Years ago…
Within the halls of the castle, young Azazel poked his head around the corner. Once he was certain no one was there, he started sneaking down the hall until he reached the library, gently pushing the door open to see a figure sitting in a chair, a book in hand.
His target in sight, Azazel proceeded to tip toe closer, and once he was close enough, he suddenly lunged at the figure.
"Gotcha!"
His victory was short lived, however, before he became confused as he pulled at the figure, revealing it to be nothing short of a mannequin. Before he could wonder further, he was suddenly picked up by someone from behind by his underarms…
…and he felt the stranger raspberry into his neck, making him laugh out loud.
"Gotcha!"
He was sat down, the boy turning around to see a tall white newt with a darker underbelly, her long blonde hair reaching her hips, her bright yellow eyes twinkling and sporting red dots one her cheeks near the corners of her mouth.
"Karlia!" Azazel exclaimed before jumping at her with a hug, wrapping his arms around her waist. "How did you even manage that?"
"I knew you were gonna try to sneak up on me, while I was reading." The female newt said cheekily. "So, I tricked ya!"
She then picked him up once again by his underarms and spun around, both laughing before she threw the boy up in the air and catching him, Karlia hopping, skipping, and leaping with the boy in her arms, both laughing the whole way before pulling him into a hug, rubbing her cheek against his.
"You always know how to make me laugh, Karlia." Azazel said with a bright smile.
"Always a pleasure, Azzy." Karlia replied before setting him down. "Now come, it's time for your study sessions. Your brother is eager to start."
The newt took the boy's hand into hers gently and the two walked down the halls before arriving at the main doors, where Apollo waited with books in his arms.
"Apollo, thank you for waiting." Karlia said with a smile. "Ready to go?"
"You bet." Apollo nodded with a smile. "Where are we headed this time?"
"To the museum." Karlia answered. "There's an art exhibit grand opening and I thought it'd be nice to study other subjects besides science and math."
"Finally, something new!" Azazel declared, throwing a fist into the air.
"Self-expression is vital to understanding and enjoying life." Karlia told them. "With this, I hope you too find something that helps you enjoy life as well."
Soon enough, the three left the castle, the boys holding their tutor by the hands.
Present…
The next morning came, Apollo opened his eye to the morning sun shining through his window, the Prince yawning before looking down to his right to see Marcy laying at his side, her arms wrapped around his right arm and her head resting against his shoulder with that cute smile that he loved so much.
The prince sighed happily, that rare smile creeping on his face, loving the look on his beloved's face, before he gently shook her, "Mars. Time to wake up." He said in a gentle tone.
Marcy groaned as she looked up at him. "Can't we stay like this?" She asked with a smile.
"Only if you want to miss breakfast." Apollo replied.
Giggling, Marcy got up, allowing Apollo to get up as the human went to shower. Apollo stood at the window and waited. Soon enough, Marcy got out, allowing the Prince to have his turn. Once both were dressed, the couple made their way to the dining hall, a wide, long table at the center of the room, the table lined with a variety of breakfast food. And sure enough, Andrias sat at the head of the table, with Olivia present, along with Cody and Valor.
"Ah, a pleasant morning, you two!" Andrias greeted with a jolly tone. "Nice of you to join for breakfast!"
"Always, big guy!" Marcy replied with a grin, taking her seat at the table, with Apollo sitting next to her in silence.
"So, gonna try and figure out answers for that music box?" Cody inquired.
"You bet!" Marcy nodded.
"Well, I wish you luck with that." Valor said, mouthful of food. "Wish I could help, but books and me don't mix well."
Eventually, Shadow had entered the dining room, dressed in a black morning robe and slippers.
"Ah, good morning, Azazel!" Andrias greeted joyfully. "Nice of you to join us for breakfast!"
Shadow stared at the giant newt for a moment, then looked over to see Marcy waving eagerly at him, Olivia offering a warm smile, Cody giving a nod while Valor grinned and waved, and Apollo giving a blank one-eyed stare.
"…Sure." The boy said solemnly as he took his seat at the table, sitting across from Apollo.
"So, you got any plans for today?" Marcy asked eagerly. "If not, you could always help us with searching the archives."
"Actually, I do have plans." Shadow said dismissively. "I plan on meeting the Plantars and Anne later to explore the city, give them a tour."
"You've gotten attached to those frogs." Apollo pointed out.
"You say it like it's a bad thing." Shadow retorted. "I could say the same thing about you and Marcy."
Apollo glared at him, but calmed himself when Marcy held his hand, his expression softening.
"Besides, someone needs to keep them out of trouble." Shadow continued. "And last I heard, country folk don't blend well with the big city."
"Oh, I'm sure they're fine." Andrias waved it off. "Ina volunteered to watch over them."
Shadow gave it some thought, unsure if he thought it was a good idea to leave farmers in the care of someone as hyper as Ina, but besides Cody, Valor, or anyone else, the blue-haired girl was more than familiar with the city's layout.
"I suppose so." The boy in black admitted. "Still, wouldn't hurt to make sure myself." He then noticed the absence of Yunan and Hemlock. "Hey, where are the Longclaw siblings?"
"Four Sword went training with Yunan, while Hemlock accompanied them to observe." Olivia told him. "And from the look on their faces, they were more than eager."
"Sounds like them." Shadow shrugged, remembering that Yunan's hunger for combat matched Kaemon's desire to get stronger well. As for Hemlock? He could never tell with those shades on.
Meanwhile, Kaemon and Yunan stood across from each other in the training yard, both sporting eager smirks, while Hemlock stood off to the side and watched.
"So, I hear your skills are formidable, Four Sword." Yunan inquired.
"Same to you, General Yunan!" Kaemon replied with a grin. "Scourge of the Sand Wars, Defeater of Ragnar the Wretched, and the youngest newt to ever reach the rank of general of the great Newtopian Army!"
"Yes! Thank you!" Yunan declared exasperatedly. "Finally, someone who knows of me!"
"Well, you're also about to be known as the fool who got cleaved by the Four Sword Demon!" Kaemon then added, drawing out his four swords.
"Bring it on!" Yunan replied with a toothy grin, extending her claws.
The two charged forward, engaged in vicious combat, all the while Hemlock watched with a blank stare, carefully observing.
"This should be educational."
Back inside the city, the Plantars, Anne, Maddie and Ivy, along with Ina, were sat on a tour bus being pulled by a hermit crab. And to say that the group, with the exception of Hop Pop, were bored out of their minds, would be an understatement.
"Welcome, ladies and gentle-phibians, to a safe uneventful afternoon of touristy nonsense." The tour guide said into the speakers. "It may not be as eventful as other tours but did I mention it's safe?"
"BORING!" Ina suddenly shouted. "LAME! BOOOOORRRING!"
"Yeah, this is the last time we let Hop Pop pick the activity." Anne said with a bored look.
"Look Anne, we've got a few days to kill before King Andrias reveals his findings about the music box." Hop Pop said, wearing a hat shaped like a cut of cheese. "And what better way to spend that time than learning."
The group groaned in annoyance, Ivy looking out the window to see the various food stands outside, her eyes widening with excitement.
"Oh, wow, what's that place?" Ivy asked, pointing out the window.
Before Ina could answer, the tour guide quickly said, "Imminent danger. Look away!"
"But imminent is the best kind of danger." Polly complained.
"And more exciting!" Maddie surprisingly agreed.
The tour guide ignored their complaints and resumed his rather boring tour, "Now then, what's the most important thing to do when visiting Newtopia? Any guesses?" He asked.
"Ooh, ooh! Eating like a local?" Ivy asked.
"Looking like a local?" Maddie added.
"Partying with the locals?" Anne chimed in.
"Nope. It's getting to know the city from a safe distance. Like on this bus." The newt said.
"Such wisdom." Hop Pop said.
The girls sighed in boredom, slumping in their seats.
"This is just like when I'd go traveling with my mom." Anne mumbled, remembering the time she went traveling, such as one time when they went to Thailand when she was little and saw a line of people getting Thai food. The very memory made the Thai girl upset. "I didn't want the baby carrots, Mom! I didn't want 'em! Why?! Why?! Why?! Why?!" She cried as she pounded on the window, the driver next to the bus rolling up their window as she cried.
Just then, Anne had an idea as she pulled Polly, Ivy and Maddie in a huddle. "You know what?"
"What?" Polly asked.
"This time, I'm gonna experience the city the way the locals do!" Anne declared quietly. "Not sit on a bus like some dumb tourist!"
The three girls looked and saw how boring the tour of the tour bus was.
"Count me in." Ivy nodded.
"Yeah, I'm not interested in sitting here with a boring tour." Maddie agreed.
"Me too!" Polly said. "So, what do we do?"
"Follow my lead." Anne said before she started groaning as though she were sick. "Oh, man, Hop Pop, my stomach is killing me. Can we go back to the hotel?"
"Ooh, me too! I curse that spoiled mayonnaise that was out in the sun." Maddie added, feigning illness.
"Same here. Must've been that rotten banana I ate this morning." Ivy said, making a sick face.
"Uh, me too." Polly said, trying to think of something quick. "I need to get off now or I'll explode!"
The other passengers gasped, Ina raising a brow in suspicion, all the while, the old frog seem to have bought the lie, letting out a gasp.
"Why does this keep happening?" He said sadly, taking off his cheese hat. "Now I'll never make it to the cheese museum."
"No, no! Why don't you stay on the tour?" Anne suggested. "We can head back ourselves."
"And we're back." Hop Pop said happily, putting his hat back on. "But you two gotta promise me you'll go straight to the hotel. No detours!"
"We promise!"
"Sprig, you coming?" Ivy asked her boyfriend.
"I thought you'd never ask." Sprig said, getting up to follow, but stopped when he saw that he had been handcuffed to Hop Pop. "You handcuffed us together?!"
"Sorry, Sprig, but after the Ruins of Disaster incident, you've left me no choice."
"Well, the jokes on you. Anne and the girls would never leave me." Sprig said, only to look and see that the girls were getting off the bus.
"Later, dude!"
"Sorry, Sprig!"
"No! No, no, no, no, no!" Sprig said, the girls already walking away from the bus, as he tried to pull away, but to no avail.
"Now sit your butt down and put on your cheese hat." Hop Pop said, pulling the pink frog back to his seat and putting a cheese hat on his head. "Now let's enjoy the rest of this Bus Tour."
"Aw man." Sprig groaned.
Ina, on the other hand, had different ideas. "See, that's great and all, Hop Pop, but the girls are absolutely going to get lost and cause chaos, so I'm going after them." She said, getting up.
"And you think you can just leave?" Hop Pop said, giving a stern look.
"And you think you can stop me?" Ina inquired.
"Well, yes." Hop Pop said.
"Can you break water clones?"
"No."
"Can you tell the difference between a real person and a clone?"
Hop Pop's face fell. "No."
There was a moment of silence before Ina sat back in her seat. "Okay, then we'll stay."
"Really?!" Hop Pop said, his eyes brightening up.
"Of course! This tour means a lot to you."
The bus soon rode on, Ina and Sprig stood on the sidewalk and watched it go.
"So, how long is it going to take before Hop Pop notices?" The pink frog asked.
"Years. My water clones are very convincing." Ina told him.
"Amazing! I can't believe you replicated us so fast!" Sprig said.
"Years of training, my friend." Ina said. "Right now, we gotta find Anne and the girls before they drive the whole city mad."
While Anne and the girls were off having their solo adventure, Shadow finally left the castle and walked the streets with Cody and Valor by his side, walking by various stands and shops.
"Man, it's good to be home." Valor declared, taking a whiff of the smell of freshly made food from the food stalls. "I miss the sounds, the smells!"
"Nice to see someone's enjoying it." Shadow said. "Me? I've grown more accustomed to the silence of the countryside."
"Glad to see you have adjusted outside the city." Cody chuckled. "Still, you can't deny that you miss some parts of Newtopia."
"Hey look!"
The three looked to see a few newt and axolotl kids running up to them, all sporting looks of glee.
"It's Lightning Bolt Maelstrom! And the Super Nova Valor!" One of the kids declared with excitement.
"And the Black Wolf! You've returned!" Another one said. "I heard that you were off on a super-secret mission!"
Shadow seemed surprised by this, but gave a small smile, despite the guilt he was feeling.
"Always nice to meet a fan." Cody chuckled, ruffling the hair of one of the kids.
"Hey, can we have your autographs? We're big fans!" The first one asked.
"I don't see why not!" Valor laughed before sighing a sheet of paper for them.
Seeing his teacher and fellow student signing autographs, Shadow did the same for a young newt with a propeller hat, signing his name 'Azazel' on the hat.
"It's awesome to see you back, Azazel!" The kid said before he and his group of friends ran off, Shadow watching them go with mixed feelings.
"Feels nice to be the town hero." Valor said before turning his head to the boy in black. "Am I right?"
"Yeah…it is…" Shadow muttered, still unsure.
"Maybe you won't run off again?"
Shadow's face instantly fell. "Not this again."
"Yes, this again." Valor frowned. "We're picking up where we left off, so don't think you're weaseling your way outta this."
"Boys, let's not argue." Cody said, trying to defuse the situation. "Besides, we haven't even revisited the old stalls and-"
"We are not having this conversation." Shadow refused.
"And why not?!" Valor demanded, the boy in black remaining silent. "WHY NOT?!" He demanded once again, louder this time, his eyes glowing a bit red.
"Watch. Your. Tone." Shadow said in a warning tone, his eyes flickering black.
"You left us and ran off with the box!" Valor shouted. "And even now, you refuse to give an actual explanation, besides these visions!"
"Valor, enough." Cody said sternly. "Now is not the time to-"
"You all refused to listen, even laughed in my face!" Shadow shouted back. "Even Apollo dismissed my concerns!"
"Dude, you were literally the only one who saw this supposed vision!" Valor snapped back.
"I SAID ENOUGH!" Cody roared, smacking both boys in the head with his fists, knocking them to the ground. "Look, we're here to reconnect and enjoy our time together, not yell at each other and coming to blows!" He pointed to Valor. "Valor, you cannot keep trying to push a subject so sensitive, when he's clearly not comfortable about it." He then turned to Shadow. "Azazel, I understand, you feel wronged, but that's no excuse to pushing everyone out because of a slight the King foolishly did."
Both boys looked down in shame.
"Look, we just got the old gang back together." Cody said, in a much calmer tone, putting his hands on the boy's shoulders. "So, can we save all the anger and confusion and just enjoy the reunion?"
Shadow and Valor looked at each other in silence before the red-haired boy spoke, "Look, I'm sorry, Aza. It's just…so much happened and I don't understand why."
"I know. I just don't want to talk about it is all." Shadow replied. "Maybe one day."
Just as they were about to shake hands, they noticed Anne running past, along with Polly, Ivy, and Maddie, all screaming their heads off as an angry mob chased after them.
"What the heck?" Valor questioned.
"Something tells me that the girls caused some unneeded chaos." Cody remarked.
"Well, we'd better pull them out of the fire." Shadow said before taking off after them, teacher and fellow student following after.
"Where could they have gone…" Ina said aloud, turning her head about.
Sprig hopped beside her. "Man, I knew this city was big, but this is ridiculous!" He said.
"Well, Newtopia is the largest city in Amphibia." Ina told him. "Many cities have tried to match her size, but none quite came close enough. Be it because of financial issues or not enough people to run them."
"Wow. Can we take a break? I'm getting hungry."
"Of course!"
The two stopped at a stall and ordered some food before digging in.
"So, I have a question." Sprig said. "How did you meet Valor and Cody?"
"A funny story, that." Ina said, swallowing some noodle worms. "Me and Valor were orphans on the streets, ever since we were kids. I was on the verge of drowning when Valor saved me. No spoilers, but we pretty much stuck together like glue by the time Cody found us on the streets and adopted us."
"Wow! That's…actually really sad." Sprig said, happy at first at her meeting her new family, but then turned sad upon hearing how she almost drowned.
"It was a day like any other on the beach, when a tsunami hit." Ina said, her expression turning to sorrow. "We tried to head for higher ground, but it was too late. I was lucky. But my parents…weren't." Her eyes started to water. "They were strict, sure, but they were kind and encouraging. Loving in ways that…I'd trade anything for." Feeling the tears threatening to fall, she quickly wiped her eyes. "So, that's why I do what I can for Cody and Val; to protect the family I have now."
Sprig took in her words, looking at the bowl in front of him. "I get what you mean. At least you knew your parents." He said, prompting Ina to turn her head at him in confusion. "Mine passed away when Polly and I were really young." This nearly made Ina gasp, her face expressing shock, then sorrow. "I don't even remember what they looked like really. Much less the sound of their voices." He went on, with downcast eyes. "You know, I've always wondered…can you miss someone you never actually knew?" He then chuckled, waving it off. "That's silly. Of course, you can't."
Suddenly, Ina pulled the pink frog into a hug, her eyes leaking with tears, taking him by surprise before he accepted it, returning the hug with leaky eyes.
The two stayed like that for a moment before wiping the tears away. "Right, enough tears and sadness. Let's get back to finding Anne and the girls before they get into trouble!"
The two got up and continued their trek before they neared the other side of an alley they were walking in before seeing Anne and the four girls running from an angry mob, with Shadow, Valor and Cody following behind.
"Looks like we found them." Sprig said. "And trouble's not far behind!"
"Come on!" Ina said, taking off running with Sprig following behind.
Anne and the girls ran screaming as the mob gave chase. "Forget authenticity! Forget being a local! We should've used a brochure! A guide! Anything!" The Thai girl yelled.
"Heck, we should've never left the tour bus!" Ivy added.
"I regret so many things!" Maddie yelled.
Behind the mob, the trio of Shadow, Valor, and Cody ran to try and help the girls, when they were joined by Ina and Sprig.
"Ina, Sprig! You're here!" Valor said.
"No time to chat! We gotta save Anne and the girls!" Ina yelled.
"I have an idea!" Cody said. "Both of you; Liquid Fire Wall!"
Nodding, Ina launched herself to the roof, running ahead of the mod and the girls before pulling out a vial of oil and spilling it onto the road. Once Anne and the girls had crossed, Ina raised her arms and made the oil raise into a wall, Valor firing a small spark on it before it went up in flame, stopping the mob in their tracks screaming.
"That should do the trick." Shadow said.
After getting past the mob, the group eventually reunited with Anne and the girls at the bus stop.
"Thanks for the save, teach." Anne thanked her boyfriend.
"Not a problem," Shadow said. "But care to explain why an angry mob was chasing you down?"
"If I had to wager a guess, they did something stupid." Ina said.
"I wouldn't call it stupid." Anne said. "We were just trying to blend in with the locals, but it didn't work out too well."
"It started when we tried eating like a local." Ivy said. "But the burritos were way too spicy and accidentally torched the guy's stand."
"Then we tried getting tails, but they were too large and we ended up hitting some newts." Maddie added. "And a few guards too, so we had to run."
"And then we accidentally insulted the focus of the parade, causing them to chase us too." Polly said.
"Wow. You guys had quite the misadventure." Valor said.
"Probably could've been avoided if you'd stayed on the bus." Ina said. "You guys had no knowledge of the area and nearly got into much hotter water."
"Yeah, you're right." Anne sighed. "I'm sorry for all the trouble. I was hoping to help Maddie and Ivy have a good time and make up to Polly for girl time in Wartwood being a bust."
"That's understandable, but we're in a whole new environment." Shadow told her. "We need to do proper research and be mindful of the things we say."
"We learned our lesson from this." Ivy nodded. "Guess we'll go back to the tour bus."
"Or we could have a tour of the city on our own?" Valor suggested. "Let the old frog enjoy his bus tour, while we have our own fun."
"That's not a bad idea." Cody agreed. "Still, I hope Hopediah doesn't mind being the only one on that tour."
"Yeah, sure…" Ina said with unsure eyes.
Meanwhile, back at the castle, both Yunan and Kaemon laid out on the ground, panting heavily and covered in cuts and bruises after what one could assume was a long fight.
"I admit, you fight well, Four Sword." Yunan said, letting out a light chuckle. "I can see why you have such a scary reputation!"
"Same to you, Yunan." Kaemon replied with a smile. "And I dare say that you are criminally underrated and deserve more for your reputation!"
"It warms my heart to hear you say that, Four Sword." Yunan returned the smile, before looking up to see that her brother had departed. "Seems Hemlock grew bored and left."
"Shame, I was just about to get serious." Kaemon chuckled, before noticing Yunan's downcast eyes. "What's the problem, Yu?"
"I always felt like I'm stuck in my brother's shadow." The general admitted. "No matter how hard I try, I always felt like my accomplishments are eclipsed by Hemlocks, his career practically dwarfing mine."
"I can understand where that can be frustrating." Kaemon nodded. "Heck, sometimes I still feel like I'm in my master's shadow, but I keep going. Because more than just being the greatest swordsman, I want to be someone that the people can look up to. A real hero that fights for a world where dignity, honor and justice are the reality we all share."
Yunan looked at him with wide eyes in awe, feeling a sense of inspiration inside before smiling. "That's certainly inspiring, Four Sword. Definitely something to think about." She said.
"Well, how about we be rivals?" Kaemon asked, offering a hand. "Let's push each other to be the best we can be!"
Yunan kept smiling, taking his hand into hers and allowing him to pull her up.
"Until we meet again, General!" Kaemon saluted before turning and leaving, leaving Yunan alone in the training ground.
"Same to you, Four Sword." Yunan replied before taking off her gauntlets and sitting on a nearby bench.
"Nice to see you make some new friends." Olivia said as she approached.
"I wouldn't say that." Yunan quickly denied. "We just have a mutual respect for each other."
"Well, if you're done, the kids are eager to see you." Olivia told her. "And I can't stall them forever."
Just then, two newt kids ran out into the training yard.
"AUNTIE!" Both kids yelled, running up to the pink newt.
"Kids!" Yunan exclaimed, getting to one knee and embracing them, Olivia watching with a smile.
From afar, however, Hemlock watched the scene, a smile on his face. But not of joy. One of malicious intent.
While the gang were having their own misadventures, back at the castle, Andrias, Marcy and Apollo were in the library section of the castle. The King and the Taiwanese girl were sat at a table, reading through several books, while Apollo floated from one section of the library to the next, speed reading through the books, all looking for information regarding the music box.
And so far, they haven't found a thing.
Marcy let out a groan in frustration. "This is the last book and still nothing on the music box." She said as she slammed the rather large book down on the table, causing several cups to rattle, implying that she had several servings of coffee to wake herself up.
"Well, even I have to admit I'm surprised." Andrias said, adjusting his glasses as he looked through a small book he was holding. "This is one of the most comprehensive libraries in all of Amphibia. Maybe we missed a book somewhere."
Apollo flew higher, quickly reading through what seemed like twenty books on the same shelf. "Nothing, like usual. There doesn't seem to be a solid lead anywhere." He said, placing each book back into their places on the shelf.
Marcy groaned, bags under her bloodshot eyes as she scooped up the empty cups. "I need more bug-accinos. B-R-B." She said, not watching where she was going and tripping over a book, almost falling on her face before Apollo swooped in and caught her, holding her by her waist and shoulders.
"Marcy, you really need to watch where you're going." The young newt told her.
"Heheh, my bad." Marcy said, blushing at the way her boyfriend was holding her, before looking to see the coffee had spilled all over the tapestry hanging on the wall. "Ah, dang it! Tell me that tapestry wasn't hundreds of years old."
Looking up at the stained tapestry, Apollo looked back at her. "Oh, way older than that actually." He said.
"No!" Marcy exclaimed in a panic, taking the tapestry off the wall and laying it on the floor.
Looking back up, Apollo noticed something weird about the wall. "Hey Marcy. Doesn't that slab look like a button to you?" He asked with a pointed finger.
Looking to where her boyfriend was pointing, Marcy saw what he was talking about, the slab sticking out from the wall with a symbol of a frog's hand.
"Hmm. I'ma push it. Bop." Marcy said, pressing her hand against the slab and pushing it inward, causing a nearby wall to split open, much to the trio's surprise, revealing a hidden passageway with several blue light up corals lining the walls.
"What the..." Andrias said in surprise.
"No way. A secret library wing." Marcy said in awe, looking to the Prince and King. "Did you guys know about this?"
"Never. I haven't seen anything like this in…well, years!" Apollo said in rare shock.
"Same here. It must be thousands of years old, judging by the smell. Whew!" Andrias said, waving at the air in front of him.
"Well, come on. I just know the answers are down there waiting for us." Marcy said, heading inside first, followed by the Prince then the King, the entrance to the passageway closing behind them.