And so, here we are. At last.
Hello and welcome to a fan fic I have been waiting forever to write. I have been a huge fan of Amphibia since the first day it came out. I loved absolutely everything about it, from the characters, the story and the ending (I may have teared up a bit during the final episode). And my love for it is especially evident in the three main focal characters. Anne is easily one of my favorite protagonist in any media; Marcy is my favorite character in the show and Sasha is a really cool and complex character with good character development. I originally wanted to write a fic for it a while ago, but I was never capable to fully push myself into it. Until today.
While I was brainstorming some ideas for it, I decided from day one that this was always going to be a crossover. It was which story to do the crossover with that was more difficult to decide. Until I had an epiphany.
Why not use what is without question my favorite video game franchise of all time: Super Mario.
I ADORE the Super Mario series. Not only was New Super Mario Bros DS my first Nintendo game EVER, but I absolutely loved every single game I have played since. It's such a big and wonderful part of my childhood.
So, I decided, why not combine together two things I loved immensely in one huge love letter to both series? It was basically asking to be written.
And what better game to use for the crossover if not the one that is still considered by many to be the one of the best games in the series and one of the best RPG's ever made? And that, as if fate itself decided this, it's about to receive a full on REMAKE in just a few days.
Yup, it's none other than Super Mario RPG: The Legend of the Seven Stars!
Yeah, you can also consider this my way of celebrating the release of the remake.
Now let's set some rules: the fic will follow the events of the game, with some minor tweaks here and there, and while it can't exactly follow the events of the show, the development the girls will receive is going to be the same. Heck, you might be surprised to see some events from the show actually happening here despite the change in world. In Spite of a Nail, right?
Also, because of the change in scenery, the characters from Amphibia (the place) will not show up, so unfortunately, no Sprig, Polly, Hop Hop and everyone else. I'm sorry. But that doesn't mean they won't show up in a future work. Wink Wink.
Anyway, I think I talked long enough.
So, without further delay, welcome everyone to Super Mario RPG: The Seven Stars and the Calamity Box.
Prologue
The Birth of the Calamity Warriors
(06/02/2024) Chapter updated! Better descriptions, fixed grammatical errors and other minor fixes. The changes were all done by the new beta reader of this story; PhantoMaster! Once again, a huge thanks to them.
… Greetings my friend.
It's nice of you to join me tonight. Come, have a seat. I have a wild story to tell that will leave you speechless.
But before we begin, here's a question, if you don't mind. When I say 'heroes,' what instantly comes to your mind?
You're likely thinking about the ones often portrayed in comics – the superheroes endowed with inhuman strength, animal-like powers, high-tech suits, razor-sharp claws, etc. Those heroes dedicate their lives to a single goal: to protect the world from those who try to destroy it.
Interestingly, when people discuss these heroes, they solely focus on their super alter egos. Superheroes use their adopted identities to hide from adversaries who could exploit their true selves and destroy their lives. Yet, in doing so, the audience overlooks that this superhero persona is just one facet of their complex existence. There's more to these individuals than meets the eye.
People forget that these heroes didn't start as such. They had a long journey before starting their new identities. Sometimes heartwarming and sometimes full of tragedy. People forget that, in the end, these heroes are still human.
Because, after all, heroes are not born. They're forged in darkness, shaped in battle. Heroes are characterized not by their flashy costumes and their powers but by their acts of sacrifice and courage. And they come in all kinds and shapes.
And today, I'll tell you one such story about the birth of one particular group of heroes whose actions change multiple worlds forever.
Now sit back, my friend, and be ready to enjoy this wondrous tale.
May I present to you… the story of the birth of the Calamity Warriors.
Our story begins in the city of Los Angeles.
The roads are filled with traffic as the sounds of vehicle horns are blaring the streets. That is, of course, one of the price to pay when you live in a big city. People are walking on the side walk while minding their business, trying to ignore the loud noises coming from the road.
But this is not what we are focusing on.
Instead, we will direct our attention to a house in a peaceful suburb.
Said house is the abode of the Boonchuys, a Thai family consisting of two parents, their sole child, and their cat. And speaking the child, she was currently peacefully sleping in her bed, completely carefree.
This young Thai-American teenager, Anne Boonchuy, a twelve-year-old girl on the verge of turning thirteen today, takes on the protagonist's role in this tale.
Anne was a normal kid with a normal life. She went to school like every kid her age, and she had hobbies like many do. She practiced both tennis and Muay thai, and she was really good at them. Her parents owned a restaurant in town and she worked there every now and then.
Anne has a kind-hearted personality, although she is irresponsible and could be somewhat selfish. Okay, scratch that. Anne could be pretty selfish at times. But her heart was still in the right place.
She was also really excited to celebrate her birthday with her parents and her best friends. And she would do so immediately… if she finally decided to wake up.
Thankfully, a loud banging on her door finally brought her back in the land of the living.
"Eeeeeeh… five more minutes…" she groaned, still sleepy and tired.
Ignoring the request, the door to her room opened as two figures made their way in. Those figures being her parents, Bee and Oum.
"Rise and Shine sunshine!" Her father said enthusiastically.
"And get ready to greet another beautiful day!" Her mother followed.
Hearing this, Anne put whatever strength she had in that moment to kick start what she called the "raise from the dead" process. First raising her head, then yawning, stretching her arms and finally opening her eyes.
Once she did so, she was greeted by the sight of her mother holding a tray of breakfast, her father holding a party horn and both of them wearing a birthday hat. And hanging on the wall was a banner that said 'Happy Thirteenth Birthday Anne!' written in capital letters.
In the end, there was only one thing that could have happen next.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNE!" Her parents yelled enthusiastically followed by Oum blowing the party horn.
Anne remained there surprised for a few second before she broke in a heartwarming smile. "Oh My God! Mom, Dad! Thank you so much! I wasn't expecting this!" She said happily as she hugged her parents.
"Hey, this is the least we could do for our princess!" Oum said while playfully rubbing his daughter's hair.
"We thought that you might have wanted to start the day with a bit more of a rush of energy. Especially such an important one." Bee said as she started rubbing Anne's hair as well.
"Thank you. Both of you really! This is one heck of a way to start the day." Anne said happily while stretching her arms a little bit more. And while doing so, her eyes connected on the tray full with delicious breakfast, including pancakes, eggs, bacon and orange juice. "Oooooh yummy. Gimme Gimme!" She said while drooling as her mother handed her the tray.
"And this is only the beginning!" Her father said happily as he explained her the itinerary. "After you finish school I want you to invite all your close friends to a proper birthday party in our house at six! There will be good food, fun games and we even hired a clown for some entertainment."
Somehow, just hearing the word 'clown' caused Anne lose whatever enthusiasm she had in that moment as she groaned exasperated. "Come on Mom, Dad. A clown? Really? I'm officially thirteen years old now. Aren't I too old for this things?" She asked them while chewing a piece of bacon.
"If you ask me, I don't think we are ever too old for such silly and simple things. It really help reminds us that, no matter how much we grow up, inside we will always be happy innocent children's." Her father said in an attempt to convince her. However, it was clear from her look that she was still not convinced.
"But still, a clown, really?" She repeated as if trying to make her point more clear.
Her mother however did not budge. "You say that now, but just you wait when you become an adult. You will be begging for anything to reconnect with your childhood." She smirked at her daughter as she made her counter argument clear.
Anne just chuckled at that as she took a sip of orange juice. "I really doubt that mom."
After that discussion, Bee got up and clapped her hands. "Alright Anne, you got a long day ahead of you, so now I want you sit there and enjoy your breakfast in peace." She said affectionately to her daughter.
Anne, in return, responded by smiling at her, showing that she was really grateful for this gesture. She then tried to take another bite of the bacon… but before she could continue to taste that delicious breakfast, a thought crossed her mind.
"Wait. If I waste too much time eating, I won't have time to prepare for school, won't I?" She asked them, being a bit worried about the time frame.
"Not to worry, I knew you would say that, so we took the liberty of preparing your backpack, while leaving something very special for you in it," she said while pointing at the as she said prepared backpack, "and we completely dressed you while you were sleeping." She said cheerfully while removing the covers from Anne, revealing that, yes, she was in fact already fully dressed in her school uniform and her shoes.
"… I'm somehow both grateful and creep out at the same time."
The sound of a bicycle echoed through the air, guided by Anne. Carefree and unconcerned, she serenely pedaled along the street, quietly observing everything that crossed her eyes. Soon, Anne made her way to her destination: Saint James Middle School.
Her school experience was ordinary, marked by highs and lows, much like everyone else's. Anne's grades weren't spectacular, but they weren't horrible either. And sure, she may have problems with some bullies every so often, but it was nothing Anne couldn't handle, especially when you know the right people. And there were also some minor annoyances that she learned to live with.
Anne eventually stopped her bike on one of the bike racks next to the school. Fresh from the adrenaline from the ride, she removed her helmet, allowing her admittedly big hair to pop out. Then, she bound her bicycle to the rack with a lock so no one would steal it.
Overall, the day was starting well.
"Hey Boobchuy!"
Anne suppressed a groan. Right.
Speaking of does minor annoyances.
The girl who spouted that insult walked right next to Anne. Like Anne, she wore the same school uniform, albeit covered with a blue hoodie. A black cap adorned her head, positioned in reverse, and her orange hair neatly combed into two long braids cascading down her shoulders. The person who ridiculed Anne was one of her classmates named Maggie Williams.
Anne wouldn't exactly call her a 'bully.' The two had what you would call a friendly-enemy friendship. One minute, they argued over something mundane, and the next, they genuinely complimented each other as if nothing happened earlier. It's not like Maggie liked being mean to people. She loved ANNOYING people.
Yes, there is a difference.
And right now, it seemed like they were about to start the old song and dance again.
"Whatcha eating there? A PUKE BUN?" She said mockingly while cackling in a very annoying manner.
"It's not a BUN, Maggie. It's a khao niew bing, a traditional Thai snack made up of rice and coconut milk. My mom made it for me because it's my birthday." Anne explained to her while holding her delicious snack.
"Oh really? Happy birthday girl!" Maggie said to her with a smile in a genuine tone, showing that she was actually being sincere.
…But of course, this was only the first part of the song and dance. Now comes the final verse.
"… GIVE ME THAT!" Maggie shouted as she grabbed Anne's snack and tried to take it from her.
"Hey! Get your own Thai mom!" Anne replied annoyed as she tried to pull the snack away from Maggie's strong pull.
Some things never change.
Sometimes, Anne really wondered how the heck she managed to survive this long with all the nonsense she had to deal with.
"HEY MARGOT!"
Then, she remembered.
The two stopped their tug-of-war, their expressions shifting to surprise when they looked at the person who interrupted them.
And, oh boy, this person was quite a distinctive character.
With blonde hair tied in a ponytail and adorned in the same school uniform as the others, but in much more clean and pristine condition, complete with a teal blue jacket. The pair of shoes was commanding black, and the fingernails flaunted a vibrant hot pink hue. Last but not least, a powerful glare was directed squarely at Maggie.
The girl's overall appearance screamed dominance. But more accurately, her authority.
"Leave her alone!" The girl commanded to her.
Then, like some kind of divine intervention, a guitar riff sounded after her command, as if the gods themselves wanted to further drive the point of her dominating presence.
…Except it wasn't gods. It was just another student with glasses and a pink tomahawk right behind her that was playing the guitar.
"Also, nice guitar solo, Vince." She briefly switched her gaze to him to compliment both his guitar skill and his timing.
"YEAH!" Vince yelled enthusiastically.
Maggie however, didn't let herself be intimidated by the girl commanding nature as she fought back. "Oh, yeah? Or else what?" She told her, firmly holding her ground.
Unfortunately for her, she had simply no chance.
She was dealing with a real pro. And she knew that.
"Or else you can forget coming to my awesome house party next week." The blonde girl informed her while crossing her arms. She then took a more worried and emphatic tone toward her, but it was pretty clear that she wasn't sincere. She was purely mocking her and enjoying it. "It'll be really sad when the whole class is enjoying the pool… without you." She finished with a devious smile, claiming the match and victory.
Realizing the losing battle and not wanting to become a school pariah, Maggie had to back down. "Aw, jeez, Sash. I was just playin'." She said trying to sound playful. She then gave the snack back to Anne. "Here." She said in a defeated tone as she left the premises, her pride and ego completely shattered.
"Thanks, dude!" Anne thanked the girl with a smile. A tone of familiarity filled the air.
The girl smiled back at her and replied, "No worries. You just gotta speak their language." A dismissive wave of her hand said it all. It was no big deal for someone like her. "But never mind that. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GIRL!"
The two of them proceeded to squeal in happiness with the capability only a teenage girl could have. They then did two double-hand claps, a twirl by Anne, and a big hug.
Yes, for this blonde girl wasn't a simple stranger to Anne. She was someone the Thai-American knew very well, and that meant the world to her.
She was one of her two BFFs, Sasha Waybright.
Anne had known her since they were little kids. They met in a playground where Sasha saw Anne and her other best friend getting picked on by two teenage bullies. Not willing to let this injustice stand, Sasha came to their rescue and fought the two bullies.
Well, maybe 'fought' is not putting it right. It's more like Sasha "tried to fight the bullies but kept missing and hurting herself until she annoyed them into leaving." But, hey, points for trying. And she did make them leave the three of them alone, so she did succeed, depending on how you look at it.
Ever since that day, the three of them were inseparable. Sasha helped Anne in more ways than she could count, all thanks to her skills.
She was what one might call an 'expert social climber.' Sasha knew just what to do or say to ingrate herself with groups of people. It wasn't long before she became the head honcho of those groups and used that position to help her friends.
And school wasn't any different. It didn't take long before Sasha became the most popular girl. She was the indomitable Queen Bee. And no one would dare to touch her or her friends. And since Anne didn't understand how these things work (status, social climbing, and whatnot), Sasha was more than happy to instruct her when she needed a hand.
Not that Anne had still understood anything about any of it, but she still appreciated her help.
And Sasha was currently jubilant to celebrate the thirteenth birthday of one of her best friends.
However, the duo's celebrations ended abruptly as the school bell chimed, signaling that class was about to start—a turn of events that didn't sit well with them. Especially Sasha.
"Ugh. Buzzkill," she groaned.
Anne wasn't precisely what you would call a 'model student.'
It's not like she hated school; it was more like she wasn't too proactive in education. Due to her lack of enthusiasm and diligence, Anne tended to be lazy and impatient when studying, opting to engage in distractions during class rather than dedicating herself. One time, rather than read a book her teacher instructed her to, Anne started playing on her portable console and got immediately caught.
It also caused her to develop an 'arch-nemesis' dynamic with her teachers. Completely one-sided, of course.
It probably didn't help that many classes Anne studied were not particularly engaging or thrilling.
And this particular lesson was no different.
"Alright, class. Today's your lucky day because today we are studying Mycology!" the biology teacher said enthusiastically to her students. An enthusiasm that no one in the classroom reciprocated one bit as every student groaned in displease. Two students even said "Gross" to further make the point.
Anne was on the same wavelength as everyone else as she stared at the mushrooms in a tray on her desk. She sheepishly poked one of them just to check, and yup, they were as moist as they looked. Much to her disgust. "Ugh… Okay, I'm just going to say it. I. Hate. Mushrooms. And it's not just them, but also the guy who thought it was a 'genius idea' to put pineapple on pizza! I hate him with a fiery passion," Anne said the last sentence with particular seething hatred, the kind only someone who tasted pineapple with pizza and hated it could experience.
Sasha agreed with her sentiment. "I know, right? Let's get outta here," she said as she prepared to pull one of her oldest moves. What Sasha was about to do was a little trick that helped her escape from a surprise test periodically. "Uuughh. Mrs. Virk, the smell of these mushrooms… I-I'm gonna be sick," she said very melodramatically while holding her stomach in 'pain.' Usually, that sort of performance wouldn't convince anyone in the slightest.
Thankfully for her, the biology teacher happened to be a little too trusting. "Oh dear. Anne, why don't you take Sasha to the sick room before she desecrates these beautiful mushrooms with her vomit? Thank you," she declared firmly, holding and shoving two mushrooms uncomfortably close to the two girls.
Not wasting any more time, the two of them exited out of the classroom with surprising speed. And the moment they were out, they immediately ran around the school, giggling and ecstatic to have escaped what was about to be an unpleasant time. It helped that this was an hour where no one was around the corridors.
They eventually reached the nurse's room, to Anne's relief. "Yo, Sash. Sick room's over here."
Sasha sighed in annoyance, a bit exasperated that Anne didn't realize what she was trying to do. "Forget the sick room. Forget school. Let's get out of here and celebrate your birthday in style," she revealed with an unexpectedly calm demeanor. It was the same demeanor of someone who suggested going to a party rather than breaking the law.
Anne, however, wasn't on board with bailing school. If anything, she felt a little uneasy. "Oof, skip school? I don't know, Sash…" she said with worry, unsure if this was a good idea.
Having an unconcerned expression, Sasha had none of it. "Anne, this is your 13th birthday. You only get one of these. So let's make it the best birthday in the history of birthdays," she told her, emphasizing the last part while putting her arm around Anne's shoulder.
Anne wanted to reply that "you only get one of these" could be applied to every birthday but chose to keep that comment to herself. She remained doubtful about this idea.
Anne didn't like to think about it, but this was one side of Sasha she didn't like.
It was how stubborn and pushy she could get when she wanted Anne to do something.
Sasha seemed to have this habit of always being in charge of anything the girls ended up doing, no matter how mundane it was. And if someone had an objection, it was ignored. And there was a lot of stuff she made Anne either do or make a part of that she didn't want to do.
…But hey, that was okay! After all, Sasha knew exactly what she was doing, so it was okay to do what she said. And even if she didn't like it, she still had to it.
After all, this is what friends do right? If one of your friends asks you to do something with them, you do it.
Even if it makes you feel uneasy and that you clearly were against doing it at first.
If your friend ask you for something you have that they like, you give it to them.
Even if it was something you liked and you didn't want to give it to them.
In the end, Anne took a deep breath and caved in. "Well... all right. I gotta be home by 6:00, though. My parents are throwing a big party and they really want me to be there." She told her while making absolutely clear to her that the last part was simply non-negotiable.
Sasha didn't seem to have a problem with that. "Right, right, you got it. Now let's get this thing started!"
And so, the "festivities" commenced.
The first step was the Arcade, with the recurring daily visit to the Super Dance Fusion machine. Which was an absolute breeze for the undiscussed and undefeated champions. Which they demonstrated once again today with their moves.
Perfect score, Perfect choreography and perfect synchronization.
Granted, there was an awkward moment when Sasha kicked the machine with enough strength to cause the coins they put into it (and some others as well) to come out of it, but hey, all for the sake of a perfect birthday, right?
Even if Anne wasn't okay with it.
Up next came something a lot more rebellious: spray-painting graffiti.
This one screamed an awful idea in Anne's head from beginning to end. It would land her and Sasha in deep trouble if the cops caught them red-handed doing this illegal activity. Even with the potential consequences, Anne eventually had to admit that the experience was somewhat enjoyable after trying it out.
Thought she did almost have a heart attack when she heard a siren from the police car that was passing by.
That no one ever said that she wasn't a rebel, eh?
And lastly came probably the most dangerous thing Anne had ever done.
They both entered inside a shopping cart, and went down a descent at full speed, screaming all the way down.
And while they did almost run over a few people, the adrenaline from the experience was unmatched.
There never was a boring day with Sasha Waybright. And that was a fact.
This.
This was the life.
After an entire day of nothing but pure fun and excitement, Sasha style, what better way to end things that with two extra larges milkshakes and two big slices of chocolate cake?
And before anyone asks yes, the pair of colorful and eccentric glasses they were both wearing were awesome and a necessity. And no one dare to say the contrary.
'I'm the best.' Sasha thought to herself as she slurped her milkshake while relaxed on the chair. And judging from how relaxed and at peace Anne looked, she probably thought the same thing.
Hey, only the best for your best friend's birthday, right? "So that's what a unicorn tastes like… Corn syrup." Anne noted to herself after tasting the milkshake. It made her wonder what the fairy milkshake tasted like too. However, her thought process was cut short by a chimes coming from her phone. "Huh?" She curiously looked at it to see what the message was about.
Much to her shock, it was two messages from her mother asking her where she was and that her party was about to start in fifteen minutes. Which Anne immediately realized to be true as she looked at the clock of her phone and saw that it was five and forty-five.
"Oh, shoot. It's almost six. I gotta go, dude." Anne said panicked as she got up from the chair and put the milkshake and the glasses on the table.
Sasha however wasn't as worried as she was. "Family party, right? Lame. Let me guess, a clown? With balloon animals?" She told her while giving her a smug look. Sasha had nothing against Anne's parents. She knew them well and she knew that they thought the world of their daughter.
But the fact that their idea of a great party for their daughter's birthday was a clown and "balloon animals" of all things really did not sit well with her. I mean, it was okay when Anne was just a kid, but she was a teenager now for biscuit sake. She deserved a party more majestic and appropriate for her age. You know, like the one Sasha just gave her all day?
And it was clear from Anne's blushing face that she shared the same sentiment. "I know it's not the coolest, but this is important to them." She said trying to defend her parent's idea.
Sasha simply nodded as she continued to stare at her phone.
It really looked like that was going to be just like any other day of their life. Anne would have gone to her birthday, Marcy and Sasha would have met with her later and they would have celebrated together. And the next day, everything would have gone back to the same routine.
Or at least, that's what they thought. Because, little did they know…
… that their lives were about to change forever.
Before Anne could leave, Sasha received a message on her phone. She looked at it and her eyes went wide.
"Oh, my gosh. Marcy says she found the perfect gift for you downtown." She then showed Anne the message she received.
It was the image of a peculiar music box painted green and gold. There were what appeared to be three big gems encased on the lid. The gems were of different color each. Green, blue and pink. In general, the box looked very ancient.
"A music box for the music lover." She said jokingly to Anne while she kept staring at the gems with unlawful intention. "I wonder if those gems are real." She said mischievously as she imagined herself wearing a necklace with those gems on it. A look fitting for a queen, right?
"Come on. Let's keep this party train rollin'. Choo-choo!" She told Anne ecstatically as she started to gently push her out of the coffee shop, convinced one hundred percent that Anne was going to say yes. I mean, why would she say no? This was a once in a lifetime opportunity, of course she was going to join her.
Unfortunately, she was instantly proven wrong. "Sorry, dude, you don't understand. I really gotta go." She said apologetically as she pulled her hand out of Sasha's and made her way out of the bar.
Ugggghh….
Ok, this-
This was ridiculous.
If Sasha had to be honest this was thing about Anne that really drove her nuts.
Here she was, proposing to her to come with her two best friends to get what was without a doubt the best birthday present ever, and what did Anne want to do instead? Go at a party with balloon animals and… uugggh… a 'clown'.
This wasn't the first time it happened either. Every time Sasha proposed something immensely cool to do, Anne immediately got cold feet and objected to it.
Didn't she understand that Sasha always had the right idea? That she always had her best friends best interest at heart? But no, instead of the fun choice, she always had to advocate for the boring and safe one.
Fortunately for her, Sasha was always there to "nudge her" in the right direction. And it looks this was going to be the case too.
Sasha took a stern and serious look as she prepared to do what she does best.
Nudging her friends in the right direction.
"Oh, I understand, Anne. You're a good little girl who's gotta go home to her mommy and daddy." She said in a mocking tone to start things off. "Come on. Hang out with your friends that love you." She continued, the tone of her voice now being more friendly and approachable.
Anne wasn't convinced yet, but she was clearly faltering. "Sasha, I'd really like to, but—" She tried to tell her, but before she could continue, Sasha stopped her by putting her hand up.
She then put a more forceful tone to make her understand that this wasn't up for debate and that she was running out of patience. "Anne, this isn't cute anymore. We are meeting up with Marcy right now."
And finally, the coup de grace.
"End. Of. Discussion."
The two girls stayed in silence for a few second as Anne looked at her friend in shock. After a few uncomfortable seconds, Anne looked at the clock behind her, and after giving it a few thought, she finally answered her. "…I guess it's okay if I'm a little late..." She said chuckling, having finally caved in.
Sasha smiled, both to Anne and to herself for another job well done. She had done this so many times now, that it was almost instinctive of her, and impossible to fail. She knew she would have seen reason, like always.
Granted, Sasha couldn't deny that she did feel guilty for always forcing Anne in this situations. The last thing she wanted was to be a bully.
But, like always, she brushed that guilt aside. It was for the greater good after all. Sasha was doing this for Anne, Marcy, and her collective happiness. So it was all good.
… Right? ...
… Right.
Brushing those thoughts aside, she grabbed Anne's hand as the two exited the coffee shop holding hand. Next stop: Marcy and that music box.
"Boom! I knew you'd change your mind."
"…I-I'm sorry, you want me to do WHAT!?"
Anne was tasked with abundant insane requests by her friends before, tasks she reluctantly carried out despite how she felt about it. And yet, none of those came even close to what a certain someone asked her.
That someone is a girl with short black hair and a hairpin on the left side. She had a blue hoodie with a green skirt and brown shoes. And a green backpack on her shoulder.
The third girl was Anne's second best friend, Marcy Wu.
Anne and Marcy had been friends for a long time, well before they met Sasha. Marcy stood out as the most joyful, cheerful, and optimistic person Anne had ever known. Not only was she super intelligent, but she also excelled academically, a downright prodigy. Marcy proudly identified as a "huge nerd," passionately adoring anything fantasy, including video games, manga, anime, and DMD. It was hard to catch Marcy in a moment when she wasn't playing video games, even at school.
Yes, even in class. How Marcy didn't get caught yet was still a mystery to Anne.
Another one of her characteristics is her clumsiness. Like, a REAL klutz. Marcy was the clumsiest person alive, often requiring Anne to rescue her like a bodyguard. Despite Marcy's frequent mishaps, Anne deeply cared for her and was always willing to help as a loyal friend.
Or at least, that's what she thought until this day.
"Marcy. Please tell me you seriously didn't just ask me to STEAL SOMETHING!" She asked her friend outraged.
"I… I did. B-But it's not as bad as it sound." Marcy stammered unconvincingly.
"It's true. I mean, think about it Anne, if shoplifting really was as bad as people make it out to be, there wouldn't be so many people doing it, right?" Sasha casually told her, trying to make a point.
Anne wanted to seriously argue about what kind of dumb logic that was supposed to be, but she chose to focus on one argument at a time. "Girls! This whole thins is crazy, reckless and idiotic! Why can't we just BUY that music box? It can't be that expensive, right?" She pleaded to them.
Marcy signed and shrugged. "I tried Anne. But that clerk said the box wasn't for sale. Shop's owner's orders and all that." She revealed to her, annoyed by this turn of events.
"And you decided that SHOP LIFTING was the second best option!?" Anne shouted, her displeasure still evident. "You know what would happen if I get caught!"
Marcy winced at than as she rubbed the back of her head. "Believe me, normally I would never make a decision like that. And in fact, I was against it too at first. But then, Sasha made some very good arguments and, well… I couldn't really say no after that." She admitted to her.
"… But still, stealing? Isn't that going too far? For just a birthday present?" She asked Marcy.
"It's not just a birthday present. It's my present for you Anne. I wanted to give you something really special for your thirteenth birthday. And this is the one. And I would really hate it to miss the opportunity to give it to you because of outside problems." Marcy confessed to her, the tone of her voice basically pleading to her.
Anne however still didn't understand one thing. "I don't get it. Why do I have to do it? Can't one of you take care of it?" She asked them curious.
This time, it was Sasha that answered her. "We could, but then I realized that it would be much more fitting for you to get it, being your gift and this being your birthday, you know? After all, if you work hard for something, it makes it all the more sweet when you get it, right?" She told her, her logic making as much sense as before.
Anne of course, still wasn't convinced. "… I don't know girls. You are really asking a lot out of me this time." She told them a bit ashamed.
Her however, seemed to have really ticked off Sasha quite a bit as she was now looking at her with a serious glare. A glare that didn't leave her face one second as she approached Anne and put her hands on her shoulder.
"… Anne. You care about Marcy, right?" Sasha asked her dead serious.
What she said rubbed Anne the wrong way. "W-WHAT? O-Of course I do!" she yelled with clenched fists, exasperated at Sasha questioning their friendship.
"Well, good to know. Because, honestly, you're not sounding like you do right now! Think about it for a moment, Anne! Marcy had spent the entire day trying to find the best birthday gift for you. She finally found it, and given the unfortunate circumstances, it's our only option to get our hands on the music box. Yes, I will admit, it is an unsavory one. But guess what? We have to do this. Because if we don't, we'd be spitting on all of Marcy's hard work," Sasha reasoned with Anne.
She then narrowed her eyes at her and added, "And you don't want that… do you?"
Anne was incapable of saying anything. She just stayed quiet, staring at her blonde friend with a shocked expression plastered on her face. A look that even Marcy was currently sporting, just as stunned from that tirade as she was. The only thing Anne was sure of at that moment was that the air was almost suffocating.
Every fiber of her being was telling her that this was a really bad idea and that she shouldn't do it. That she should have kept refusing, regardless of how Sasha and Marcy were going to react.
But Anne wasn't going to risk losing her friends no matter what, regardless of how she felt. Regardless of how uncomfortable she was.
"… No. Of course not." She finally told her in a defeated tone, having caved again
"Great! Then let's get to it!" Sasha said happily, her tone having shifted in the matter of seconds.
"… wait, so, are you in?" Marcy asked her hopeful. While she was still a bit uncomfortable, Anne agreeing to the plan completely overshadowed everything else.
"… Yeah, I am." Anne confirmed to her. She then she turned to Sasha. "So, how do I do this, Sash?" She asked her.
"Trust me. It will be easy. Just enter the shop, don't talk or make eye contact with ANYONE, slowly make your way toward the box, and while no one is looking, quickly grab it, put it inside your back pack and then slowly make your way out of the shop. Simple enough?" Sasha explained carefully to her.
"… Yeah. I got it." She confirmed to her.
"You can do this Anna Banana! Go get it!" Marcy encouragingly told her, flashing her a double thumbs up. Anne replied with a thumbs up as well. However, notwithstanding her outward gesture, Anne couldn't shake off the uneasiness lingering within her for what would happen next. Regardless of how she was feeling, Anne took a deep breath and entered inside the drift store while a pleased Sasha watcher her.
"… I could convince her to run for presidency if I wanted." Sasha said pleased with herself.
Anne was going to die.
No, she didn't care how it sounded. It was the truth. She was certain today was the day she would have died.
One minute she was having a great birthday, having fun with her friends.
And now, here she was, about to commit shoplifting, potentially getting caught and going to jail, all for the sake of a stupid music box.
And the worst part was that she couldn't even back out of it anymore. Given that Sasha and Marcy were currently watching her from outside the store, looking through a glass wall.
So, no more take backs. Regardless if she had second thoughts about it. And believe me, she had PLENTY of them.
Anne only wanted one thing in that moment, to get that stupid box and end this situation as quickly as possible.
It didn't take long before she finally reached it.
There it was. The Music Box. Right at the top of some kind of old drawer.
"Come on Anne. You can do this." She said to herself to steel her nerves.
First she gave a look around the store to make sure no one was watching her. Fortunately for her she came at a time when the store was completely empty. The only person that was there was the clerk who, by some dumb luck, had completely fallen asleep.
That was it.
That was her chance.
Without missing a bit, she quickly grabbed the music box and then put it inside her back pack. She looked back at the glass wall were Marcy and Sasha had just witnessed her getting the box. Both of them had victorious smiles on their faces, with Sasha giving Anne a double thumbs, as her way of saying "you are doing great".
Steeling herself one again, Anne took a deep breath and slowly walked toward the exit, praying all the way to the end that the clerk wouldn't wake up. And thankfully for her, she didn't.
Eventually, after the longest seconds of her life, Anne finally reached the exit and, after taking another deep breath, she opened it and left the store.
… And the moment she was out, without exchanging one word, the three friends run like heck and high tailed it out of there, wanting to be far away from the scene of their crime as possible.
… The things you do for friendship.
The clerk might have been old, but she wasn't stupid.
And you must be stupid for thinking that no one would see you trying to steal something right in the middle of the store and in broad daylight.
Granted, she will give the girl some slack. She clearly thought that she was sleeping, while in truth, she was only pretending. And plus…
Does it really count when someone wants to and lets' you steal something?
Let the thay girl with brown hair steal the music box, simple as that. That was what she was told to do after all. That was what he told her to do.
And speaking of the devil, guess who was ringing on the phone right now?
Without missing a bit, she grabbed her phone and pressed on "accept call", then put it on her right ear.
"Yes?"
"Is it done? Did she get it?"
"She did alright. High tailed out of here as soon as she was out the door."
"Good. And thank you. I knew I could count on you."
"Don't mention it, but just so you know, we are even after this."
"Of course. Wouldn't have it any other way."
"But seriously, thank you. You have no idea of the importance of what you just did today."
"Oh trust me, I know. That's the sole reason I even agreed to do something like this in the first place."
"… So, what now?"
"Now? The mysterious person chuckled. "Our part in this is done my friend."
"Now… it's all up to them."
Anne isn't sure how long she had been running.
All she knew is that she wanted to be as far away from that store as possible. As far as her legs allowed her that is.
And it looked like this was it, as Anne had reached a playground. Having finally found a safe haven, Anne put the box on the bench and sat right next to it, as she started to contemplate on everything that just happened.
Sasha reached her a few seconds after, panting lightly. "Whew, haven't ran like that for a while."
Anne didn't answer her as she was still a bit out of it from the all situation.
"… So… that was fun, eh?" Sasha innocently inquired to her friend.
Little did she know of the storm she had just unleashed as Anne looked at her with an eerie calm look on her face.
"… Fun? FUN!? Sasha! That. Was. The MOST STRESSFUL. EXPERIENCE. OF MY LIFE!" Anne screamed at her Sasha, waving her hands frantically."I think I have just become three years older from all that stress!"
Sasha blinked in bewilderment. "… Is that possible?
"I DON'T KNOW! BUT IT'S DEFINITELY HOW I'M FEELING RIGHT NOW!"
"Ok! Ok! Maybe it was. But! Look on the bright side! It's over now, and you succeeded! And no one saw you! So, now you can relax, take a huge breath and give yourself a put on the back for a job well done because you were great." Sasha rationalized, trying to calm her down.
Anne wanted nothing more but to keep screaming. But a combination of Sasha's valid arguments and her praise made her decide it wasn't worth it. So, she took a few deep breaths and calmed down.
"… You're right. It is over now. And it's true that no one saw me. No use getting all agitated now." Anne admitted while looking at the box, having calmed down a bit.
Of course, that didn't mean she wasn't going to get some payback on her right now.
"But just so we are clear Sasha, if the police catch us, I'm throwing both of you under the bus." Anne smiled at her deviously.
Sasha decided to play along as she made an exaggerated gasp at that. "What!? Betrayed by my most trusted friend!? And to think… they warned me of the danger of this business!" Sasha said in a melodramatic in way.
It didn't take long before the two of them burst into laughter.
"Yeah! Well perhaps you should have been more careful when… you… wait, where is Marcy?"
"Eh?" Sasha looked around to realize that Anne was correct. Marcy was in fact nowhere in sight.
However, they didn't have to worry too much about it as eventually, Marcy finally managed to catch up with the two of them.
Not easily though, as she looked like she was about pass out.
"I… really need… to start... doing… some… cardio…" She tried to say between breaths and wheezes.
"Do you… need some help Mar Mar?" Anne asked with concern for her wheezing friend's well-being.
"No… don't worry Anne… I'm fine." Marcy reassured, slightly panting as she rummaged through her backpack, retrieving a water bottle. With a swift motion, she took a HUGE swig out of it, making the bottle half empty in one go. After sealing it and stowing it back in her pack, Marcy regained her composure.
"Okay. All good now." Marcy said calmly, having gained her breath back. "But let's change our focus. There is something much more important at hand. In fact..."
Without wasting a second, Marcy skipped toward the Music Box. She then started to look at it very intensely. "Wow. It's so beautiful." She said mesmerized.
"Eh. I've seen better… but the gems are pretty good, can't deny that." Sasha admitted as she stared at the gems of the box. Surely Anne wouldn't mind if she took them right?
"Well, don't just stand there Anna Banana! Open it! I want to see what kind of music comes out of it!" Marcy asked her friend, downright giddy with excitement.
"Okay Marcy. Can't deny I'm a bit curious myself." Anne told her.
The three friends were now huddled together as Anne put the Music Box on her lap. She then put her hands on the lid, and started opening it.
"Alright. Here goes nothing."
And so, she opened it.
…
…
When the girls found the box, they thought it was just a simple accessory. Nothing more, nothing less.
How wrong they were.
The three girls didn't even have the time to react as a huge white flash came out of the Music Box, and enveloped them and the box completely. The flash drained the color from the gems, now all three being a cold grey. When the flash disappeared, so had the three girls, and the box that started it all with them.
…
…
And so begin the first journey of the Calamity Warriors. A journey that will change them and shape them in becoming true heroes. Heroes that will change multiple worlds forever.
AND WE ARE DONE! YES!
It always feels really good to finish a chapter. And I have to say, I'm pretty satisfied with how this one came out in the end.
As you can see, this chapter was mostly an introduction to our main heroines, their dynamic, personalities and of course, their flaws. Everyone that has seen Amphibia knows that this three have A LOT of baggage underneath them and their friendship. Something which you can clearly see in this chapter as well.
All three of them have a lot of growing up to do, and a lot of issues in their friendship that they need to face soon before it fractures completely. And who knows, maybe this adventure could be the perfect opportunity for them. Wink Wink.
Anyway, that's all I wanted to say. Next time we will head straight into the Mario world and introduce its characters. I am really excited to write this story and I can't wait to share this journey with all of you.
SEE YOU NEXT TIME!