masks and helmet… were us.", Sasha responded, making Anne and Marcy gasp.

"Really?", Anne and Marcy asked.

"Yeah, and that's not the worst of it. After they were put on us, it's almost like we got possessed. By something else. And Andrias was involved.", Sasha explained.

"Wait, he was there?", Marcy asked, stunned.

"Yeah. And I don't think he did anything to help.", Sasha responded.

They were already on edge as it is, but hearing this was a shocker for them. Nevertheless, Marcy spoke up first.

"Yeah, it's probably best not to think about things like that.", Marcy said, nervously.

At that moment, Mayor Toadstool spoke up.

"Simmer down, everyone. Simmer down. Ahem. Now I know we've all been a little on edge since the orcs invaded Wartwood. We could all use some levity. So let's consult the Wheel of Fun.", Toadstool announced, pulling off the cloth to unveil said wheel of fun with everyone cheering.

"Oh, my frog. It's the wheel of fun.", a random citizen spoke excitedly.

Then, Toadstool spun the Wheel of Fun.

"Come on, Massage Train.", Soggy Joe spoke gleefully in hope.

But then, the Wheel of Fun landed on Battle of the Bands.

"Aw.", Soggy Joe groaned.

"All right, everyone. Get your teams together and start rehearsing. Wartwood is having a Battle of the Bands.", Toadstool spoke before everyone else left and started doing so.

"You guys think Wartwood is ready for a 'Sasha and the Sharps' reunion?", Anne asked.

"The what and the who?", Sprig puzzled.

"What is it?", Ivy asked.

"It was a garage band the three of us had back home.", Marcy explained.

"We used to slay at talent shows.", Sasha added as fire built up behind her in the background, only earning Jackie's raspberry as she glanced away in response.

"Why is everything you say so aggro?", Hop Pop asked.

"Yeah, that band wasn't really my favorite part of every time you hung out with us, Sash.", Jackie stated.

Then, Wally called out, carrying Loggle, who was holding a jug and blowing in it.

"Hopidiah, Sprig, wanna join me and Loggle's jug band?", Wally asked.

"You kidding?", Hop Pop asked excitedly.

"Do we ever!", Sprig responded.

"Guess I'll be joining my family for our act. See you at the Battle of the Bands, Sprig.", Ivy waved, leaving.

"See you then.", Sprig waved back.

"Come on, ladies. We can practice in my room.", Anne said.

"You can do that if you want, but I will have no part of this.", Jackie stated.

"Eh, suit yourself.", Anne said before she and the others left, leaving just Jackie, Sasha, her siblings and the toads.

"Hey Grime-sy. I'm gonna go rehearse with the girls. You three all right going together?", Sasha asked.

Then, all of a sudden, it zoomed in on Grime as the background went black.

"Oh, yes. All shall tremble at my performance.", Grime replied.

Then, Grime skipped away happy and giggled.

"I promise, it'll touch your hearts.", Percy stated before he and Braddock left.

"All right sir, I'm ready for rehearsal.", Toadie assured.

"Are you kidding me, Toadie? I just bought myself a 12-hour nap. Why don't you accompany me? You are judging later tonight, too, ya'know.", Toadstool responded as he left.

"Can do, sir.", Toadie agreed.

Back at the Planters house, Anne, Marcy, and Sasha were practicing in Anne's room while their siblings played with the triplets in the living room so they don't get in the way.

"What you got there, Sash?", Anne asked.

"A dope axe-beetle from Toad Tower. Check this out.", Sasha grinned.

Sasha pulled out a pink wishbone-shaped gem, inserted it into a slot in the axe-beetle, and strummed it, sending out a wave of pink energy. Marcy started playing on the drums, and Anne started playing her guitar. Soon, they all started playing "rock music" together. Unfortunately, Marcy loosed her grip on her sticks and they flew across the room knocking Sasha to the ground. Of course, it was all in good fun as all of them started laughing.

"Sasha and the Sharps are back, baby!", Anne spoke excitedly.

"So, what song should we play at the battle?", Marcy asked.

"We should definitely play my song 'Heart Stomper.' It was always a hit back home. Or better yet, actually, 'Born to be Wild'.", Sasha suggested.

"Oh! I'm into one of those. Anne? Anne?", Marcy asked.

But Anne was unsure.

"Ahem. Actually I wrote a song about Amphibia and I was hoping we could play it.", Anne suggested.

"You didn't tell me you were writing a song. Let's do it. I mean, if that's okay with you, Sasha?", Marcy asked.

Sasha thought this over for a moment and agreed.

"For sure. Teach it to us, Anne.", Sasha grinned.

"Thanks, Sash.", Anne thanked.

A moment afterward, they were already singing her song as Frobo provided fog.

All Girls Singing: Riding snails, But it's no big deal

Marcy: Eating flies

All Girls: But it's no big deal.

Anne: Finally me, and it's no big deal

"And here's where Sasha plays a killer guitar solo. We sing the refrain one more time, and then we're done.", Anne stated.

"Nice work, Anna-Banana. Fun to play too.", Marcy congratulated.

"Sasha, what do you think?", Anne asked.

"It's good. I just have one tiny note that I think could make it even better.", Sasha said.

"Oh, okay.", Anne said.

"Like, maybe wait until after everyone's definitely safe from the orcs?", Sasha suggested.

"Well, I guess that makes sense.", Anne realized.

"It does seem simpler.", Marcy agreed.

"Anyway, let's try to come up with something else. I'm sure we'll find something that clicks.", Sasha assured.

8 SONGS LATER…

"HOW DID WE NOT FIND ANY GOOD SONGS?! You know what, maybe I should just leave and join a different band.", Sasha shouted, frustrated.

"What?", Marcy asked, stunned.

"No, Sasha! it'll be more fun if you're here with us.", Anne responded.

"Listen if I leave, you guys can have all the fun you want. I can actually think of a really good song for us to play. And we can all get what we want.", Sasha explained.

"So, what you're saying is, you need to take a breather?", Anne asked.

"Yeah, something like that. Don't worry. I'll still be rooting for you guys. This is just how I go sometimes. I'll see you tonight.", Sasha responded as she left, not knowing that Jackie noticed this and gave a worried look.

"Guys, I gotta go out for a minute.", Jackie said.

Meanwhile, Anne and Marcy were a bit bummed.

"So much for Sasha and the Sharps. Who's gonna do the guitar solo now?", Anne asked.

"I'm sure we'll be fine. Probably.", Marcy assured, unsure.

Then, both girls sighed heavily.

"You guys done moping? 'Cause Frobes and I charge by the hour.", Polly asked.

At Wartwood, Sasha walked over to Felicia's Tea Shop. She knocks on the guest room door where Grime, Percy, and Braddock were practicing their act.

"Who is it? What do you want?", Grime asked.

"Yeah, this is occupado.", Percy added.

"Grime-sy, Percy, Braddock! How would you three like to be in a band with me?", Sasha asked.

"Sorry, Sash. The maximum number is three.", Braddock refused.

"You know this isn't a real battle, right?", Sasha asked in disbelief.

"Be that as it may, I still intend to win. Look behind you.", Grime spoke before Sasha looked over her shoulder.

"Huh?", Sasha puzzled before Grime pushed her a few feet away from the door.

Peeved, Sasha left the tea shop and sat down near the town statue.

"Looks like I'm a solo act, unless I can find a song that's actually good.", Sasha sighed.

On the other side of the statue, Jackie spoke to her.

"So, you're stumped, huh?", Jackie asked.

"Jackie? How much did you hear?", Sasha asked.

"Just enough back at the Plantar's house.", Jackie responded.

Then, Sasha sighed in defeat.

"How could I even start? I need to find the perfect song that not only gives the little frogs hope, but also lets Anne know how much I love her. And if I don't, I'll go crazy. It's actually kind of exhausting.", Sasha admitted.

"Ah. So that's what it was about. It's okay, Sash. Sometimes it's good to take a breather and clear your head. If you slow down a enough and get with the times, you just might be able to get those creative juices flowing again.", Jackie assured.

"Huh. Well, thanks for that perspective, Jackie.", Sasha grinned.

"Anything for a friend.", Jackie responded.

Then, Jackie widened her eyes as she gasped.

"Wait a second. I think I might know a song that I think can help you give some maximum levity and lets Anne know how much you love her.", Jackie said.

"Really? What is it?", Sasha asked.

"Tell me. Do you still know some Korean?", Jackie asked.

Later, in the forest, Sasha and Jackie were playing together.

"Now, strike the final pose!", Jackie shouted.

Sasha and Jackie pose, and the song ended.

"Well, how's that?", Jackie grinned.

"Not bad. What if the bridge was an F-sharp instead of C-sharp?", Sasha asked.

"Sash…", Jackie glared playfully.

"J.K., Jackie. Love it!", Sasha responded.

"That's great! Then, this'll be out song.", Jackie grinned.

"Wait, 'our' song?", Sasha puzzled.

"I'm gonna get everyone up to speed about the song we're doing. Although, Anne and Marcy won't know until later. After all, we can't have a showstopper without the whole gang here.", Jackie grinned.

"Oh. Yeah. That makes sense, actually.", Sasha grinned.

"Cool. You know, I've been wanting to do this song for the Battle of the Bands, but I've never been able to go up on-stage.", Jackie responded.

"Why not?", Sasha puzzled.

"Because there's always no point since you always did Heart Stompers.", Jackie glared.

This made Sasha widen her eyes.

"Wow, I… I had no idea. Especially about how much cooler it actually is. Sorry, Jackie.", Sasha apologized.

"It's okay. So, wanna help spread the word?", Jackie asked.

"Nah. I think I'll practice for a while, 'cause I'm feeling it!", Sasha grinned.

"Just don't wear yourself out before the Battle of the Bands!", Jackie responded as she took off.

"All right. I've got a lot of practicing to do if we're gonna win. A one, and a two, and a 20 times through!", Sasha said.

Later, Aruman and Malthael arrived at a crossroads.

"It's clear those nine won't leave us alone.", Aruman stated.

"What can be done?", Malthael asked.

"We must walk different paths on this crossroads. By taking this, it's possible to draw them away on this road while you proceed into Wartwood unharmed and warn Anne and the others of Andrias' treachery.", Aruman urged.

"Are you certain we'll meet again?", Malthael asked.

"I do not know. All that I do know is that we do not have much time before the nine sneak up on us again and it may be the best and only chance we have to warn them.", Aruman responded.

Just then, the ghouls emerged, screeching as they careened toward them on the air.

"I pray for your safety, Aruman.", Malthael said.

"And I, for yours.", Aruman responded. With that, the two took off, each going different paths.

The plan seemed to be working as one started going after Aruman as he planned. But after 4 more went after him, the rest went after Malthael in another path instead, forcing both to fight the nine in separate paths on their own.

Meanwhile, at Wartwood town square, a stage is set up.

"Welcome, everyone, to the Battle of the Bands. Toadie, Goose-lily, and I will be your judges for this evening. So, what do you say we get things started?", Toadstool asked.

"My name is Duckweed.", Duckweed responded.

"Don't sass me Goose-lily. Hit the lights!", Toadstool shouted.

"You got it!", Polly agreed before she turned off the main lights and turned on the ones on the stage.

Then, Chuck walked onstage with two huge tulips.

"Ahem.", Chuck spoke, clearing his throat, before the tulips started to melodically moan as if singing opera.

"I grow singin' tulips.", Chuck explained.

"Oh, this is gonna be a long night.", Toadstool groaned before he held up a sign that rated Chuck's act 4 while Toadie holds up another 4 and Duckweed rates it a 5.

At the next act, Mrs. Croaker is warbling like a theremin. As a result, Toadstool and Toadie both rated her act a 2 while confused, but Duckweed, on the other hand, clearly loved it, and rated her act a 10. As for the next act, Ivy and her mother and grandmother were doing soft rock. From all 3 judges, they got a solid 8. Over to the next act, Loggle, Hop Pop, Wally, and Sprig were all playing country music. During their act, however, Loggle fell off of his rocking chair.

"Whoa, Whoa!", Loggle's exclaimed as he fell off.

As a result, Toadstool and Toadie rated their act at a 6 while Duckweed gave it a 5.5. Hop Pop, Sprig, Wally, and Loggle then left the stage.

"That's good enough for me!", Hop Pop grinned.

"Mediocrity is comforting.", Sprig grinned.

Behind the curtain, Sasha was nervous.

"You sure this'll work?", Sasha asked.

"Guess we'll know for sure near the end.", Jackie responded.

Just then, Anne and Marcy approached Jackie and Sasha.

"Hey, guys!", Anne grinned.

"Oh, hey guys, those costumes are... something else.", Sasha said.

"Yeah, they look great! What are they?", Jackie asked.

"I'm a Drag-Anne-Fly!", Anne explained.

"And I'm the personification of metamorphosis!", Marcy added.

"Wow. Actually, you'd look really good with our troupe.", Jackie said.

"Hold on, troupe? I thought you said you're having no part in this?", Anne asked.

"That was then, Anne. This is now. I managed to pull some strings and we all came together to perform a song I think you're really gonna go nuts for.", Jackie grinned.

"What is it?", Anne asked.

She leaned into Anne's ear and whispered, making her gasp in surprise.

"No! Way! You're serious?", Anne asked, earning Jackie's nod.

"Serious about what, Anne?", Marcy asked.

"Oh, you'll see.", Jackie assured.

"Ladies and gentlefrogs, I give you, The Sharps!", Toadstool announced before the crowd cheered.

Play MAVE Music: "PANDORA"

Before anyone knew it, the stage lights started flashing onstage before showing not just Anne, Sasha, and Marcy, but also Jackie, Allison, and Max.

"That's the song we're doing?! Omigosh, I did not expect this!", Marcy exclaimed in surprise.

"Let's rock, everyone!", Anne smirked before she and Sasha started playing the the guitar just as Marcy started playing the drums and everyone else onstage started dancing to the beat, wowing the crowd.

Anne, Marcy Singing: Pandora, ah, ah

Pandora, ah

잃어버린 faith

We have to go back

흐릿해진 feeling 속에 유일한 열쇠

Everyone is heartless but so we are fearless

아무것도 막지 못해 never been so careless

맞닿아있는 두 세계 we need a love

더 세게 잡아봐 string of our hope

So let us sing, say my name

외쳐 let me hear that thing

들려 beep beep beep beep beep

I'll set you free-e

(Watch out) 다른 차원의 enemy

(Careful) 잃어버린 너를 잡아

(Shh) 찾아, 숨겨왔던 secret

Are you ready for this?

Open up your eyes

Pandora

모두 숨을 죽여 keep it hush, hush, hush

(Du du du du du du)

Pandora

모든 감정들이 make you rush, rush, rush

(La la la la la la)

Call me MAVE:, catch the wave

새로 쓰는 history (woo)

We go hard 우리가 사로잡아 victory

Pandora

이제 시작 됐어 keep it hush

P-A-N-D-O-R-A, hush

For Malthael's case, he and one of the 9 ghosts fought while Aruman fought with two ghosts with his magic staff on the dangerous path. Of course, there wasn't much progress in driving the ghosts away completely as at one point, it was knocked back in the air before he floated around and went toward Malthael only for him to fire his arrows at one of the ghosts but missed a couple times before landing a hit in, though it only stuck and did no damage. As for Aruman, one of the ghosts shrieked and grabbed him from behind. It was going to toss him down, but then he fired a blast that sent it screaming before it landed on the ground. Even when separate, Aruman and Maltheal managed to take down one more each for now, one of which fell off the path with a shriek. However, they keep resurfacing on both ends. Maltheal fought off the 4 remaining ghosts on his end, troublesome as they are, even knocking one ghost back and was starting to drive another away. But even then, they kept coming. Things were starting to look grim.

Meanwhile, Anne, Sasha, Marcy, and their siblings continued singing, dancing, and playing their respective instruments. From the audience, Rose, Pat, Alexis, and the triplets smiled from seeing them enjoy themselves, even giggling.

O-o-open the Pandora's box

'Bout to put the world in shock

Want it? come and get it

But you don't know 봐 네 가능성

I 현실일까

I, I 미래일까

I, I'm not gonna stop

Can you keep up

When I come to the top?

Woo 끝없이 돌고 있어 쉴 수 없어

Move 하나뿐인 감정 속에 사는 you

I'm coming in hard, I, I'm one of a kind

Ayy 정점을 찍었던 공간을 뒤집어 봐 Idypia, hey

(I'm a) 새로 쓰이는 paradigm

(Therefore) 기다려 왔던 걸 알아

(Yeah) 찾아, 숨겨왔던 secret

Are you ready for change?

Okay, follow me

Pandora

모두 숨을 죽여 keep it hush, hush, hush

(Du du du du du du)

Pandora

모든 감정들이 make you rush, rush, rush

(La la la la la la)

Call me MAVE:, catch the wave

새로 쓰는 history (woo)

We go hard 우리가 사로잡아 victory

Pandora

이제 시작 됐어 keep it hush

P-A-N-D-O-R-A, hush

"Well, now, that's certainly explosive!", Toadstool grinned.

"A major talent, sir.", Toadie agreed.

"A natural, even!", Duckweed agreed.

"Here goes.", Anne grinned.

Suddenly, Anne started to spark out blue energy first as did Jackie. Then, Sasha and Allison started to spark out pink energy as well just as Marcy and Max started giving off green energy, too. They all looked look surprised and happy.

Ah (I'm a resistance)

Ah (I'm a resistance)

Ah, let's turn the music up

두렵지 않은 걸 yeah

We do it like this

감정을 되찾아 나만의 rule

마주할 눈앞의 환상의 view

멈출 수 없잖아

I know one that you need

Let's go to show (ah) ready, set, go

Then, with one strum on her guitar, Anne, Sasha, Marcy, and their respective siblings powered up to calamity mode, but with only their hair and eye color changes. Still, it was enough to send a catapulting energy shockwave right through the audience, blowing them away (not literally), before it travelled all the way toward the nine, causing them to shake and crumble to the ground, vanishing in the process and allowing them to look toward Amphibia and make their way there just as they were finishing the song. But in an unexpected way, Sasha kissed Anne, much to the latter's surprise before they rode with it as the crowd cheered. It was a decent few seconds before Anne and the others powered down just as the kiss on Anne's lips ended.

Pandora

모두 숨을 죽여 keep it hush, hush, hush (oh-whoa, oh-whoa, oh)

(Du du du du du du)

Pandora

모든 감정들이 make you rush, rush, rush (rush, rush)

(La la la la la la)

Call me MAVE:, catch the wave

뒤바뀌는 history

Come and see 우릴 봐 두 눈앞의 victory

Pandora

이제 시작 됐어 keep it hush (yeah)

M-A-V-E, MAVE:, now we rush

End MAVE Music: "PANDORA"

With that, all three judges, stunned by the calamitous climax, all gave their act a 10.

"Whoa…! Leaping lily pads…!", Anne said.

"I can't believe I just did that!", Sasha said in surprise.

"I can't believe I just said that! I mean, how did I even think that?!", Anne said.

"Sasha, that was awesome. I'm so psyched you joined us.", Marcy grinned.

"Me too! Sorry it took so long.", Sasha grinned.

"Thanks for doing this song, Sasha. It really means a lot.", Jackie grinned.

"Hey, it was the least I could do.", Sasha responded.

"Guys, look. Aruman and Malthael are here!", Max whispered, pointing to them.

"Huh? Why did they come here this late at night? I doubt it's for our performance. And they look really worried. What could've happened back there?", Allison puzzled.

"All right, everyone, let's give it up for your final contestants, Grimetime's Angels!", Toadstool announced.

Eagerly, Grime, Percy, and Braddock entered the stage, the captain laughing maniacally.

Polly then switched the spotlights to Grime, Percy, and Braddock.

"Aw, heck yeah!", Polly shouted excitedly.

They had 3 ominous-looking statues with they before they opened them, and they were revealed to be a harp, much to the crowd's gasps of surprise.

"Ahem. This piece is dedicated to the serenity of nature.", Grime explained.

"True that, Captain.", Braddock agreed.

"There's nothing more beautiful than nature.", Percy concurred.

So, they all played their harps beautifully and continued to do so, leaving everyone in awe.

"Whoa!", Anne spoke.

3 hours later, by the end of his act, the whole crowd, including Anne, Marcy, Sasha, and their siblings and triplets, were crying, touched by the performance.

"Well, I've seen enough. Grime, Percy, and Braddock win 2nd place!", Toadstool exclaimed as he, Toadie, and Duckweed rated his performance with an 8/10.

"Wait, second place?", Grime puzzled.

"Yep. Tied with the Sundews. Which means that the Sharps win!", Toadstool explained.

"We won? We won!", Jackie spoke in surprise.

"Sorry we lost, Captain.", Braddock apologized.

"You know, as much as it pains me to lose, I'll admit. It was worth it to have so much fun with you guys out there. Plus, they aced that climax with a landslide.", Grime responded.

Then, he went over to the girls onstage.

"Alright, folks, gather round. I got one more announcement. Now, as I understand, you three girls will be leaving us soon?", Toadstool asked.

"Yup. With the box charged, we'll be heading to Newtopia tomorrow for the king to send us home. But before we do that, we need to take out the source of the orcs so that they won't hurt anyone. For us, your safety and happiness come first before everything else. You've all done so much for me, everyone. It's the least we could do. When we get back home, I'll miss you more than you could ever know.", Anne announced.

"Aw, shucks.", Mrs. Croaker said.

"Hey, before I go, can we take a group photo?", Anne asked.

"Heck, yeah! Everybody, line up!", Toadstool shouted.

Later, everyone gathered around the town statue, ready to take a picture. Sprig was even setting up Anne's phone for it.

"Sprig, come on! Hurry, hurry!", Anne urged before Sprig caught up and the photo was taken.

Soon after, Anne held said picture.

"We all look so great together, guys.", Anne said.

"Yeah. Amphibians and all.", Jackie agreed.

"So, what'd the emergency, guys?", Marcy asked.

"King Andrias was onto us. He knows we've been seeing his plans for multiversal invasion with the box and Melkor by his side.", Aruman explained.

"What?!", the group reacted, shocked.

"And he needs the charged stones in the box to pull it off.", Malthael added.

"I knew there must've been some reason we shouldn't charge the stones all the way. I mean, I just felt like we shouldn't the moment I saw that vision.", Marcy realized.

"Seriously? Me, too.", Anne responded.

"Me, three.", Sasha added.

"So, that's why he needed the stones charged! He didn't want to take us home; he's… invading it.", Max realized.

"And every other world along with it.", Allison added.

"Not if we can help it. We started this mess, we might as well clean it up. The stones are only half charged, anyway, and Andrias doesn't know that.", Anne said.

"Hey, you're right! We could totally take him by surprise.", Sasha grinned.

"All right, guys. Let's not get ahead of ourselves. First, we need to get rid of these orcs as planned. They clearly might be a problem if we fail to stop the invasion. So, since we all shared what visions we saw, let's all promise that starting right now, we're not going to let what happened in our visions happen to each other and to expose Andrias for what he really is. Okay?", Marcy said, holding out her hand.

After a moment, Anne and Sasha turned to each other and glared with determination.

"Right.", Anne and Sasha spoke, putting their hands on top of Marcy's as Allison, Jackie, and Max joined them.

And thus, the battle for Amphibia is set to begin…

A/N: Looks like we're at the endgame for both stories, now. Who knows how the battle on both fronts would end this time?