A/N: This is not related to my Amphibia-Owl House epilogue story. This is a different continuity, just to be clear. Also, this takes place about a year after the Owl House epilogue.
The idea for Christmas dishes done by Latino and Thai cultures was taken from ChampionElCid's crossover 'The Owl And The Frog'.
Also, please don't interpret this as a 'Take That!' towards the ending of Amphibia. The ending of Amphibia was beautiful, and I love it. It just seemed logical that Luz would want to help Anne, as you'll soon see. ;) Enjoy!
Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles, California, 23rd December
"So then, I convinced Mom and Dad to speak about how they could compromise on how they bake. And frankly, Anne, I think we're in for some lovely additions to our Christmas dinner."
"Wow, Sash, you are really taking that psychology course seriously."
"Well, given all that's happened to us, I have to, you know?"
Anne Boonchuy and Sasha Waybright were sitting in the arrivals' lounge with their parents. The 16:24 arrival from Bradley International in Connecticut had landed a while ago, and they were waiting to meet up with some very special friends.
"What's taking them so long?" wondered Stanislav Waybright, Sasha's father. "It can't take that long to retrieve their luggage."
"They are a pretty big group, Stan," Oum Boonchuy, Anne's mother, reminded. "That's a lot of luggage to retrieve."
Anne and Sasha weren't worried. They knew their friends would arrive, whatever happened.
At that moment, they heard a pair of familiar voices.
"Anne!"
"Sasha!"
The two young women looked round. Sure enough, Luz Noceda and Marcy Wu were approaching; their friends and families were following just behind them.
"Luz!"
"Marcy!"
But as the four women moved to hug each other, Marcy accidentally tripped over her feet, and almost fell to the floor. Luz narrowly caught her before Anne could.
"How did I know that would happen?" the Latina giggled. "You really need to work on your co-ordination, Mar-Mar."
"I am trying, Lu," Marcy asserted.
"Anyways, Feliz Navidad!" Luz greeted cheerfully to Anne. "It's so good to finally see you in the flesh again, Anne! It's been so long!"
"Likewise, dude, back at you," agreed Anne. "And let me properly introduce you to my other best friend, Sasha Waybright."
"Charmed," Sasha smiled, shaking Luz's hand.
Since they'd both managed to get home, Luz and Anne had re-established contact with each other via video chat, going over their various adventures in the Demon Realm and Amphibia, respectively. Luz had introduced her friends, family and girlfriend to Anne; Anne, in turn, had introduced Luz to her parents and Sasha.
Luz had met Marcy at a Comic-Con, and, unsurprisingly, they'd become fast friends. Despite living in Massachusetts, Marcy's parents had taken every opportunity they had to bring Marcy to Gravesfield and hang out with Luz and her friends. During some of those visits, Marcy had even taken to see the Boiling Isles for herself (though her parents had needed a quite of persuading - understandable, given what had happened before).
"Anne, Sasha, allow me to properly introduce you girls to my friends and family," said Luz, gesturing to the group entering the lounge behind her with Marcy's parents, Chen-Tao and Jia-Li Wu.
Gus Porter reached them first, swaying a little as he came. He looked them up and down, his face a little pale. "So, you two are Calamity Heart and-?"
"Shh, not here!" Sasha warned. "This isn't like on video chats, Gus!"
"Yeah, I thought we'd already discussed this," added Willow, as she stepped forward, hand outstretched. "I apologise; he must still be woozy from the flight. He threw up twice!"
"I still think these 'air-o-planes' are amazing!" Gus insisted, swaying again.
Vee and Hunter Noceda, Luz's adopted siblings, Amity Blight and Camila Noceda all came forward to greet Anne, Sasha and their families too. Anne immediately asked Camila for advice on how to keep amphibians well-nourished. Marcy began asking Vee, Gus and Willow if they'd be interested in playing Creatures & Caverns at all. Oum, Bee, Stanislav and Kaleen shared hugs with Chen-Tao and Jia-Li, exchanging comments on how long it had been since they had all met up and how they honestly missed it.
Sasha, in particular, had something to say to Hunter. "Hunter, I know I've said it already, but I just want to say again: thank you so much for all the support you guys gave Marcy."
Hunter shrugged. He'd lost count of the number of comforting hugs he and Luz had shared with Marcy during their times together. "It was just nice to know I wasn't alone."
"So, Luz, what is this special surprise you mentioned in our last chat?" Anne asked.
Luz winked. "Later, Anna-Banana. For now, let's just catch up, si?"
"Okay, okay," Anne chuckled.
A little later, they were all gathered at the Boonchuys' home. The arrangement was that the Nocedas would stay there (Luz, Amity and Vee in Anne's room, Camila and Hunter in the guest room), while Gus and Willow resided with Sasha and her mother.
It was only when they were all ensconced at Anne's house when the Hexsquad could finally let out their Palismen. And they were so relieved to finally be out of their cages.
"Thanks again for getting Mr X to forge those pet health certificates," said Luz, as she petted Stringbean affectionately.
"Hey, anything for a bestie," Anne replied, tickling the Snake-Shifter under the chin. "No sense in leaving these little critters behind."
Stringbean hissed affectionately in agreement. As a further display of gratitude, she then morphed into a feline form, similar to Domino.
Anne almost went giddy with joy. "Aww, just when I thought she couldn't get any cuter!" She pulled Stringbean into a tight hug, almost squeezing the life out of her.
"Whoa, easy," Luz cautioned. "I don't fancy seeing another Palisman get... you know..."
"Oops, sorry." Anne slackened her grip.
"So, how's the, err, Flyer Derby going?" Sasha asked Willow. "Have your fans started applying those cheerleading tips I gave?"
"They certainly have," Willow acknowledged. "Though perhaps a little too well; I swear I can still hear the Emerald Entrails chant in my head."
"Eh, just use it to bolster your spirits next time you go training," Sasha advised. "Besides, given the hardship you endured in your teens, I think such positive encouragement would be a big help. No offence, Amity."
"None taken," Amity replied. "No point denying what I did." She then smirked. "Anyways, you're hardly in a position to criticise yourself, Sash."
Sasha scowled as Willow giggled. However, she too saw the funny side and joined in the laughter.
Gus was eagerly asking Stanislav and Kaleen about Slavic Christmas traditions. He'd already learned about Latina, Thai and Chinese/Taiwanese traditions from Luz, Anne and Marcy, and he was raring to learn more.
"Well, for one thing," Stanislav began, "Christmas trees are believed to have been popularised by the Germans in the 16th century, possibly begun by Martin Luther who hung candles on a tree."
"Isn't that risky, though?" Gus wondered. "I mean, what if the tree caught fire?"
"That's why we use lights now," Kaleen explained. "They're much safer. Well, unless something goes wrong with the wires..."
"You know Santa Claus?" Stanislav asked. "In some Slavic nations, we have someone dress up as a Catholic saint known as St Nicholas to deliver presents to good children and coal to bad children. He's often accompanied by an angel and a demon. Well, demons as we imagine them, anyway," he added, when Gus raised an eyebrow.
Camila was speaking with Oum about Christmas cooking.
"Fancy learning my recipe for Dominican tamales?" Camila proposed. "The key is to use plantain leaves for the dough and making the pocket."
"Ooo, that sounds lovely," Oum replied. "And perhaps, in turn, I can teach you how to make Khao Niew Mamuang, or Mango Sticky Rice. It'll make your taste buds feel like they're in nirvana!"
"Well, Luz and I have always had a sweet tooth," Camila noted, smiling. "And as long as there's no dairy, we're fine."
Bee, Marcy and Hunter were talking about the latest Cosmic Frontiers media.
"So, did you see the latest show Alohsa?" Hunter asked.
"Oh, yes, and it was so awesome!" Bee rhapsodised. "We go to a whole new galaxy to witness the return of that devious Supreme General Thrull. Just when I thought the series was big enough!"
"I've loved Alohsa Tima for so long," Marcy added. "And I loved how the show delved into her dealing with lingering trauma. It... it spoke to her, somewhat. It was so wonderful. It wasn't perfect, mind, but it was still great!"
She then sighed. "If only some fans could accept that we like it... I see so many arguments on message boards and forums... it's mind-numbing."
Bee patted her on the shoulder. "Hey, don't let it get you down, Marcy. Just be thankful you're one of the more mature fans. My advice: keep off those forums and ignore any hurtful comments aimed with you."
Marcy raised an eyebrow. "Like you have ignored negative comments as well?" she reminded slyly. Hunter snickered. Bee flushed and looked away.
It was around this time that Luz decided it was time to present her gift to her friends.
"Erm, Anne, Sasha, Marcy, can I talk to you three for a second?" she asked. "In private?"
"Oh, sure," Anne replied. "You guys cool?"
"Of course," Sasha confirmed. "Excuse us, everyone."
"See you in a bit," added Marcy.
The four young women headed upstairs and into Anne's room. Snow was flurrying past the window, some building on the ledge. Domino was curled up and sleeping on Anne's bed, clearly wanting some peace and quiet from all the hubbub downstairs. Anne and Marcy were careful not to wake her as they sat down on the bed with the cat.
"So, what did you want to talk about, Luz?" Anne asked.
Luz brought her hands together in a business-like manner. "Anne, Sasha, Marcy; ever since we became properly acquainted, I always thought it was... unfair that you guys had to say goodbye to Amphibia forever, while I can still see the Demon Realm whether I want. I can sort of understand why it had to be so, given the loss of the Gems, but all the same..."
Marcy waved a hand. "Lu-Lu, we've been through this already. It's fine. That's reality for us. We all learned that the hard way; me, especially..." She gazed into the distance for a moment, her hand unconsciously drifting over her chest.
"You found friends, belonging and love in the Demon Realm," Anne added. "Given all you'd suffered, it would have been a cruel twist of fate if you'd been cut off from it all."
"We're honestly happy for you," finished Sasha.
Luz smiled. "I appreciate all that, girls. Even so, I want to give you three something special."
She reached into her pocket and withdrew the key Eda and King had given her that allowed her to access the portal to the Demon Realm whenever she could. She depressed the eye on the key's bow and the glowing portal unfolded in the middle of the room.
Marcy was used to this by now, but Anne and Sasha, having never seen the portal before, stared in amazement.
From the portal, stepped Eda Clawthorne, the Owl Lady. Her Palisman, Hooty, was perched on her shoulder, and her adopted Titan son, King, trotted at her side. The wild Witch appeared to be carrying something in her left hand. It looked like a suitcase covered in Christmas wrapping.
"Yo, Blue Afro," Eda greeted Anne, setting the case down and holding a hand for Anne to shake as the portal closed behind her. "Been a while since we met face-to-face, eh?" She glanced around Anne's room. "Nice digs you got in... Lost Angels, is it?"
"Los Angeles," Anne corrected. "And thank you." She then spotted King, and her eyes dilated.
"Hey there, Anne, Sasha," King greeted. "King Clawthorne, the next Titan, at your service."
Sasha, who was well-restrained, knelt down to shake his hand.
"Pleased to meet you," she replied. "You reckon you'll ever get as big as your dad?"
King smirked. "I'm banking on it!"
"OMG, you are just as cute in person as you are over the net!" Anne exclaimed, snatching King off the floor and hugging him tightly.
King rolled his eyes, albeit rather amusingly. He remembered how Anne had exclaimed at his 'cuteness' the first time Luz had introduced him over video chat. He'd honestly hoped Anne would move past this, hence his slightly formal introduction. Guess some things just never change.
Sasha turned to again regard the folding portal. "You magical people really like to make an entrance, don't you?"
Eda smirked. "Pink Heron, while you're one of the most powerful Witches out there, entrances are everything!"
"You and Yunan would get on so well," Marcy mused.
Eda's smile grew. "Y'know, it's funny that you should mention Miss Newt Scourge, Green Wit, because..." She paused dramatically. "I think you might be seeing her again very soon."
"Wait, what?!" Sasha exclaimed.
"Tell 'em, kid."
Luz took a breath. "Over the last few years, Eda, King and I have been working... on a new portal to Amphibia." She held up the wrapped case.
"Say what?!" gasped Anne. "But-but-but-but... how?"
"It... wasn't easy," Luz admitted. "That time Eda and I stumbled into Wartwood Swamp had honestly been an accident, and... trying to land it deliberately is something else. We wanted to make sure we'd got it right before presenting it to you girls. We needed a little extra help to get it right.
"Hang on," Marcy recalled. "That time Dipper and Mabel came to visit wasn't just for social reasons, right?"
"Well, no," Eda acknowledged. "I basically called in a favour from my old squeeze Stan Pines, and he sent them over to lend a hand."
"They ultimately determined that we needed some of that Calamity power to land the exact dimension," Luz went on.
"But the Gems were destroyed," reminded Sasha.
"Yes, but not their power," Eda countered. "I believe the saying goes that energy can never be destroyed. The power simply found three new vessels. And they're all in this room, gaping at us right now."
"U-us?" Anne realised. "But... I haven't felt any power surges in 5 years."
"Probably because you didn't realise the power was still there," Eda smirked.
The trio stared at each other. So, the power of the Gems still flowed through, and they had never realised until now...
'Note to self: hug Dipper and Mabel next time I see them' Marcy thought. 'And be sure to have Anne and Sasha with me when that happens.'
"So... if we're the new vessels of Calamity power," Marcy inquired aloud, "how did you manage to use it to power the portal?"
"We've not powered it completely," Luz clarified. "We've designed the portal so it'll be powered by a biological sample from each of you. Thus far, we've only acquired a sample from you, Marce."
"When?"
"We took some of your hairs, Green Wit," Eda replied simply. "It's enough. And that's all we need from you two," she added to Anne and Sasha. "So, come on; pluck some hairs for us."
"Hold your Palismen, Eda," Luz interjected. She turned back to the trio. "We're just giving you the option of going back. I haven't forgotten..." The Latina paused. "I haven't forgotten how much hardship you girls experienced there; especially you, Marcy. You don't have to go back if you don't want to... I swear I won't be offended."
Eda, looking sore at the prospect that all their hard work might have been for nothing, opened her mouth to say she would be offended. However, Luz held up a hand, wanting to allow the Trio time to think.
Anne, Sasha and Marcy all stared at each other. Luz and Eda were offering them a massive opportunity. They could see all their Amphibian friends again, not to mention the surrogate families they'd found - for Anne, the Plantars; for Sasha, Grime; and Marcy, Olivia, Yunan and... maybe... Andrias...
But as Luz pointed out, they had also experienced a lot of hardship in Amphibia. Sasha still sometimes put herself down for being a power-hungry control freak. Anne was still haunted by her near-death experience after destroying the Core. And of course, not a day went by when Marcy's mood didn't dip, even a little, over what she'd caused and undergone, particularly when she saw the scar in the middle of her chest.
And yet, they had all received therapy for their traumas. Over the past 5 years, they had slowly learned to live with their experiences, thanks in no small part to Luz and her friends. One thing they'd all agreed on was to face change, regardless of any fears they might have of it. And this would be change, even if it would be like a step back in time. Of course, Amphibia will have surely changed in those 5 years as well; and so would have everyone they'd known.
Besides, Luz and Eda had clearly put a lot of hard work onto this gift. Even if it wasn't quite a Hobson's choice, it still didn't feel right to refuse such a generous offer.
The trio all looked at each other for several moments, clearly sharing some silent conversation. At last, they nodded in unison.
"Luz, we accept this gift of yours," Anne declared. "I appreciate your concern, but if there's one thing we've learned from all of it, apart from other lessons, it's to face our fears head on." She paused. "Besides, it's Christmas."
Nothing more needed to be said on that. Luz smiled.
"So, now that we've got the surprise, explanations and contemplation out of the way..." Luz was suddenly bowled over onto her hug as Anne tackled her in a hug, followed swiftly by Sasha and Marcy.
Wartwood, Amphibia
"And that should about do it," Polly Plantar declared as Frobo placed the hand-crafted star on top of the large stack of mushrooms, which had been erected in the middle of the town square, and was already decorated quite elaborately with differently-coloured mushrooms and various strings of ivy.
Over the last few years, ever since the Calamity trio had left, Amphibia had incorporated various aspects of Earth culture into its society, to honour the three heroines. Easily the one who had been adopted the quickest was the holiday of Christmas. Gleaned from the Plantars, the people of Newtopia and the exiled Andrias, everyone had found the notion of a holiday that celebrated family, love and generosity very uplifting. It was especially helpful in maintaining morale during the rebuilding of the land after the Core's destruction.
Many Amphibians would flock to Wartwood, the place where Anne had placed, to celebrate this momentous holiday when it came around. Of course, this did mean the town would become very crowded, and eventually, Mayor Toady had to impose a limit as to how many could visit the town.
Sprig always looked forward to this time of year. Though he and Ivy had been making travels to other places beyond the horizon, they made sure to return home for Christmas. Of course, Sprig sought to be with his family, but he also felt obliged to honour the girl who had introduced the holiday to him, and brought so much joy to his life... until they'd said goodbye 5 years ago.
Sprig was staring at that girl's statue that had been erected in the town square 9 months after that tearful parting. Even now, he still couldn't believe he would never see her again. Naturally, he would always regard her as his big sister, regardless of distance and time. Yet, Sprig found himself once again silently making the Christmas wish he'd been making to himself every year.
"Still wishing you could see her again, aren't you, Sprig?"
The pink frog looked round. A newt with rosy pink skin, long curly black hair, glasses and sporting a blue beanie had come over to him. Her name was Sabella Sweet. She had met Sprig the first Christmas after Anne had left. She was a pleasant newt who liked to play the guitar. Though a stranger at first, everyone had warmed up to her, and she was always welcome here in Wartwood. Indeed, Sabella was welcome anywhere in Amphibia, and she seemed to know her way around the land.
Sprig shrugged. "I guess. I mean, I know it's wishful thinking, Sabella, and it's no chance of it actually coming true. Still, the magic of Christmas... it always makes me wonder if maybe, just maybe, it might come true." He laughed as he looked back at Anne's statue. "Who am I kidding? I doubt even the magic of Christmas can replicate the power of the Gems."
Sabella placed a consoling hand on his shoulder. "There's no shame in wishing, Sprig. You never know what might come of it. Now, you, Grime, Olivia and Yunan still have those gifts I asked you to take care of? For the surprise guests I told you about?"
"Oh, yes, of course," Sprig confirmed. "But you still haven't told me who these 'surprise guests' are."
Sabella tapped her nose. "Of course not; if I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise now, would it?"
Sprig frowned apprehensively. "You promise they aren't anyone... unpleasant?"
Sabella winked. "Oh, they're the most pleasant people you can meet, Sprig. Believe me."
With that, she walked away, playing her guitar as she began to sing.
"I'm sure you feel it coming
There's something on the breeze
It might be slightly snowing
Or seventy degrees
"Regardless of your hemisphere
The holidays are here
And with them come the tidings of
This special time of year."
Sprig's heart swelled with joy as he listened to Sabella. It was almost like a mother singing a lullaby. It was just so beautiful; and also... rather familiar. But he couldn't think why.
"Hey, Sprig, you coming?"
Sprig turned to see Polly beckoning him back towards the Plantars' home.
"Oh, yes, I'm coming."
"So, it'll be summer there? Or near enough?" Oum wondered.
"Sure. I mean, when it was summer here, ice formed on the roads,"Anne recalled. "That's why I had to wait three months before heading to Newtopia."
"I suppose it's likely Amphibia is in the southern hemisphere of whatever planet it's on," Marcy noted. "Either that, or it's at a different time of its rotation path around the sun, and..."
"Okay, Mar-Mar, I think we got it," Sasha giggled.
When the trio had revealed Luz and Eda's gift to their parents, the response had been... interesting. Bee and Oum had been thrilled that their daughter could see her frog family again. Stanislav and Kaleen had been divided on whether Sasha should go back, given everything she'd done. Chen-Tao and Jia-Li had been very reluctant to let Marcy return to a place that held painful memories. Frankly, they were still reluctant now.
"Are you sure we've done nothing wrong, sweetheart?" Jia-Li asked her daughter anxiously.
"If we have, please tell us," Chen-Tao urged. "We won't be offended. Actually, don't tell us. Alright, tell us, but in nice words."
"Mom, Dad, you haven't done anything wrong," Marcy assured gently. "These past 5 years, you guys have been absolutely wonderful to me. I'm not running away again, I promise. With this portal, I can come and go as I please. You will see me again."
"We'll take good care of her," Anne promised.
"Yeah, if any amphibian even so much as looks at Marcy funny, they'll have the rest of us to answer to!" Sasha vowed.
"Yeah, and don't forget, Green Wit has learned quite a few new tricks from hanging out with us," Eda added. "If anyone wants to hurt her, they'll have a much harder time doing so."
Luz and Eda had offered to accompany the trio to Amphibia. Their assurance had ultimately been what swayed the Waybrights and Wus to consent to the trip. Marcy had suggested having the parents accompany them as well, if only so they'd feel more comfortable. King, Willow, Gus, Hunter and Vee had also been eager to see Amphibia after everything they'd learned of it from Marcy. However, it was reckoned that the people of Wartwood wouldn't want too many visitors all at once; at least, not at first. Perhaps once the trio had reacquainted themselves with their old friends, they would bring the others with them. Perhaps they could arrange some massive party.
"Be sure to send our love to the Plantars, Anne," Oum said as she and Bee hugged their daughter. "We'll be sure to find some good gifts for them when we come over."
"Hey, I think seeing us again will be a big enough gift," Anne replied. "But... by all means."
"See you guys soon," said Luz, as she hugged her friends, mother, siblings, and girlfriend goodbye.
"I know you will," Amity smiled, kissing her batata on the nose.
"Please make note of as much as you can," urged Gus. "Like, how do they celebrate Christmas, if at all? How does it differ from how humans and us witches celebrate it? Tell us everything."
"Alright, alright, Gustopher," Luz giggled. "All in good time."
"Okay, Blue Afro, Pink Heron," Eda urged, holding up the now-unwrapped case, where a small compartment lay open. "You know what to do."
Anne and Sasha obligingly reached up and plucked a few hairs from their scalp. They dropped them into the compartment to join a few hairs taken from Marcy, and the compartment closed. A few moments later, glowing lines of blue, magenta and green began to pulse along it. Then, it rose out of Eda's hands and unfolded into a doorway.
"Okay, guys," Anne declared. "Here we go!"
Anne, Sasha and Marcy stepped through the portal together, holding tight to one another. Luz and Eda gave the others a quick wink before following, bringing Stringbean and Owlbert with them.
A moment later, the five women emerged in what appeared to be a open plain. They were instantly hit by a wave of warm, humid air.
"Whoa!" Eda commented, fanning her face with her hand. "You weren't kidding about it being summer over here, Afro."
Anne glanced around and her eyes lit up. A short distance away, she could see a very familiar town.
"It worked," she gasped. "Amazing! It actually worked! We're here! There's Wartwood!" She grabbed Luz's hand. "Come on, Luz! You've got to see Wartwood!"
"Easy, Anna-Banana," Luz chortled. "I'm eager to see this place, but we don't want to surprise them too heartily."
"Master Marcy?"
The women turned. Two female newts were standing nearby - one short and blue with long, curly black hair and dressed smartly, and the other pink with short blond hair, slightly taller and wearing a military-style uniform.
"Lady Olivia? General Yunan?" Marcy gasped, staring.
"Ah, so you're fancy-schmancy Liv and General Scourge?" Eda realised. She stepped forward and bowed. "M'ladies. Allow me to introduce myself. I... am Eda! The Owl-"
Eda's dramatic introduction was interrupted as Marcy barged past and tackled the newt couple in a hug.
"Olivia! Yunan!" she cried, tears filling her eyes. "Merry Christmas!"
"Master Marcy!" exclaimed Olivia. "Goodness, you've grown!"
"Wait, how do we know you're real?" Yunan challenged.
"How else could know your worst fear is a grubhog?" Marcy whispered.
Yunan flushed bright red as Olivia giggled. This embarrassment was quickly eclipsed by joy.
"It IS you!" she cried, wrapping her arms tightly around her as tears filled her eyes. "Oh, many welcomes back, Marcy, youngest Ranger of Newtopia and Calamity Warrior of Wit!"
Marcy smiled, as Sasha rolled her eyes. Same old Yunan.
"Anne, Sasha," Olivia sniffed as she and her wife continued to hug Marcy. "It's so good to see you all again. And you brought some friends?"
"Of course," Anne replied. "Olivia, Yunan, this is our latest human best friend, Luz-"
"Allow me," Luz interjected, before taking a deep breath. "I am the Good Witch Luz Noceda! Child of the human world! Student of the Demon Realm! Defeater of the tyrant Belos! And former wielded of the Titan's power!"
"And I am Eda the Owl Lady!" Eda proclaimed. "Wild Witch! Proprietor of human artefacts! Tamer of the Owl Beast! And mentor of the Good Witch Luz!"
Sasha groaned. "Why do these people insist on dramatic introductions?"
Yunan grinned in admiration as she and Olivia released Marcy. "Well... erm, may I, please?" she implored her wife.
Olivia sighed, albeit amusingly. "Go ahead, darling."
Grinning, Yunan stood proud and tall. "Well, I am General Yunan Longclaw! Scourge of the Sand Wars! Defeater of Ragnar the Wretched! And the youngest newt to ever achieve the rank of general in the great Amphibia army! Oh, and wife of Lady Olivia," she added, petting her wife's head.
Luz and Eda grinned. "Looks like Marcy's descriptions weren't exaggerated," Luz noted.
"How did you even come back, anyway?" Olivia asked.
"We'll explain later," Sasha replied. "Anne and I have some friends we want to see again too. I-is Grime here?"
"Why, yes," Olivia confirmed. "He should be at Stumpy's, enjoying a good drink; and perhaps sharing a good story."
Sasha was gone almost before Olivia had finished talking.
"Oh boy," sighed Marcy. "She's going to cause an uproar in town. I just know it."
"You lot go with her," Anne suggested. "Luz, Eda and I will head over to the Plantars' house."
Yunan opened her mouth to speak, but then hesitated. Sharing a look with Olivia, she grinned.
"When you're... all reunited," the newt general said carefully, "how about you meet us in the town square? We'll have a little surprise of our own for you, Anne."
"Oh, okay," Anne acknowledged, a little puzzled but intrigued all the same.
"And so, with one great swipe of my mighty sword," Grime proclaimed, "I defeated that pompous old Alven once and for all! And that was before I got my replacement arm too!" He gestured at the prosthetic attached to his left shoulder. "Guess that Earth saying Sasha told me about rings true: pride does come before a fall!"
"I'll drink to that!" Percy agreed, holding up his glass. The other patrons at Stumpy's did likewise. Stumpy even switched to his mug hand. They all drank to Grime's victory.
"I still don't know why they even bother," Braddock ventured. "I really thought they'd have learned their lesson by now."
"Eh, some people just take longer than others to see the error of their way," Grime shrugged. "Sometimes, they need it knocked into them hard." His eyes misted over. "I should know..."
Just then, they heard shouts and cries of surprise from outside.
"Hey, what's going on?" a frog wondered. "Is someone trying to crash our celebration?"
"Well, if they are, I'll teach them a thing or two," Grime declared, and he ran towards the door. But before he reached it, someone came hurtling inside and collided hard with him.
"OW! Watch where you're going!"
"Sorry," the figure panted. "I was just in a hurry to get here, because I was told Captain Grime would be here. So I-"
Sasha trailed off when she realised the old toad was with whom she had collided.
"Grime?"
"Sasha?" Grime replied. "Is it really you? But... how?"
"I got some help, and was able to return," Sasha answered, trying to sound professional, despite her eyes starting to glisten. "Lieutenant Sasha, returning for duty."
She saluted stiffly. Grime shook his head and saluted in return.
"W-welcome, Lieutenant. It is really good to have you back. I trust you've kept well."
Sasha flexed her arms. "I trust these guns will answer your question. So, and Merry Christmas, Grimesy."
"Merry Christmas, Sasha."
The two regarded each other for a few more moments. Then, their composure broke. They threw themselves into each other's arms and began to bawl loudly, tears gushing from their eyes.
Stumpy and his patrons continued to stare in amazement. Marcy, Olivia and Yunan, who had arrived behind Sasha, just beamed.
Anne stared longingly at the Plantars' household.
"Five years," she mused. "And it's hardly changed at all, aside from the new avocado sign. Should've known Hop-Pop would take up growing them."
"Remarkable who much off-worlders take to the things we have to offer," Luz noted.
"You lot have much to offer," Eda smirked, as Anne approached the doorway.
Anne raised a hand to knock on the door, but paused. Her hand was shaking. Actually, her whole body was shaking. Even now, it was still hard to believe this was actually happening. She was seeing her frog family again; at Christmas, no less! She glanced back at Luz and Eda, who nodded and gave her the thumbs-up. Anne beamed back at them.
'Note to self: get Luz and Eda a magnificent gift' she thought.
Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door.
"I'll get it!" said a male voice from inside. Though it had clearly cracked in the past 5 years, now sounding deeper, Anne's heart leapt with recognition as she heard footsteps approaching. A moment later, the door opened, and there stood Sprig Plantar. For a moment, his eyes were downcast at what was clearly Anne's old phone.
"Sorry," he commented as he put the phone away, "I was just double-checking that everything was-"
Sprig broke off as he finally looked up and saw who was at the door. His blue eyes widened.
"A-Anne?"
Anne's eyes had filled with tears of joy. "Hey, little bro... long time, no see, eh?"
Sprig's lower lip trembled. Then he shook his head. "Hang on, how do I know you're not some kind of trick?" he demanded, his voice shaking a little.
"What?" Anne replied, sniffing. She squeezed her wet cheeks "Does this look like a face that could deceive you?" She blinked innocently.
Sprig gazed at Anne for a few more moments. Then...
"ANNE!" he cried, bursting into tears as he threw himself into Anne's chest. Anne wrapped her arms tightly around him, determined never to let him go again.
"I-I can't believe you're back!" Sprig sobbed. "I missed you so much!"
"I missed you too," Anne sniffed.
"Sprig Plantar, tell me who's at the door or-?"
Hopediah, or Hop-Pop as his grandchildren called him, stuttered to a halt when he, along with his second wife, Sylvia, and Polly saw whom Sprig was hugging.
"Anne?" they exclaimed.
"Hop-Pop, Polly, Grandma Sylvia, look who's back!" Sprig cried.
"ANNE!" Hop-Pop and Polly ran over to join Sprig in hugging their human kin, tears of their own spilling from their eyes. Sylvia, though not as close to Anne as her second husband and great step-children, waved respectfully at her.
"Oh, Polly, look at you!" Anne rhapsodised as she took in her sister. "You're a fully-grown frog! And you've got hair!"
"And you've grown bigger too!" Polly wailed. "How do you still make me feel so small?!"
"Oh, Anne," whispered Hop-Pop. "Welcome home. S̄uk̄hs̄ạnt̒ wạn khris̄t̒mās̄."
"S̄uk̄hs̄ạnt̒ wạn khris̄t̒mās̄ to you as well," Anne replied. So Hop-Pop learned Thai.
Luz Noceda was crying like the rest, overwhelmed with joy at seeing Anne reunited with her frog family. Eda had turned her face away to hide her own tears. She felt as if her heart would give out from such fluff at any moment.
"How-how did you manage to get back?" Sprig asked finally, once the family had cried themselves out and separated a little.
Anne glanced over her shoulder. "I had a little help from some old friends."
That was Luz and Eda's cue to come forward.
"Better-dressed Anne?" Polly realised.
"Foxy witch?" recognised Sprig.
"Hola, Plantars," Luz greeted. "It's been a long time. Feliz Navidad!"
"Hey there, frogs," Eda smirked. "How'd you like our gift to you?"
"Wait, you guys helped Anne come back?" Hop-Pop realised.
"You bet we did," Luz confirmed. "We reckoned it wasn't fair that she had to say goodbye while we still get to see each other so-"
Luz was cut off as she was tackled by three grateful people for the second time that day. Anne, Eda, Stringbean, Owlbert and Sylvia just sniggered in amusement.
"Wow!" Anne gasped as she stared up at the statue of her erected in the town square. "It's... it's so beautiful. Good likeness... for when I was thirteen, anyway."
"I remembered when it was first unveiled," Sprig recalled. "Nine months after you left... just after that, Ivy and I set out on our first adventure to that new, unexplored continent. Speaking of which, where is she-? Oh wait, she's probably planning one of her-"
Sure enough, someone came flying out of nowhere, heading straight for Anne and Sprig. Anne instinctively caught the figure and held her in a Muay Boran grapple hold.
"Do you ever try something different, Ivy?" Anne asked. She then hugged the yellow frog tightly. "Good to see you, again!"
"You too, Anne!" Ivy beamed. "So the rumours are true, then!"
The trio and their amphibian families were gathered behind the curtain of the town's amphitheatre with Luz and Eda. Word had gone around that the trio had returned, and they were waiting for Mayor Toady to call them forward.
Luz, Marcy and Eda were regaling the others with tales from the Demon Realm. Yunan, Grime and Polly, in particular, were fascinated by Luz's story of how she defeated Belos.
"And then, I yelled 'NOW EAT THIS, SUCKA!' and tore Belos clean off the Titan's heart with one mighty yank!" Luz proclaimed. "And when that was done, the fiend had the audacity to pretend like he'd been under some dark spell. I brought down a rain storm that melted him into slop. Eda, Raine and King finished him off with a good stomp!"
"Ha, ha, brilliant!" Grime cried.
"I kinda wish we'd had the chance to do that to the Core, for what they did to Marcy!" Yunan grinned.
"I've actually drawn a picture of that," Marcy noted, opening her journal and showing them. Yunan, Grime and Polly were amazed.
"Please give each of us a copy!"
Eda was handing Hop-Pop his wallet, which she'd taken years ago.
"Ah was wonderin' where this had got to," Hop-Pop recalled. "So, you took it, eh?"
"Yes, yes," sighed Eda. "Just get the lecture over and done with. I've had enough from Luz, Anne and Marcy already. For the record, Frog Gramps, I left all the money in there. It was no use to me anyway."
Hop-Pop looked through the wallet just to check that Eda was telling the truth. When he found she was, he looked up at her and smiled.
"Ya know what, it's Christmas. I'll let it slide for now."
Eda sighed in relief.
"But once it's over, Ah'm gonna let you have it, witch."
"Ugh..."
Just then, they all heard the beautiful sounds of a guitar playing.
"A bucket of fried chicken
A costume for your dad
A demon who will stuff you
In a sack if you've been bad
A reindeer gets promoted
An old man confronts his fear
Of karma and mortality
The special time of year"
The melodic tones soothed their savage breasts. However, for Anne, it also struck her as familiar.
Next moment, Sabella Sweet appeared nearby. On any other occasion, the amphibians would have wondered why she was conveniently walking around the back of the curtain, but right now, they didn't care.
"Hey, Sabella!" Sprig called. "Look who's arrived!"
Sabella looked round, and upon seeing Anne, Sasha and Marcy, beamed. "Ah, salutations, my dears. It is so good to see that you have returned to Amphibia."
"You can say that again," Marcy agreed. "And you are?"
"Sabella Sweet, Christmas aficionado and travelling musician at your service," the newt introduced, bowing. "I hope you three make the most of this incredible gift." She paused and looked at Anne. "Perhaps you could try making another fantastic float or something, Anne Boonchuy. You should be able to pull it off, if given the right tools for the job."
Anne thought for a moment. "You know, Sabella, that sounds like a wonderful idea. I'll try it!"
"We'll be more than happy to help," Polly chimed in. "And perhaps your folks can help too, when you bring them along."
Sabella smiled, and then, turned to Sasha. "Sasha Waybright, once a strong leader, and now, a bold and enlightened woman. What is it you plan to do with your life?"
"I'm training to be a child psychologist," Sasha replied. "I want to make sure that no other kids make the same mistakes I did, if I can help it. Of course, I'll still fight to defend this world, should any new dangers arise."
"A wise decision, Lieutenant," Grime complimented, beaming.
"Very wise, indeed," Sabella agreed.
To Marcy, she said, "I just want to say that I'm very sorry for everything you've been through, my dear. But I'm also very proud of how much you've grown these past 5 years."
Marcy giggled. "Well, I had a lot of help from Luz." She winked at the Latina.
"Ah, Luz Noceda, is it?" Sabella wondered amusingly.
"Si, that's me," Luz acknowledged. "Wait, how did you know my last name?"
Sabella shrugged, smiling. "Lucky guess, perhaps. I hope you and Eda discover new forms of magic in this amazing world. Consider it your reward for helping Anne, Sasha and Marcy find their way back here."
Luz smiled. "I look forward to that."
Sabella bowed again. "Well, I must be on my way. I don't want to intrude on your ceremony. Take care, ladies." She turned to go. "Oh, and don't forget to give them their presents on the big day," she added, winking at the amphibians as she left.
Hop-Pop frowned. "What gifts? We didn't get you ladies any gifts. No offence."
"None taken," Sasha replied. "You couldn't have known we were coming."
"Hang on," Olivia recalled. "Sprig, didn't Sabella ask us to take care of gifts for 'surprise guests'?"
"Yeah," Sprig remembered. "Yeah, she did. Wait!" He looked at Luz, Eda, Anne, Sasha and Marcy. "I think you guys are those surprise guests."
There was a moment's silence.
"That song she sang," Anne noted slowly. "It's the same as what Becca Salt sang that Christmas we spent together on Earth. She even sounds like Becca."
"Maybe she's some kind of Christmas spirit," Marcy proposed.
"YWho has the power to travel between worlds and change her form," added Luz.
Once, Anne and Sasha would've scoffed at such an idea, but they were wiser.
"Ahem!"
The group looked round. Toady had peeked round the curtain.
"They're ready for you now, ladies," he beckoned. "Come on."
Anne, Sasha and Marcy shared a look and a nod. Luz, Eda, the Plantars, Olivia, Yunan and Grime all smiled at them encouragingly.
Holding hands, the trio stepped out onto the stage to tumultuous applause and cheers.
"It's true!" "They're back!" "Look how they've all grown!" "This is a Christmas miracle!"
Anne, Sasha and Marcy waved at old friends they recognised, like Felicity Sundew, Wally, Maddie Flour and her little sisters, Priscilla and her daughter Pearl, Beatrix, Percy, Braddock, Mrs Croaker, Leopold Loggle, and many others. Seeing so many old friends made them think their hearts would burst.
At last, Toady held his hands for silence, so that the trio could speak.
"S̄wạs̄dī, everyone," Anne began, tears in her eyes. "It's so good to see you all again, after 5 years. And just in time for Christmas too!"
"You have no idea how much we've missed you all," Sasha choked. "We have so much to catch up on!"
"But first," Marcy added, "there's two people we'd like to introduce you to. They're actually the reason we're here at all, and we owe them a huge thank you. Ladies and gentletoads, please welcome Luz Noceda and Eda Clawthorne!"
Luz and Eda ambled forward to join the trio on stage. Eda bowed and curtsied, lapping up the applause, whereas Luz made slightly red. As if being showered with praise in the Demon Realm wasn't enough...
"Erm, hola, everyone," she greeted, a little awkwardly once the cheering had died down. "Anne, Sasha and Marcy have... told me so much about you all. And it's a pleasure to, ahem, finally make your acquaintance. I hope very much we all get to be wonderful friends!" She paused. "I understand that you used to be adverse to unusual creatures, though... so I'll understand if any of you prefer to treat carefully around me and Eda."
"They should always treat carefully around me, kiddo," Eda whispered slyly.
"Oh, nonsense!" cried Wally. "A friend of Anne, Sasha and Marcy's is a friend of ours! Who here agrees?!"
There was a rousing cheer from the crowd. No one seemed at all put off by Luz and Eda, nor even of Stringbean and Owlbert. Luz's confidence rose significantly as she walked to join hands with the trio. At the same time, the trio's amphibian families joined them on stage as well. Stringbean and Owlbert changed into their staff forms. Luz and Marcy got on Stringbean, while Anne and Sasha used Owlbert. The two Palismen lifted the quartet into the air to many whoops from the crowd.
"From all of us together," Anne declared, "we wish you all..."
"Merry Christmas!" called Sasha.
"Shèngdàn jié kuàilè!" cheered Marcy.
"S̄uk̄hs̄ạnt̒ wạn khris̄t̒mās̄!" cried Anne.
"Feliz Navidad!" finished Luz.
"Merry Christmas!" the amphibians chorused as once. It was said that the following cheers could be heard all over Amphibia.
On a hill just outside the village, Sabella Sweet smiled. Her work here was done.
The newt pulled out a photo and gazed at it fondly.
"Happy anniversary, Steven," she whispered. "And Merry Christmas."
Sabella tucked the photo away and turned to leave. As she did so, she decided to play her guitar once again.
"Whatever makes you happy
Whatever gets you through
Whatever lets you know that-
I am feeling this with you
"If you believe it's special
Then that's what makes it special
It's a special, it's a special
It's our special time of year."
As she played, the form of Sabella Sweet, also known as Becca Salt, began to shimmer, like gems. It shifted to briefly resemble that of a human, before dissipating into glittering stars. Their sparkle signified the joy and pleasure that could only come this special time of year.
I wish all my readers Merry Christmas, Happy Christmas, Happy Kwanza or whatever you celebrate, and a Happy New Year! God Bless us, everyone!