It's been almost a month since Anne had met Olivia and began living with her up in the castle of Newtopia.

During her time in the guest room connected to the latter's room, she has been introduced to other types of food that Olivia and other amphibians eat. Specifically, food that closely resembled the foodstuff back on Earth. Despite being made of bugs, grounded or not, and other types of ingredients that'd make her gag, she got through it. Because of their appearance and Olivia's support, Anne managed to eat, even in public.

To stay hidden from everyone, Anne would stay in the guest room whenever Olivia was busy around the castle, whether to help others or do her tasks. Anne would pass the time while watching a video on her phone, listening to music at low volume, exercising, or something at least viable. Whereas Olivia wasn't busy, she'd have Anne don her cloak as a disguise and take her around Newtopia to know the place more. Also to shop for food, clothes, and other essential items. All the while keeping their guards up if the Toxicants are about, though for now, that seems unlikely.

As for her missing friends and separation from family, Anne from time to time, now and then, appears gloomy and worried. It was clear that she missed them, wondering if she'd ever see them again or not. Her friends were caught by the glow that came from that strange box, so they had to be here, she hoped. As for their parents, they likely know by now that she, Sasha, and Marcy are missing.

Thankfully, Olivia is there to help her get through this. She was spending time with Anne to show she wasn't alone and she had help right beside her to locate her friends and get them back to their families. It made Anne feel...Safe around the blue newt. Olivia saved her when she was in that forest, and out of the kindness of her heart, she was going to help her regardless of being a stranger. Olivia was her friend in this world, and Anne liked her as a friend.

Present Time: The Guest Bedroom

Sitting on the floor, Anne let out a sigh and panted with a bead of sweat trickling down her forehead as she looked at the ceiling. She was exhausted from the workout she had given herself. Olivia had provided gym equipment for her that also resembled said equipment back on Earth, except this equipment wasn't all made of metal. All the equipment she had was either out of stone, wood, or other materials that had been used for workouts for many years and never failed.

And Anne would be right.

In all honesty, over the last few weeks, she hasn't made any improvements. Because of her lack of physical stability, Anne gets tired way too easily, she can't even lift a dumbbell past 30 lbs. Though she had no problem carrying Olivia when they got away from the Toxicants, it was likely from a sudden rush of adrenaline she felt.

With a sigh, Anne got back up and looked at the corner that had some of the gym equipment Olivia gave her. It's the closest thing she has to a home gym since she can't go out and train in public, so she has no choice but to train here. Thankfully she shares a bed with her friend, which doesn't make the lack of space a problem for her.

Anne then heard the door open. Looking she sees Olivia come in, wearing a purplish robe with a matching towel wrapped around her hair. Judging by the shine coming off of her, she had just taken a shower.

"I don't understand why humans need to train and work so much." Olivia began. "You should rest and take a break, Anne. If you keep pushing it, you're going to overdo it."

Anne's shoulders dropped as she stood. "Then what's the point?" She asked Olivia. "I'm not making any progress. I can't even lift weights over 30! ...I might as well end up dead in the forest at this rate." Sadness was present in her tone as she walked past Olivia. "I'm gonna go shower and get some sleep."

At the same time, Olivia watched, worried for Anne as she entered and closed the bathroom door from behind. The newt feels bad for Anne. She misses those she cares about and she knows exactly how it feels. It reminds her of herself back when her mother passed away years ago when she was just a little newt before she became Lady Olivia.

Taking a look at the Gym equipment, Olivia hummed and rubbed her chin with the side of her index finger. A smile soon formed across her face as she returned to her room. Setting the robe and towel aside into a hamper, Olivia grabbed her familiar dress and accessories from the dresser and walked out of the bedroom. Locking the door for safety of Anne, she headed down the hallway.

1 Minute Later

Outside the castle, Olivia looked around until she saw what she who she was looking for. "Oh, there you are, Chet."

"Hm?"

A tall lanky yet athletic amphibian in full armor holding a spear and shield perked at the familiar voice and his name. He turned to Olivia before lifting the flap of his helm to reveal himself to be a newt with tough tawny skin and a light underbelly. He was one of the many guards of the castle, and Olivia's bodyguard whenever she needed to go out somewhere...Only if she needed protection.

Without hesitation or trepidation, Chet walked to Olivia and bowed. "My Lady, how may I help you?" He asked with clarity and confidence in his tone.

Olivia smiled. "I need a favor from you. But you have to keep it between us, no matter what." Chet looked up at her with a raised brow before looking determined as he nodded.

30 Minutes Later

Anne exits the bathroom door, all cleaned as she straightened out the clothes she wore, that being a long-sleeved shirt, and pants. She then lays on the bed with a groan and closes her eyes to get some sleep.

"Anne?"

Hearing her name, she looked over at the door to see Olivia enter. "Come with me. We're heading out to the forest." Despite the happiness in her tone, Anne groaned and covered her head with a pillow.

"No."

"Come on, Anne." Despite her refusal, Olivia's smile didn't waver. "I just want to show you something. I think you'll like it."

"Again...No."

This made Olivia cross her arms and walk over to Anne, who covered her face with the pillow again. Raising her tail, she let it wrap around the human and lifted her from the bed. The pillow fell from Anne's grip, who looked surprised as the tail made her face Olivia, who didn't look pleased by Anne's response.

"I said we're heading out in the forest! Get your cloak and let's go."

Anne looked at Olivia in shock. Not only had she seen the newt look angry, but she was also having a bit of trouble breathing. Olivia's tail was getting tighter around her waist. "Okay-Okay! Sheesh!" Anne answered quickly. "Can you please let me go? I can't breathe!"

With a smile, Olivia made her tail let go of Anne, letting her drop on the bed. "Sorry about that. Now come along, we don't want to keep him waiting...Oh and bring your training clothes." While saying this, Olivia reached for her cloak hanging from the wall near her to put it on.

"Him-who?" Anne asked confused. "And why my training clothes?"

"For training of course." Said Olivia. "As for who, you'll meet him when we get there."

"Training? Uh...Cutie?" Anne asked with worry present in her voice. "You do realize he's going to see I'm human right? I'll trip if I tried wearing a cloak to hide myself for training."

Seeing her concerns about word getting out and likely earning incarceration for being the only human in the city, Olivia assured. "Oh, don't worry about that." She shook her head. "He's an old friend of mine and knows to keep secrets secure, especially for me. I trust him...And yes, training. You've been having trouble making progress. So I asked him to help you out. He's an ace when it comes to training."

Anne took a moment to think about this and shrugged. "Ok, if you say so...But if he freaks out, I'll have to take him out." On cue, she lifted a tennis racket made of timber and vines out of nowhere with a smirk, much to Olivia's disapproval.

"No, Anne." Said the newt with a cute glare, earning a chuckle from Anne.

"Relax, I'm just messing with you." Anne grabbed her gym clothes, dropped the racket, and walked to the bathroom. "I'll go get change."

30 Minutes Later

Having exited Newtopia Olivia and Anne entered the forest and proceeded until it and the guards were all out of view. Once far enough, the latter removed the hood from her head. "Okay, why do I need training from a newt?" She asked the former, who looked at her with nothing but doubt. "I can train myself no problem."

Anne held an arm up to flex to try and prove it, only for her to flinch as she let it drop. "Ouch." She let out, still sore from the workout she had been originally doing.

Olivia rolled her eyes. "You need training from a professional. You can't do it alone." She clarified. "You need more than just lift weights all day."

"Okay fine...Let's see this newt guy."

Seeing that she was convinced, Olivia continued to lead Anne. It wasn't until they made it to an opening in the middle of all the trees and other plant life in the forest. There Anne saw the newt Olivia was telling her about, waiting in the center.

Other than his height, build, and color, he was rather fit and had unkempt aquamarine hair. From the look of his attire, he was wearing what looked to be a beige tank top and grassy green shorts.

Noticing the two, the newt smiled. "Ah, you must be the human Olivia told me about." As they approached him, he bowed. "My name is Chet. One of the top Guards in Newtopia and your trainer." He stood and looked at Anne before turning to Olivia. "And fear not. I've pledged to keep your uniqueness an enigma to the others."

Olivia nodded in approval while Anne was left surprised by Chet's benevolence and faithfulness. Not wanting to be impolite, she bowed as well. "Nice to meet you too Chet. I'm Anne Boonchuy. Only human in the world...I think?" After bowing, she then asked. "So...About this training...When do I start? And how many exercises will I be doing?"

"Right after I describe what you'll be accomplishing over the weeks." Said Chet. "And to clarify your next question, these exercises will be done once at a time per day. As requested by Lady Olivia." He gestured to Olivia who turned to Anne.

"It's to help you avoid complete exhaustion."

Anne gave a nod and hum before turning her attention back to Chet as he raised a finger.

"The first we'll be starting with today is with a good old Cardiovascular exercise or as it's commonly known: Running. I'd include swimming but...There's no water for you to swim here that isn't in castle view." The tawny newt scratched the back of his head and continued. "If you want a body to survive the conditions here, you need to give the pace of your heart some elevation and improve the circulation of your blood. Otherwise exercising will be in vain."

"But my heart and blood are just fine."

"Are they after a good exercise?"

Anne raised a finger and was about to object but slowly lowered her finger and hand. "...Nooo."

Chet nods and continues. "For tomorrow is my 2nd favorite: Strength." Forming a fist, he flexed his arm, revealing the muscles in his bicep. "To endure harsh events that require lifting or fighting with your bare hands, you're gonna need some muscles to give you that little push."

Curious, Anne looked at her legs before turning her attention to her arms. Raising one, she did what Chet exhibited with his...Only for her arm to remain the same as it looked, much to her frustration. 'Curse my noodle limbs!'

"The day after we'll start with my personal favorite: Flexibility. If you're in a tight squeeze and there's nothing for you to lift or break, you'll have to resort to bending yourself out of the situation. To do that, you have to do a lot of stretching and..." Chet hummed and asked Anne. "Do humans know yoga?"

"Plenty do."

"Ah." Chet looked at Olivia. "So they do have some similarities to our world." Returning his gaze to Anne, he cleared his throat. "Moving on next: Core. Now like Strength, you'll need to toughen the muscles in your lower body. Namely the abdomen, back, and pelvis with planks, crunches, and leg raises."

Chet points at Anne. "And last but not least: Rest and Recovery...Which is at the end of each activity. While usually for an entire day, this'll help your body recover and adjust to the stress from the workouts to improve." He then looked at Olivia. "And since it requires resting and getting proper sleep, Lady Olivia will assist you."

Olivia confirmed it by nodding to Anne, who couldn't help but smile. Out of the training she'll need to do, this is the one she's the most interested in. Looking back at Chet, she asked. "So we start with running today?"

"Yep, and we'll be starting right now. Just stop by this line in the ground, and we'll begin."

"We'll? All three of us?" Anne asked before seeing Olivia go over to a rock with a book she brought.

"Just you and Chet, Anne." Said the blue newt as she sat on the rock. "I'll be right here for when you and Chet make it back. Just stay close to him and you should make it back without a problem. Okay?"

Anne nodded with some determination in her eyes as she stepped over to the line beside Chet.

"Now remember...Run as fast as you can but not too fast. Keep close to avoid going off course. Look down to avoid misstepping or crushing a bug, plant, or fungus. And don't be afraid to call for assistance, a good guard never leaves anyone behind." Chet set before tapping his head. "Got it memorized?"

"Mm-hm!"

"Alright then, on the count of 3, we'll run." Chet and Anne get into running position while looking down the path. "Ready...3!"

Chet ran as Anne blinked. "Wha-hey!" She ran after him as he looked back with a grin.

"Try to keep up!"

Anne lets out a quiet grunt and continues running, following Chet through the path in the forest. At the same time, Olivia watched the two until they were out of sight and let out a sigh. "Be careful Anne."

While she knows the path Chet is taking Anne down is safe, they are still in the forest where anything can happen. After one last glance at the path, Olivia gazed down at her book and began reading.

An Hour Later

Having gone through several pages in the book, Olivia was about to flip onto the next page when she heard running. Noticing it, she looked up from her book to see Chet and Anne returning to the open center. While Chet looked the same as he did when he ran off, Anne looked as though she had run through heavy rain. She was breathing heavily and was drenched in sweat to the point that her hair looked as though it was losing its poofy round form.

Flipping the page, Olivia approached them while reading a paragraph. "So, how was the run?" She asked as Anne looked up at her.

"Too...Much...Running!" Anne managed to say through her pants and gasped for air before wiping the sweat from her forehead. "I tripped...5 times...Got my foot caught in mud...And ran into more branches...Then I can count!"

"Yet you didn't give up and kept running, even before I could help." Revealed Chet with a grin. "With determination like yours, you'll be prepared in no time." Chet looked up and noticed the sky was no longer its familiar blue. "Speaking of being prepared, I gotta go back to Newtopia. I have to stand watch from the walls for a couple of minutes."

Going over to a tree, Chet reaches behind and grabs what Anne can assume is his spear, and shield, along with his armor. Getting into his armor with ease before putting on his helmet, Chet looked back at the duo and waved. "Bye, you two. I'll see you tomorrow for strength training, so be ready, Anne!"

With that, Chet walked off back to Newtopia, earning waves back from Olivia and Anne. When he was out of sight and earshot, the latter let out a groan, much to the former's concern, who paused from reading. "Something wrong, Anne?"

"I didn't do any actual training! I know it was running, but there was so much stuff in the way, I could hardly strive it, even if I wanted to! I fell more times than I did to run...So much so that my face is sorer than my legs!" Anne exclaimed. "I-ugh! Just whatever dude, just whatever...!"

After letting that out, Anne then noticed that Olivia still had her book with her. "You love reading, huh?" Olivia just hummed a yes as Anne leaned against the tree that was near, still breathing heavily before letting out a sigh. "All he taught me was to just run...He could've at least told me there were going to be obstacles while I was behind him but he didn't...That's just lame."

Looking at Olivia, Anne shook her head. "I'm sorry, but this isn't gonna work out." She crossed her arms and looked up at the sky. "I'll train my own way and do better than whatever Chet has in store." In response, Olivia closed her book gently and sighed.

"Anne, patience, that was part of the training. Yes, you are supposed to run, but you're not supposed to rush it, and you are to expect what isn't expected." Sincerity was in Olivia's tone as Anne listened. "It may seem like frivolity to you, but it's doing precisely what you were told it would do so you can handle what'll be next. So please think about it." She then adds. "You may be human, but you aren't going to survive here without guidance. If you train your way, you're only going to strain on your body."

Anne looked down for a moment before rolling her eyes. "Okay, fine...I'm sorry." She apologized. "I...I want to get strong and survive here. Just long enough to find my friends." She looked down in sadness before feeling Olivia's tail wrap around her waist.

"And you will...Just not in the way you were going for. Again, you need to take time."

Looking at Olivia, Anne chuckled a little. "I know cutie. Thank you."

"You're welcome." Said Olivia, holding her hand.

As Anne grasped Olivia's hand, she held her head with a groan, feeling a sudden dizziness as she opened her eyes and began rocking. "B-Byyy the way...After all thee lifting earlier...Annnnd the running nooow, I'm be-ginning to be seeing sparkly twinkles anywhere..." Anne turned to Olivia as her pupils shrank and dilated. "Is it you or do I smell bluuue...?"

Suddenly to Olivia's shock, Anne collapsed to the floor, passing out.

Hours Later

"Ugh..."

Opening her eyes with a couple of blinks, Anne sat up and began rubbing her eyes. "Wha...Happened?" Opening them, she realized Olivia was nowhere around her. "Olivia? Hello?" She called, looking around before realizing she wasn't in the opening of the forest anymore. Instead, she was in what looked to be her school, except it was empty with no soul in sight.

"My school?" Anne muttered. "But, how...?" Slowly getting up she shook her head. "N-No, this can't be real. Olivia!"

All Anne could hear was the echo of her shout throughout the halls. Before she could move or even call out again, a familiar voice broke the silence "Who's Olivia?"

Anne froze up, recognizing the voice. She would've been happy to hear who it was, but the tone was rather stern with a hint of disapproval. Turning in the direction she heard the voice, she saw the familiar blonde who was her friend. "Sasha? Where is everyone?"

"Don't dodge my question..." Sasha shook her head and approached Anne, furrowing her eyebrows. "Who...Is...Olivia?" Before Anne could respond, Waybright was suddenly in front of her with a pink glow in her eyes. "Are you trying to replace...ME?!" In anger, Sasha grabbed her shirt and lifted her into the air, her voice now sounding demonic. "YOU'RE TRYING TO REPLACE YOUR BEST FRIEND?!"

"N-No! I'm not I-"

"LIAR!"

Anne was tossed into a wall of lockers before landing on the ground with a thud. As she pushed herself up, she tried to reason with her friend. "Sasha, please, this isn't like you! And I'm not replacing you!" She was suddenly kicked in the abdomen by Sasha.

"LIKELY STORY! YOU WANT TO GET RID OF ME BECAUSE YOU CAN'T STAND ME! YOU"RE WEAK!" Sasha then punched Anne, who shut her eyes and shielded herself.

"S-Stop..."

"SPINELESS!" Sasha punches Anne again.

"Stop."

"LILY-LIVERED!" And again.

"Stop!"

"COWARD!"

Just as Sasha was about to punch her a 4th time, Anne suddenly pushed herself up.

"Stop It!"

Opening her eyes, revealing them to be glowing blue, Anne gasped as she was no longer in the hallway nor saw Sasha. Breathing heavily as the glow in her eyes faded in seconds, Anne looked around and noticed she was back in Olivia's room, sitting up in bed.

After her heavy breathing died down, she sighed in relief before looking confused. 'It was a nightmare...But how did I get back here?' Anne thought, placing a hand over her chest, feeling her heart still beating rapidly. Just then a hand touched her shoulder, making her freeze up.

"Anne-"

"Leave Me Alone!" Anne turned with a look of anger and punched the hand away, expecting Sasha, only for her expression to change to shock as it was Olivia.

"Ow!" Olivia let out in pain as she held her right hand, looking surprised, confused, and concerned. At the same time, Anne realized her mistake.

"Oh my God-oh my God-oh my God! I'm sorry Olivia, I didn't mean to do that!"

"I-It's okay, Anne..." Said Olivia, forcing a smile to cover her wincing. "I know you didn't mean to-" She suddenly let out a hiss in pain and held her now injured hand.

With a sigh of regret, Anne got out of bed, surprised she wasn't dizzy or anything after earlier. "Stop. It's not okay." Facing Olivia she gently held her injured hand. "I'm sorry for doing that." Examining Olivia's hand, Anne noticed it starting to turn purple a little, making her sigh. "I think I bruised her bones..." She then looked up at the blue newt. "Do you have a first aid kit? Or anything that's used to treat an injury like this?"

Olivia nods and points with her good hand. "Over there next to the vanity."

Spotting a square-shaped satchel that's supposed to be a kit, Anne walked over and grabbed it. Returning to Olivia she began to take out some ointment and a bandage wrap before using them to patch up her hand, which made Olivia smile.

"Anne."

Instead of responding, Anne kept bandaging her up. As she was almost done, Olivia applied her hand to her cheek, getting her attention.

"It's okay Anne, that wasn't your fault." Olivia began. "You were just experiencing a nightmare...A very dark one at that from what I can tell." It was clear she understood what Anne was going through, especially since she told her of the previous nightmares she had. She just wanted her to feel safe here.

Anne smiled back as she finished, bandaging up her hand. "Thanks...But still...I almost broke your hand." Her smile soon faded as she looked away. "I...I deserve punishment for it." Her eyes gazed out the window into the night sky full of stars.

Olivia, who walked over to Anne, did the same thing while sitting beside her and also wrapping her tail around her waist. "Anne, you're not going to be punished for a mistake you had no control over. It's unethical."

Hearing that made Anne's lips curl into a subtle smile. "Thanks." She applied her hand to Olivia's tail and gave it a delicate rub as they looked at the stars for a moment to enjoy the sight of the small speckles of lights in the sky.

After some time, Olivia looked at Anne. "This nightmare you had...Was it of your human friend, Sasha?"

While these nightmares Anne had were at first rare, they've slowly been happening almost every night...Well, most nights. It's starting to worry Olivia for Anne because they're making her depressed.

"I...Y-Yes...It was." Anne admitted. "Though the nightmares over exaggerate...I can't get over how she treated me back home. Since it was only me and Marcy who were her friends, she always acted like the leader and tried to control us, mainly me. It's always into doing something that she wants, regardless of who chooses to go where or to do what. And it always ends with us almost getting caught or in trouble. I..." Anne paused as she began to tear up and closed her eyes. "I hate her so much for doing that! I should've stood up for myself, but I-I never..."

Before Anne can finish, she notices Olivia's tail beginning to become a little tighter around her. Opening her eyes she turned to look at the blue newt in shock. "Olivia?"

"If you were going to say what I think you were going to say, don't." Olivia began, looking sternly but supportive at Anne. "Whatever occurred back home and whatever transpired in those deceitful notions of your friend, don't listen to them, and don't let them get to you and make you believe you're weak!"

Anne felt herself calming down as she wiped away her tears, listening to Olivia who continued. "Remember, you survived in the forest alone for days before I found you, with quick thinking you blinded those ruffians in the ally with garbage full of scalding sauce. Not only that...You saved my life." Olivia pulled Anne close with her tail. "Rather than running beside each other or splitting up, you went the distance to carry me, even climb up a building for us to lose them."

Olivia opened her arms and hugged Anne, surprising her. "All of those that you did are only what the wise, charismatic, and mighty can do, Anne. You, are, not, weak!" She tightened her hug slightly and whispered. "Never believe the opposite."

Touched by those words, Anne slowly wrapped her arms around Olivia to return the hug. "I won't...Thank you, cutie..."

From there, the duo continued hugging one another, not planning to let go of each other anytime soon. After a few minutes, Anne spoke, pulling away to look at Olivia, but both remained in the hug. "And thank you for...You know, getting your friend Chet to help me train. It honestly helped me so much for today."

Olivia looked at Anne with her smile and, to Boonchuy's surprise, leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. "You're welcome. But today was only the easy part." She pulled away from their hug. "Tomorrow, your training will get serious, depending if you're ready or not."

"Ooh yay..." Anne chuckled nervously. "I-I'll be ready for it." beads of sweat appeared on her forehead as she looked away with anticipation. 'I'm so dead...'

Looking back outside the window, Olivia realized something. "I'll be right back. I need to go and report something to the King." She pulled her tail away and walked to the door. "In the meantime go take a shower. I'm sure you'd want to feel refreshed after all that running today." Anne quickly stopped her. "Wait, wait! What about your hand?" She asked with worry as Olivia looked at her bandaged hand. "Won't someone ask what happened?"

"Oh. If anyone asks, I'll tell them I tripped and hit my hand falling." Olivia shrugged. "Clumsy me. So don't worry about it Anne, okay?"

Anne gave a nod as Olivia left the room, closing the door and locking it. After watching her leave, redness began to spread across Anne's face as she placed her hand against the cheek Olivia had kissed.

"She...She kissed..." A glisten formed in Anne's eyes as her blush became further prominent. "She kissed me...I can't believe she kissed me!" She whispered with a grin before laying back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling.

If it wasn't clear before, the human had a deep crush on the newt shortly after they met and showed they weren't a threat to one another. However, Anne never wanted to tell Olivia anything out of fear. Besides worrying that it would affect their friendship, she feared it'd all be futile in the end when she found a way home. Sure the first wouldn't happen, but the second is likely possible.

With a sigh, Anne rubbed her cheek and continued to look at the ceiling with her face still red. At the same time, she couldn't get Olivia's wounded and bandage hand off her mind. She wondered that Olivia might need a nurse to check her hand, just to be sure it was only bruised and not broken. At the same time, the inside of Anne's backpack glowed blue for a second before stopping, all while she was oblivious to it.

Meanwhile

Inside her office, Olivia was lying on her floor, covering her face with her hands, unable to cover the red spreading all over. "W-Why did I do that!? Why'd I kiss her!?" She shouted as she moved her arms away from her face and against the floor, making her flinch. "Ow!" She grasped her right hand and looked at it.

Olivia didn't want to admit it, but it's the truth. She has taken a liking to Anne...Not as a friend, but more than that ever since Anne called her, cutie. But like Anne, she has never told her out of fear of the same thing. She worries either it'll affect their friendship or be all for nothing when she helps Anne get home.

With a sigh, Olivia lowered her hand and looked down. 'I can't let these feelings distract me...' She thought while sitting up. 'I have to focus and help Anne find a way home with her friends when we find them.' Though determined to help Anen get back, at the same time she doesn't want her to go...She enjoyed Anne's company.

Immediately Olivia shook her head. 'Focus on what's important right now Olivia. Focus!' Soon after this, she stood up from the floor and dusted herself off. Making sure all the dust was off her, she walked out of her office and returned to her bedroom where Anne was.