Author's Note: Here we are with the penultimate chapter for this very season of the Black Panther of Amphibia.

Just a couple of things before we begin though. I understand that the number of updates this week have been less than usual. I do apologize. Something personal kinda happened to me this past week. It's nothing serious. There's no need to worry. But it did hold back my writing by a bit. For that, I'm sorry.

Second, I would like some help regarding the fancasting in this fanfic so far. I'll be honest, I'm still having trouble coming up with good voice actors to play some of the characters; particularly, T'Challa, King T'Chaka, Okoye, and T'Challa's grandfather who appeared in chapter 2. Any tips on people on voices for these people before next Sunday will be helpful. Thank you.

Enjoy the chapter. Any and all comments are welcome.

The Plantars, T'Challa, and Anne decided to visit town one day to find the center of it crowded with every citizen in Wartwood. They all turned their attention to the stage set up before them.

"Man, what is with this crowd?" Anne asked. "Are fruit flies on sale or something?"

"No. Today's the day they announce the Frog of the Year award." Hop Pop answered.

"Frog of the what?" Anne asked.

"Frog of the hopping year, Anne." Sprig said. "Every year, the town gets together and votes on the frog they thing best embodies the values of Wartwood."

"We all voted last week." Polly said. "Don't you remember?"

"Huh. Not at all." Anne said. "Wonder why?"

"I'll tell you why." T'Challa said. "It's because you were too absorbed into the music you were listening to even hear us when we told you we were going."

Anne chuckled. "Yeah. That does sound like me."

The five of them turned when they heard a microphone tap from the stage. Mayor Stan Leap stood on stage with Toadstool and Toadie standing behind him.

"Ladies and gentlemen, true believers of all ages." Stan addressed. "As you all know, the Frog of the Year goes to the most selfless, noble, generous person in the eyes of everyone in Wartwood. It was very close, but I'm pleased to announce that with one deciding vote, the Frog of the Year award goes to… Anne Boonchuy!"

At first, everyone gasped. They then turned to Anne and cheered for the human girl, who was honestly utterly speechless.

"Go on, Anne! Get up there!" Hop Pop said pushing Anne over to the stage before tearing up. "A Plantar, Frog of the Year. I'm so proud."

"You're not the only one." T'Challa said applauding along with everyone else.

Although still surprised, Anne joined Mayor Leap at the stage where he kindly shook her hand and let her take the stand.

"Wow! Thanks, everyone. I don't know what to say."

"I do." Toadstool said stepping up. "Are you people out of your frog-dang minds?!"

Mayor Leap sighed. "Really, Toadstool. You've been on thin ice for weeks ever since the tax thing, and still, you're bold enough to make a scene."

"I got a right to say what's on my mind, Leap," Toadstool said, "And in my mind, Anne don't deserve to host the party!"

"Party?" Anne asked. "What party?"

"It's a traditional thing." Mayor Leap said. "After receiving their reward, the Frog of the Year must host an extravagant party for everyone in Wartwood."

"Yeah, and that party is supposed to demonstrate the Frog of the Year's selflessness." Toadstool went on. "Anne isn't selfless. Far from it."

"And what, you're saying you deserve to be Frog of the Year?" Stan asked.

"I think the results speak for themselves, don't you think?"

"You're only saying that because you don't like her." T'Challa said. "Ever since Anne and I came to town, things have stopped going your way. The pot luck. The toads' visit. The Bugball game."

"Yeah? Well, need I remind you of how she challenged the fate of Stumpy's Diner? Or how she encouraged Hop Pop to lie about the stuff he sells at his stand? Or the time she nearly got one of our own eaten during Hibernation Day so she can goof around?" Toadstool asked. "Face it. Anne's the least deserving of this award."

Anne grimaced at that statement. "You don't know me. I'll prove I deserve this by putting on a party so big, it'll blow all your minds!" Everyone looked blankly saying they didn't want their minds to explode. "That's a good thing!" That made everyone cheer.

"I'm looking forward to seeing this thing go down in flames." Toadstool said walking away.

"Man, what a jerk?" Anne asked before turning to Mayor Leap. "How come you never fire that guy?"

"Political reasons." Stan said. "I don't like it either, but it's not my call to make."

"Anne, you shouldn't listen to what Toadstool said." T'Challa said. "You just need to show everyone that they were right to choose you as Frog of the Year."

"Oh, I'll do that." Anne said. "I'll… do… that."

"I feel like you're getting the wrong message here." T'Challa said.

"BOOM!" Anne shouted laying out a party plan on the Plantar living room table. "Here are the plans for throwing the best party ever and proving that jerk, Toadstool, wrong. Stupid Toadstool with his stupid, dumb face."

"Why do you care what he has to say?" T'Challa asked. "His only worthwhile validation is where to find a good place that sells pie, which I'm guessing he does frequently."

Sprig laughed. "Because he's fat."

"You heard Toadstool. He thinks he should've been Frog of the Year. I only won by a single vote." Anne said. "If I'm going to prove I deserve that last vote, this party has to be perfect."

"Uh, Anne, about that last vote…" T'Challa started to say.

"Okay, guys, listen up." Anne said unknowingly interrupting T'Challa. "A great party has four ingredients: entertainment, exclusivity, security, and spectacle. Hop Pop, you're in charge of entertainment." She passed the elder Plantar a microphone. "I dub thee Master of Ceremonies."

Hop Pop gasped accepting the microphone. "I've been waiting for this day my whole life."

"Polly, exclusivity." Anne said handing the pollywog two poles connected by a velvet rope. "It's your job to decide who gets into the party and who doesn't."

Polly gasped. "I can't wait to abuse this power!"

"That might be a mistake." T'Challa said.

"And that's why, T'Challa, you're in charge of security." Anne said. "If anyone starts causing trouble, or worse, tries to make the party lame, then it's your job to kick them out. With your Black Panther skills, it'll be a snap."

"And what about meeeeeeee!" Sprig asked in a singsong tone.

"Sprig, you have the most important job of all: the spectacle."

"Oh, my frog! Oh, my frog! Oh, my frog!" Sprig danced excitedly.

"At the party… You're going to tell Ivy how you feel about her!"

Suddenly, Sprig's cheerful face fell. "Wha…"

"Yep. A legendary party needs a legendary spectacle." Anne said.

"And you think Sprig admitting he's crushing on Ivy is going to be the highlight of the party?" T'Challa asked.

"Of course! Can you imagine how excited party-goers will be to see true love blossom before their eyes?"

"Mmm… That sounds like it's more for your benefit than everyone else's." T'Challa said.

"I'm not really sure I'm ready for this." Sprig said uneasily.

"Sprig, pleeeeaaaase!" Anne pleaded. "I need your help to make this party amazing!"

"So this is really about you." T'Challa surmised.

"Yes! No! This is about all of us!" Anne answered frantically. "We're all in this together!"

"You know, I've heard this before," T'Challa said, "But in song and more inspirational."

Sprig groaned still unsure. "Okay."

"Woo-hoo!" Anne cheered. "Come on, everyone! Let's bring the thunder!"

The town square was redecorated with stuff needed for Anne's party, including tables, curtains, lights, a stage, and even a giant, wooden statue of Anne. Meanwhile, the real Anne joined up with T'Challa wearing a hat that read "FOTY".

"All right. Let's see how things are going." Anne said. "T'Challa, how's my head of security doing?"

"Well, Stumpy's cooking up a good stew, the decorations are up, the glassware's polished, Loggle's almost done with that giant you statue." T'Challa said. "Other than that though, everything's a bit too try-hard."

"What do you mean?" Anne asked.

"I'll show you." T'Challa brought Anne to the stage where Hop Pop stood. "Hop Pop, would you mind going over some of your jokes to Anne?"

"Why, certainly." Hop Pop said looking at his flash cards. "Have you heard about the snail who went on a diet? He's a SHELL of his former self!"

Neither human laughed.

"Okay, a little soft, but keep working on it." Anne said. "So, how's Sprig's little love confession rehearsal?"

"See for yourself." T'Challa said. He brought Anne to a part of the town square where Sprig was standing in front of a scarecrow which looked very similar to Ivy Sundew.

Sprig cleared his throat before practicing his line nervously. "Uh, Ivy, I got, uh, s-something to tell you, uh— OOP!"

Without warning, Sprig suddenly fell forward right to the Ivy dummy. His fall made her get torn to pieces. When he landed, the dummy's head landed on his lap, and he screamed in terror.

"Believe it or not, that was his best one yet." T'Challa commented.

Anne groaned. "I don't believe it. This needs work too. What about…"

"Polly?" T'Challa asked pointing behind himself. "Well…."

Polly was laughing like a maniac swinging her poles and velvet rope like they were nunchucks.

"Polly!" Anne cried out. "That's not what those are for!"

"Says you."

As if that wasn't bad enough, Toadstool and Toadie were walking by observing and judging the party. The larger toad huffed turning his head.

"What'd I tell you, Toadie? She's gonna be the worst Frog of the Year ever."

Hearing that, Anne groaned even louder. "No, no, no, no! I told you guys! This party has to be lit! At this rate, it's gonna be lame! Hop Pop, lemme see those jokes." She swiped Hop Pop's flash cards and looked over them before throwing them away. "You know what? Written jokes are passe. Why don't you get up there and do some improv."

"Improv?" Hop Pop asked. "I've never done that before."

"Sprig, work on that proposal." Anne commanded. "Get some confidence. Come on. Loggle, I'm gonna need you to redo that statue! Make it cooler! Stumpy, throw that slop pout and replace it with something fancier! Like, I don't know, sashimi."

"What's a sashimi?"

"It's fresh fish, okay? Get it! Burn these decorations and get new ones! Replace that jug band with a DJ! AND WHERE THE HECK IS THAT CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN!"

"You never ordered a chocolate fountain!" T'Challa answered finally. "Anne, don't you think you're taking this a little too seriously?"

"NOOOOO! Now, hop to it, everyone! We've only got 12 hours left! Hop! Hop!"

Most of the others left, but T'Challa stayed behind. He remained by Anne's side to talk to her.

"Anne, you need to calm down." T'Challa said. "It's just a party."

"JUST a party?!" Anne asked with high energy in her tone. "Dude, this is the Frog of the Year party! It's probably the biggest party event of the year, and I'm actually hosting it! I do NOT want to screw it up!"

"Then don't be so high-strung about it. This is your party representing what you contribute to Wartwood. But right now, you're just making it all about what you want."

"Excuse me?" Anne asked.

"Pushing your friend into confessing his love before he's ready. Changing Stumpy's menu on short notice. Making Loggle make another statue after he was almost done with the first one. This isn't you, Anne."

"Well, according to Toadstool, I'm a selfish jerk who doesn't deserve to be Frog of the Year."

"So? Nobody listens to Toadstool anyway. This party was meant to celebrate your contributions to Wartwood, but all you care about is proving him wrong. And now, all these hasty decisions is going to get everyone in trouble."

Anne scoffed. "No one's going to get hurt. Just you wait. I'm going to host the best party ever!"

T'Challa sighed. "I hope you know what you're doing."

The party lit up the night in Wartwood, and everyone was lining up for the party. Of course, they had to get Polly's permission before coming in, and she made a joke at Wally's expense before letting him in.

When the frogs entered the party, they were greeted by Anne, who was wearing a white tuxedo with a black tie on it. She held a wooden cup in one hand and a cane in the other.

"Welcome, my friends, to the best Frog of the Year party ever!"

She presented the party, which was lit up by a series of blue and purple fireworks. The back of the party had a staircase which had a statue of Anne in a dabbing pose. The left of the party had Stumpy, who was serving up a giant fish. The right of the party had a dance floor and a DJ. And at the center of the party, a life-sized chocolate fountain was set up.

Toadstool looked around slightly impressed (although, he wouldn't admit it). He then headed to Stumpy curious about the big fish.

"All right, Stumpy. What do we got here?"

"This is Sashimi. He's a mudskipper."

"Ooh. And is it fresh?"

"Well, you can't get fresher."

By that, the giant fish jerked upwards and screamed at the customers, who were chased away from Stumpy's stand. It then hopped out chasing after the town treasurer.

Meanwhile, the frogs gathered around the stage where Hop Pop was doing improv, while sweating uncontrollably.

"All right, folks. It's time for some improv." He pointed at a random frog in the crowd. "You, sir, where are you from?"

"I'm from the same town as you, buddy."

"Oh… great…"

While Hop Pop was quickly losing the audience, Sprig walked around nervously anxious until he spotted Ivy, who was kicking around the balloons which were filled with fireflies.

Sprig gulped. "I can do this. I can do this. I can do this. FOR ANNE!" He ran straight for Ivy, but stopped when she turned around to face him.

"Oh, hey, Sprig."

Sprig stopped running and became petrified. It was like he was a stone statue before he screamed and ran away from her.

He ran past the DJ, who was playing his music while the frogs stood confused.

"I don't know how to dance to this."

"Like this, you guys!" Anne replied showing off her dance moves forcibly, although the frogs would walk away from her right after.

"Anne!" T'Challa said running right to his friend. "Hop Pop's losing the crowd before he could catch them, Sprig can't even go near Ivy, and I had to fight that giant fish Stumpy caught…"

Suddenly, the crowd began to scream. Everyone was running from the mudskipper which was hopping around chasing frogs to eat.

"That. It's doing that." T'Challa said.

Anne sighed sadly removing her Frog of the Year sash. "You were right, T'Challa. This party stinks. Some selfless Frog of the Year I turned out to be."

Just then, a scream was heard, and Anne and T'Challa turned to see the fish about to eat a frog.

"I got this!" T'Challa said putting on his Black Panther suit. He then charged right at the fish and shot it with a kick to save the frog.

However, the kick sent the fish to the feet of Anne's dabbing statue. The statue fell over and knocked over a bunch of fire twirlers, who threw their torces around the party setting the area ablaze and making everything worse.

"Oops." T'Challa said. "Okay, that's my bad."

"At least the party's 'lit' now." Loggle said.

Seeing everyone in trouble, Anne gripped her sash with determination. "I'm fixing this right now!"

Anne held her sash over her head and ran over to the mudskipper. She jumped off the chocolate fountain and landed right on its back. She then wrapped her sash onto the fish's mouth like the reins of a horse. She rode it around catching T'Challa's attention.

"I don't believe it." he said. He then saw that Stan Leap was in its way and jumped down to save him. He grabbed him, leaped into the air, and landed on top of the fish along with Anne.

"Wow! That was quite an exhilarating experience." Stan said. "If only Irving Forbush would see me now."

"T'Challa, Mayor Leap, I need your help to save the town." Anne said. "I'll steer! You grab!"

"You heard her, mayor." T'Challa said.

As Anne hopped around on the back of her fish, the Black Panther and Stan reached out to save all the party-goers in Wartwood, even (reluctantly) Toadstool. In a matter of seconds, everyone in town was on top of the fish.

"We've got to put this fire out." Anne said. "You ever use a chocolate fountain before?"

"I haven't," Stan said, "But Toadstool has. He gorged himself at a chocolate fountain the day he became part of the town council."

"You want ME to help YOU?!" Toadstool asked earning a glare from everyone. "Okay, just this once."

Anne led the fish to the chocolate fountain, and once they were close enough, Toadstool grabbed the top nozzle and pulled it from the top. He then aimed the hose and doused all the fires with the chocolate that shot out of it. Once it was all over, the fish was too tired to move and collapsed in exhaustion, and everyone returned to the ground safe and unharmed.

"That should not have worked." T'Challa said. "Chocolate can't put out fires. It's scientifically impossible."

"Hey, it worked, didn't it?" Anne asked before frowning. "No thanks to me."

Stan looked at Anne's glum face. "Why the long face, Anne?"

Anne sighed. "Toadstool was right. I am selfish. And T'Challa was right. I made this entire party about me. I got so obsessed with proving I deserve this, I ruined everything. I'm no Frog of the Year. Why did anyone even vote for me?"

"Anne, we didn't vote for you because you're flawless. Far from it." Hop Pop said. "We voted for you because of how far you've come. You've grown so much in your time here, and this town wouldn't be the same without you or T'Challa."

The crowd cheered in agreement.

"Gosh, dang it!" Toadstool exclaimed. "I tried to fight it, but I have to say, even I'm a little impressed with how you just saved the town from a raging inferno. Keep ahold of that sash, Anne. It belongs to you."

"Thanks." Anne said with tears in her eyes.

"Wow." T'Challa said. "That's awfully big of you, Toadstool."

"Yeah, don't mention it." Toadstool said.

"Well, now that Anne's emotional turmoil is resolved," Stan said, "How about we try to salvage this party?"

The crowd cheered in agreement.

Although the party was burned down, everyone went on with having a humble, modest celebration. And no one was complaining. While everyone danced and ate Stumpy's stew, Anne and T'Challa sat down with Sprig.

"Sorry I tried to rush you into confessing your love to Ivy." Anne said. "You do that when you're good and ready."

"Thanks, Anne." Sprig said. "When the moment strikes, I'll know it."

As if on cue, Ivy came by with a growing embarrassed look on her face. "Hey, Sprig. There's something I've, uh, been meaning to ask you. I, uh… Do you, um…" She cleared her throat before finally forcing out her words. "Do you think you'd wanna go out with me sometime?"

She opened her eye to see everyone staring with silent surprised gasps at what they were witnessing. Her face then quickly turned red.

"Uh, never mind! I'm stupid! This is stupid!" She pulled her hat over her face and turned to leave, but was stopped by Sprig.

"Ivy, wait! I'd love to." He then pulled his own hat over his face to mimic her, which made her blush even more. "Wanna dance?"

"Heck, yeah!" Ivy answered leaving for the dance floor with Sprig.

"That's our boy." Anne commented proudly. She then turned to T'Challa. "Hey, thank you, T'Challa."

"Hmm? For what?" T'Challa asked. "Is it about the vote?"

"No, I just wanna thank you for all the times you pulled through for me, even when I didn't want it. That's kinda what I like about you, T'Challa. You keep me real when I'm being a bullheaded…" She stopped for a moment. "Wait, what's that about the vote?"

"Oh. I thought somebody told you by now." T'Challa said. "Well, you remember that the vote was a very close one, and you won by one vote?" Anne nodded. "Yeah, that vote was mine."

Anne's eyes widened. "Whoa, really? You voted me Frog of the Year? Wait, then who was the other guy I was almost tied with?"

"That was also me. Sure, there were a lot of people who were also nominated, but you and I both had the majority votes. And since I was the last one who voted for you, I guess I'm the reason you got this award. Not that I'm hanging it over your head or anything."

"No, I wasn't thinking that." Anne answered. "But I'm a little surprised. I would've thought you'd vote for yourself. You know, 'cause you're a prince and all."

T'Challa laughed. "Don't mistake my regality as a mindset that I should get everything I want. You know me better than that. When I heard what being Frog of the Year was about, I immediately thought of you."

"You did?"

T'Challa nodded. "Before all this, you were the type of girl who'd ignore warning signs, horse around and breaking family relics, and succumb to peer pressure. And now…" He grabbed gently onto Anne's hand holding it kindly and making her blush. "Now, it's like you're an entirely different person. You're still a troublemaker, but you're the good kind. You're just the kind of person my father would welcome into his home. As far as I'm concerned, you deserve this award more than I ever could."

Anne shared an astonished look with T'Challa before smiling. "Wow. Thanks."

"Excuse me, you two."

T'Challa and Anne quickly released each other's hands before blushing. They looked over at Mayor Leap, who approached them curiously.

"Um, we weren't…"

"That'd be…"

"It really would…"

"What's up, Mayor?"

Stan looked curiously before shrugging. "Well… I just thought I should let you know that there's a couple of people waiting for you at the bridge. They say they're friends."

"Friends?" Anne asked.

"But everyone we know in Amphibia is already here at this party." T'Challa said. "Who would they be?

Anne and T'Challa exited the party and headed to the bridge just outside of the front gates of Wartwood. There, they spotted two hooded figures who were staring out toward the red moon. They then turned to the two and removed their hoods to reveal themselves. They were mostly wearing metal armor, but their heads were instantly recognizable.

"Anne?" Sasha asked.

"Sasha?!" Anne asked before shrieking in pleasure. Sasha did the same as her friend ran up to her and embraced her in a big hug.

T'Challa looked past the girls and saw the other hooded teenager. "Erik? You're here too?"

"Guess it's a small world." Erik said. His smile quickly became grimace when he heard Sasha and Anne's delighted screams. "Yeah. Imagine having to deal with that blondie these past couple months."

"Shut up, Erik! This is a big reunion moment!" Sasha scolded before turning to the others. "You'll have to forgive him. He's got an unlikable attitude. I'm just so glad to see you again, girl. Oh, and you too, your majesty."

T'Challa laughed. "Please, Sasha. Don't be so formal. Just T'Challa will do fine."

"I can't believe you're here too!" Anne cheered happily. "I wasn't sure! T'Challa and I woke up in the middle of the jungle… Wait, is Marcy with you? Where have you been? I've missed you so much!"

"I'll fill you in later." Sasha said. "For now, I'm just glad I found you. Me, Erik, and the others came as soon as we heard."

Anne's smile then dropped. "Others?"

"Yep. Just some friends of mine."

Sasha gestured out into the shadows behind her. A firefly flew through inadvertently shining on a horrid toad face which then shot out his tongue to eat it. The only light left in the darkness were the ominous eyes and teeth of Captain Grime as well as his entire toad army behind him.

"Nice to finally meet you, Anne Boonchuy and Prince T'Challa."