Loyalty Among Worlds (Amphibia AU)

Darrel is seen in the basement writing in a makeshift journal that Tint gave him a few days ago. After everything he went through, he thought it would be a good idea to document his time in Amphibia without using a camcorder.

Darrel opened up his journal to see his written progress in the first few pages.

'Today, Tint gave me this journal. Seeing that I don't have my video equipment, this will be my only option to document my journeys in the world of Amphibia. I arrived in this strange new world one day after Anne opened up a strange music box back home. I stumbled into strange marshlands you'd find in a Creatures and Caverns scenario that Marcy would make up. I survived on my own for a few days, until I met a couple of salamanders. Tint and Cronaxx are known as Salamander wizards. Who'd have thought?'

'Ever since I took possession of this magical staff, I have gained magical abilities. I've kept them under control under the watch of my mentors, the salamanders. It even helped me reunite with my best friend Anne.'

Darrel flips through his pages until he gets to blank pages. He takes his pen and writes down his latest entry.

'The last few days were interestingly eventful. Me and Anne saved Stumpy's restaurant from closure, by a critic named Albus Duckweed. Despite the attack from a Kraken, he was so impressed with the experience that his own food tried to eat him.'

[Drawing of the Kraken attacking the frogs] - It was amazing to see a Kraken up close and personal.

[Drawing of Anne and Darrel in Thai attire] - Anne and I look good in Thai attire.

'It was also joyful to see Stumpy regain his passion in what he thought could've been his last days running his restaurant. Now that the fiasco is over, I think he's going to enjoy running his restaurant. As for Anne and I, we were just lucky he doesn't need our help anymore.'

'After helping Stumpy out, it was time to return our focus to the farm. The next day, we went to the farmers market to sell vegetable products on Hop Pop's vegetable stand.'

[Drawing of Hop pop's stand] - Honesty first

'Before we could get started, Toadie came in with a message from Mayor Toadstool. Stating that he's quadrupling the rents of the stands and wants the money in three days. The townsfolk were upset with the sudden change, especially Hop pop. At the rate we sell vegetables, we would lose the stand. Luckily, Anne came up with an idea.

[Drawing of a jar of juice] - Plantar's Potion

'Anne took some vegetables and crafted a new product called Plantar's Potion. At first Hop pop was unaware of how to sell the potion. So I took over the sales pitch, and grabbed everyone's attention. As copper coins were falling like raindrops, Hop pop stepped up on production.'

'At first we were doing so well. I didn't like telling half truths all the time, but it helped with selling and we were trying to save the stand. The only thing that kept reminding me of the stand's true purpose was its motto: Honesty First.'

'Suddenly, the worst was within our grasp. We ran out of produce to make more potions. Hop pop didn't want to give up so easily, so he began to dig through garbage cans and compost bins. Thankfully, Cronaxx and I convinced him to accept the fact that it's over. We are about to lose the vegetable stand. Hop pop grew upset, but he looked back at the Plantar's motto. He looks up to the sky and hopes that his father would understand. With a heavy heart, Hop pop agreed with us.'

[Plantar's potion sticker]

'On the third day, we prepared to pack up the last of our vegetables from the stand and prepare for the end. We told the townsfolk the bad news, and they grew disappointed. But we told them that if they should ever crave for more Plantar's Potion, that they stop by the Plantar's Plantation. As we packed up, Toadie came by to give us the eviction notice. Now that we're unemployed, we'll need to start thinking of new ways to sell our product.'

As Darrel closed his journal, Tint called him from the basement door. "Come on, Darrel. We're about to leave for the store." "I'm coming, Tint," said Darrel. He grabs his staff, and makes his way outside.

The group arrives at the general store for supplies. Darrel and the Salamanders were on the other end of the general store obtaining mushrooms for medicinal potions. "It would seem that the wizards in this world are more like doctors than fighters," said Darrel. "It's better to give, than to receive," said Cronaxx.

Darrel grabs the last mushroom off one of the shelves. Then, a mother frog comes in hoping to get the same mushroom. "Excuse me, scarecrow," she said. "I hope that wasn't the last mushroom, because it's my son's birthday and I was hoping to make his favorite soup."

Darrel looks at the mother frog with guilt. He wanted to help make her son happy, but Cronaxx needed ingredients for his potions. But Cronaxx arrived and nodded at Darrel, "It's okay. Let her have it."

Darrel smiled and gave her the last mushroom. "Oh thank you, scarecrow," she said. "My name is Darrel Loyalität," said Darrel. "Please give my wishes to your son." The mother nodded and walked away. Darrel smiled at his generous actions.

Suddenly, he hears Anne slip and he rushes to her side. Before he knew it, he slipped on the wet floor as well. "Hey! Didn't you read the sign scarecrows?" the employee called out. The store burst into laughter by their accident and the two exit the store.

They regroup with the Plantars and the Salamanders feeling a bit down. "You guys okay?" Sprig asked. "It's just that, we've been here for almost a month. And the townspeople still treat us crummy," said Anne. "Sometimes I wish they were nicer, like me," said Darrel.

"Oh that's just the way these frogs are," said Hop pop. "Slow to accept, and even slower to respect. It's actually our town motto." "You'll find a way to gain their respect in your unique ways," said Cronaxx.

In an attempt to cheer her up, Darrel places his hand on her shoulder. "You can't let them get to you, Anne. There will always be people who say mean things because we're different. And sometimes their minds can't be changed. But there are other people who don't judge us with how we look or where we came from. Their words are what should truly matter."

Anne smiled at her friend and hugged him. "Why can't everyone be like you?" Darrel returns her hug and remains silent. "Come on, kids," said Hop pop. "Let's continue our morning with bug pancakes." "Sounds like a great idea," said Darrel. "We've been here for too long."

Along the way back, they ride past a freshly carved statue of Mayor Toadstool kissing a tadpole. Darrel expressed a disgusted look, concerning his attitude towards everyone. "Bad taste?" Sprig asked Darrel. "Yeah," he replied.

Suddenly, Bessie started freaking out. Something bad was approaching. Darrel and Anne calm Bessie down, just as a large spider rushed into town. The spider was driven by three buff amphibians wearing iron armor. They have rough skin, tough as nails.

Darrel realized who those were before he could ask Cronaxx. They arrive at city hall, where Toadstool gave them a list. "Who are those guys?" Anne asked. "My gut tells me that they're toads," replied Darrel. "Indeed they are," said Tint. "These toads are from Toad Tower," said Hop pop. "They rule the entire valley."

"Where is Toad Tower?" Darrel asked. Sprig takes out a map that shows the tower's location. "The big scary tower is located deep in the swamp. And the toads that live there, are the valley's fiercest warriors."

"Cool," said Anne. "Cool yes," said Hop pop. "But they can be a rough sort," said Cronaxx. "That kind of roughness can be unpredictable. That's why we must be cautious of them at all times."

Out of curiosity, Anne, Darrel, and Sprig go over to see them. "Hey guys," greeted Sprig. "So you're from Toad Tower?" "Sure are, runt," one of the toads replied. "My name's Sprig actually."

The sarcastic toad didn't care until he spotted Anne and Darrel. "What are they? Some kind of gangly new critters I've never seen before." "I wonder what they taste like?" The second toad asked.

The three get in a defensive stance, "Us humans are not for eating," said Darrel. "We'd probably taste terrible." The second toad grabbed her weapon, "Is that a challenge?" She charges at the three, only for Darrel to cast a shield. The toad swings at them, only to be pushed back by her actions. Then, Darrel lowered her shield and Anne hit the toad with her racket.

The toads were shockingly impressed by their skills. "Such strength and power," said the first toad. "I don't know what you are, but you two got fire in you." As the toads left, Anne felt a sense of pride. Darrel and Sprig however, felt the exact opposite.

The group prepared to leave, Anne considered thinking about hanging with the toads for a bit. "They seemed pretty cool," she said. "Anne, there's something about these toads that I don't like," said Darrel. "Are you jealous I think they're cool?" Anne asked. "No," replied Darrel.

"If you're going to hang with these toads, Anne. Then, I'll stay too. I need to know why they're here," glared Darrel. "Don't dally too long you two," said Hop pop. The amphibians ride off to the farm leaving Anne and Darrel with the toads.

Anne approaches the toads and greets them. "So, who are you guys?" she asked. "The names Bog," said the first toad. He points to the toad with the helmet, "The silent one there is Mayer, and Fens here, you already met." Fens gives off a gesture that acknowledges their first encounter.

"I'm Anne, and this is Darrel," said Anne. "What brings you guys to Wartwood?" Darrel asked. "Every year, this town sends taxes to the Tower," replied Bog. "And this year they came up short. So, the mayor gave us this list of frogs that didn't pay, and we're just here to collect."

"Say, we could use someone like you guys." Darrel and Anne were surprised, "Really?" "Yeah, you guys got inside knowledge of this town," said Bog. "It would make our job a whole lot smoother." Bog offers them both two toad badges. "Look, I appreciate the offer," said Darrel. "But unfortunately, I'm going to have to say no."

"Yeah, I'm not sure any of this is our business," said Anne. "You know the best part of wearing this badge is how everyone in this town will have to treat you with respect," said Bog. Anne perked up and said, "Give me that ding dang thing."

Darrel was most surprised to hear her say that. "What?!" Bog gives her the badge, a sword, armor, and she rushes off to the Plantar farm. "Anne! Wait!" Darrel cried. "You know, we could use a powerful wizard like you on our side," said Fens. Darrel glares at the toad. "I'm still going to have to politely refuse," he said.

Before he could turn away, he picked up a strange scent from Fens. Something oddly familiar to him. But he kept his mouth shut, and followed Anne back to the farm.

Back at the Plantar Farm, Hop pop and Cronaxx were playing a game of what looked like frog chess. Cronaxx played his final move and said, "Checkmate." Both elders shook hands, "That's the last time I underestimate a wizard," said Hop pop.

Suddenly, Anne bursts in the door wearing her toad armor. "Guess who became a toad tower deputy?" The group was shocked and appalled. Darrel dashes in after her, wheezing. "Also, check out this cool sword Bog gave me." Anne draws her sword and swings it around.

"Anne, when Hop pop said earn the town's respect, he didn't mean join a gang," said Cronaxx. "I don't believe this," said Anne. "They're not a gang, they're just here to do a job. Now if you'll excuse me I have some respect to enjoy."

Darrel blocked her path and said, "Anne, please listen to me. You can't trust those toads. They are brutal, reckless, and small minded. The definition of bad. I've seen plenty of mob movies to know that they're only here to intimidate. Would you want to live with yourself if you were part of it?"

Anne said, "Look Darrel, I appreciate your concern. But this could be my chance to gain the town's respect. I help the toads, and the frogs won't call me a monster anymore. And they won't call you a monster either." Anne places her hands on Darrel's shoulders. "I don't want them to kick you down, because you're the nicest guy I've met. I can't let them do that to you. So, trust me, I can take care of myself."

Darrel smiled slightly with Anne's speech, and sighed in defeat. "Anne, whatever you do. Do not stoop to their level," he said. Anne nodded and left the house. Sprig however, felt like something was off. So he decided to follow the toads.

Sprig hops out the window, and Cronaxx turns to Tint, "Tint, I need you to follow Sprig. Make sure he doesn't get caught." Tint nodded, "You got it, Uncle." But before he could go further, Hop pop said, "Could you use the door, unlike Sprig?" Tint nodded and used the door.

Darrel eventually decided to sneak out of the house to find Anne. He spots Anne and the Toads walking out of One-Eyed Wally's house. He watched as the toads packed up Wally's stuff.

After the toads left, Darrel entered Wally's house, seeing Wally in the bathtub with a bag of beetle jerky. "Wally, you okay?" Darrel asked. "A bit better since Anne gave me back the beetle jerky," he replied. Darrel looked around his house and smiled. He waves his staff and said, " erotser," Wally's house was magically restored back to its old self.

"Thank you, Darrel," said Wally. "A good friend once told me it's better to give than to receive," said Darrel. "I didn't think you would be on the toad's list." "I didn't think so either," said Wally. "I may be a squalor, but I always pay my taxes." "Something's not right," said Darrel. He squints his eyes in the toad's direction and follows them to the next house.

As the day progresses, Darrel follows the toads, the toads ransack houses, Anne gives them their personal possessions, Darrel fixes their homes, and they move on to the next one.

Meanwhile, Sprig and Tint were spying on the Toads. Then, they come across Mayor Toadstool and Toadie carrying bags of coins in the other direction. They agreed to follow the Mayor instead to find out what's going on.

While the toads were in another house, Darrel snuck close to their wagon and found the mayor's list sitting on the seat. He realizes that their last stop is at Hop pop's farm. That's when he decided to run back to warn them.

Darrel raced back to the farm to find Cronaxx, Hop pop, and Polly eating. "Guys!" he cried. "Darrel? What's wrong?" Cronaxx asked. "I just discovered that we're next on the Toad's list," said Darrel. "They think we didn't pay our taxes."

Hop pop gasped, "That's ridiculous! I paid my taxes fair and square." "You don't have to tell me," said Cronaxx. "I witnessed it all." The clouds shortly cover up the sun, showing signs of a potential rainfall. Then, the group sees the Toads and Anne arrive on the farm.

"They're here!" Polly cried. "What do we do?" "We take a stand," said Hop pop. "We tell them that I have already paid my taxes." The toads get off their spider and approach the farm. "If we're going to tell them, it's now or never," said Darrel.

The four exit the house and confront the toads. "The taxes are due," said Bog. "You've got the wrong idea Bog," said Darrel. "Hop pop paid his taxes." "You can't come in here, and that's final," said Hop pop.

"I don't like your tone frog," said Bog. "Or did you forget who you're talking to?" "Bog, I'm telling you, he paid his taxes," said Anne. "He made me and Darrel watch." "And it was a beneficial lesson," said Darrel.

"They all say they paid!" Bog cried. "I don't care what you saw, the lists don't lie." "Well what about the Mayor?" Darrel asked. "He created that list, maybe he's lying." "Do you have any proof that the mayor lied to us?" Fens asked. Darrel looked down and spoke firmly, "No."

"Then, what should we start with?" Bog asked. He looks around to see what to claim and spots Bessie and Clipper. "What about those things?" Fens asked. "You stay away from them!" Hop pop demanded. "I'll bite your face off!" Polly cried. Bog simply grinned, "Good choice, that snail and dragonfly should cover everything."

"Mayer, Fens, Anne, move out." The two toads proceed to claim Bessie and Clipper. But before they could, Darrel casted an orb of light in front of them. "Back off!" "Stop!" Anne cried. "Keep your claws off those animals. Better yet, get off our property!"

Rain began to pour from the sky tensing the situation. "Care to repeat that?" Bog asked. "With pleasure," said Darrel. "I said, 'Back away from my companion.'" "And I said, get lost. Now," said Anne. Their defiance against the toads got the frogs' attention.

Anne proceeds to remove her toad badge, "All I wanted was this town's respect. But just because they treated us crummy, doesn't mean I'm going to do the same to them." Darrel smiled and walked up to her side. "I don't care if they've broken the law, you can't treat people like this!" Anne slams her badge on the ground, thus making her case.

Bog snaps his fingers and Fens pushes her down. Mayer pins down Darrel and Bog grabs Hop pop and Polly, and says, "How disappointing, do you know what we do to traitors in the tower Anne?"

"I'm aware of what you do," said Cronaxx. He takes a stance and casts a wind spell at the toads. He blows them off of Anne and Darrel, and the two humans get up. Mayer takes Bog's hammer and prepares to hit Cronaxx. Darrel casts a shield surrounding his mentor. Anne draws her sword and tennis racket, and the two get in a battle stance.

Fens charges at the two, but has enough power to attack one. After Anne blocks her attack, Fens turns her focus to Darrel. The two go at it, with Darrel blocking her swings with her staff. "You'll never be able to hit me with that," Fens mocked. "Looking at you, I'd say you would never hurt a fly."

Fens pushes Darrel back, just as Bog disarms Anne's weapons. Then she turns and hits Anne's arm. Witnessing a group of bullies hurt Anne made Darrel flash back to the days when he was bullied. But this time, Darrel had to stand up to them on his own.

With his shocked expression turning into hatred, Darrel's staff glowed as bright as the sun. He casts a fireball at the toads, pushing them back. "Leave my friend alone!" he shouted. With another swing of his staff, he shot two lightning bolts at the toads.

Standing behind them were Sprig, Tint, and the citizens of Wartwood. All here to defend Anne from the toads. Outnumbered, the three toads surrendered, and Darrel's power diminished. He rushes over to Anne's side, "Anne! Are you okay?" Anne smiled, gripping her arm, "My arm's kind of busted, but I'll be fine."

Darrel takes her arm and his hands begin to glow. Before Anne knew it, her arm felt better. "Your arm should be better now," said Darrel. Anne hugs him in return, "Thanks Darrel." "So what took you two so long?" Darrel asked Sprig and Tint. "Sorry, we got caught up with a discovery," said Sprig.

Just then, Mayor Toadstool and Toadie appear from the bushes, out of breath. "Arrest that toad!" Sprig called out. "He stole the town's money, and was keeping it all for himself." The town gasped, and Darrel grew furious. "WHAT?!"

The town rushes to the mayor's tasteless statue where the toads break it. Revealing the town's money, exposing the Mayor's scheme. All of Wartwood, the toads, even Darrel, grew furious at the Mayor.

"My friend got hurt because of you!" Darrel growled. His staff began to glow again with flames and lightning. The mayor grew scared, "I needed the money for my campaign. Don't you know how much it costs to buy your love?" "I don't know, but how much would it cost to pummel you to the ground?" Darrel growled. "I know: PRICELESS!" Darrel shoots a fireball on Mayor Toadstool's behind making him run off with a smoking behind.

Later that day, the Toads returned all the citizens' stolen property back to them. "Well, if it was the respect you were looking for, you sure lost mine Anne," said Bog. "Your respect doesn't matter to us," said Darrel. "You both got a lot of nerve, I'll give you that. But, we'll be back," said Bog.

Bog gets on their spider and drives off back to Toad Tower. "Until then, we'll be ready," said Tint. "Indeed we shall," said Sprig. "But for now, those two have earned our respect!" Wally shouted. "Three cheers for Anne and Darrel, defenders of Wartwood!"

Darrel and Anne perked up at the sound of praise, "Thanks you guys," they said. "Now who wants to sign my cast, despite Darrel healing my arm?" Anne asked. "I'll sign first," replied Darrel. Darrel marks her cast with, 'BHFF -Darrel' "What does it say?" Anne asked. "Best Human Friend Forever." Darrel replied.

"Besides, you've got another best friend, and he's next," Darrel hands the pen over to Sprig. Soon after, the rest of Wartwood began signing Anne's cast.

Later that night, Darrel was wrapping up his journal entry for the day.

'Today was not like any other day. And that's coming from a guy who's stuck in a new world. We met some of the residents of Toad Tower who were vandalizing Wartwood all because of Mayor Toadspud's stupid greediness. Anne got hurt, and that made me stand up to bullies for the first time in my life. But it also made me feel like I was an entirely different person. I'll have to be careful with what comes out.'

'There's no doubt in my mind that the toads will return to Wartwood. And in greater numbers no less. Hopefully it won't be long until we can fight back. As for that Fens toad, she smelled oddly familiar. As if she was wearing the same expensive perfume I gave to Sasha on her birthday. If there's ever a chance that Sasha is with the toads, and if she's in trouble, me and Anne will do whatever it takes to save her. Then we can work together, to hopefully find Marcy, and get back home.'