Loyalty Among Worlds (Amphibia AU)

Darrel Loyalität is a shy, kind teenager with a popular girlfriend. He gets into a life changing situation when Anne accidentally sends him and her friends into the world of Amphibia. Now thanks to his experiences in the new world, he has developed into a strong, independent wizard-in-training.

It was thanks to Anne, the Salamanders, and the Plantars that helped him make it this far. But most of the thanks goes to the Salamanders, who helped him become more independent with himself. His magical powers have also become stronger over time, giving him more abilities to handle. But, the one friend that helped him get through most of the rough times in his life was Anne.

One day, while plowing the fields, Darrel looks to see Anne working on cleaning Bessie's shell. Darrel smiled at her hard work, seeing how much she's grown in Amphibia as well. He recalls the days she helped him work off his debt in her family's restaurant, to all the close calls they have shared together.

Looking back on everything she's done, Darrel wanted to do something nice for her. As he finishes up plowing the crops, he goes to Cronaxx in Hop pop's study. Before he enters, he hears the sound of him and Hop pop talking. It was a bit muffled, considering that the door is closed. But that didn't stop him from trying to listen.

He takes a glass cup and places it on the door. "I'm telling you we need to tell them," said Cronaxx. "We can't, now is not the time," said Hop pop. "If you don't tell them, and they find out from someone else, there's going to be a lack of trust," said Cronaxx. "The more people know about this, the better of preventing this happening again."

On the other side of the door, Darrel stopped listening and thought to himself, 'What are they talking about that's too dangerous for us to know?' Darrel decided to let their little conversation go, and place the glass back where he found it.

He goes back to knock on the door, "Hop pop, Cronaxx?" The two elders jump, hoping that Darrel didn't hear anything. "This conversation never happened," whispered Hop pop. Cronaxx just glared at the farmer, "You can't keep this from them forever."

Hop pop opens the door and sees Darrel. "Oh hey Darrel, what's up?" "I need your help," replied Darrel. "Can you guys get Tint, Sprig, and Polly in here?" Cronaxx smiled, "Of course, Darrel. Anything you need, we're here for you."

Cronaxx asks Tint to come down, and Hop pop calls his grandkids into the house. "What is it, Darrel?" Tint asked. "Guys," said Darrel. "Anne has done so much for me ever since we first met. Whenever I needed help, aside from you guys, she was there. I want to do something special for her as a thank you."

Polly grinned, "Oh I see, you want to go on a date with her." Darrel grew nervous, "What?! No, it's not a date. It's just a special evening, the two of us, spending time together." "But what about this Sasha character?" Sprig asked. "Isn't she your girlfriend?"

Darrel nodded, "She is, but there is a difference between a date and hanging out. I simply just want to hang out with Anne." Cronaxx smiled, "And how does this involve us?" "I need your help in making this night the best you can make it." "Depends on what you're planning," said Hop pop.

Darrel takes his staff and makes a smoking illusion. "First, I plan to take Anne on a flight with Clipper. The aurora borealis is about to be as bright as can be, one could actually see animal spirits walk among the lights. After the flight, we're gonna go to the lake where the fireflies were the last few weeks. And finally, I thought we could have dinner overlooking the horizon of Wartwood."

The amphibians were impressed with what Darrel had planned. "How can you not call this a date?" Polly asked. "So If you got this planned, why do you need our help?" Sprig asked. "I need you guys to set up the table at this location," replied Darrel. "And Hop pop, I need you to cook this."

Darrel takes out a recipe card with ingredients and instructions on how to make it. Hop pop read carefully and smiled. "Consider it done Darrel," he said. "And consider this as a thank you for all your help around the farm." Darrel smiled and hugged his amphibious friends. "Thank you guys so much."

"So, when do we start?" Tint asked. "As soon as we take to the skies," replied Darrel. "Good," said Cronaxx. "So how are you going to ask her?" "I'm going to try and ask her an hour past noon," replied Darrel.

Later that day, Darrel finished planting new seeds for the crops. He looks to the sun, seeing as it's past noon. He looks to Tint and Cronaxx who nod at his choice. Darrel smiles and makes his way to Anne who is working on stacking hay for Clipper and Bessie.

Darrel cleared his throat, "Ahem. Hey, Anne." Anne turns her head to Darrel's attention. "Oh, hey Darrel. What's up?" Darrel took a deep breath, "I was thinking, since we're almost done with our chores. Would you like to spend the evening with me? You know, just the two of us?"

Anne was so shocked that she started blushing lightly on her cheeks. "Wait. You and me? As in without the Plantars or the Salamanders?" Darrel nodded, "Yeah, if you want to. It wouldn't be a date, it's just two humans hanging out." As much as Darrel didn't want it to be a date, he really wanted to spend time with Anne.

Anne accepted, "Sure, what are we doing?" Darrel perked up, "There's going to be an aurora borealis tonight. It'll be so bright, you could possibly see animal spirits, even the ones that were extinct. Then, I thought we could go to the lake and watch the fireflies glow before they migrate away. And finally, we could have dinner while looking over the horizon of the valley."

Anne smiled, "That sounds fascinating. Should I get ready?" Darrel smiled back, "Be ready by sunset, okay?" "Sure," replied Anne. The two turn from each other and express a silent cheer. "Yes!" They whispered.

Later in the day, Darrel got himself prepared for the evening. He combed his hair, despite his twigs still poking out. He made sure he didn't have any dirt marks on his daily clothes. He got Clipper a small saddle to make him, Darrel and Anne comfortable enough for the ride.

He spots Anne waving hello, signaling that she's ready. "Hey Darrel, I'm ready." Darrel climbs up on Clipper and offers his hand, "Then let's roll." Anne takes his hand and the two fly up to the sky.

Anne holds tight around Darrel, eyes closed, as Clipper reaches high as he could carry two humans. As they reached Clipper's peak, the sun set and the aurora borealis appeared. "You can open your eyes now, Anne," said Darrel.

Anne opens her eyes to see the aurora. The two humans were filled with amazement seeing their natural light show without special effects. "It's amazing," said Anne. Suddenly, the two see an illusion of an eagle flying above them. Then, more animals began to walk, march, or fly past them. Some of the animals shown are even extinct.

"I did not expect to see mammoths and sabertooths," said Darrel. He taps Clipper with his heels and the dragonfly flies in pace with the animals. Darrel and Anne gaze in wonder until the lights fade away. "Thanks Darrel, that was amazing," said Anne. "This is just the beginning," said Darrel.

Darrel drives Clipper back to the watering hole and flies off as the two get off him. "Is he coming back?" Anne asked. "We're close enough to the farm, I think we'll be okay," replied Darrel.

The two sit at the lake and gaze in the water's reflection of the red moon. The fireflies begin to fly in the dark, glowing beautifully. "Okay, Darrel. What's the idea? Why are you taking me to all these wonderful light shows?" Anne asked.

"Because I thought we could take a moment to appreciate our surroundings," replied Darrel. "Think about it, we're stuck in the middle of a strange new world. We spent all of our time struggling to find our friends and get back home, so that we don't take a chance to stop and notice the beauties of this world."

Anne smiles at the lake, "How did you get so wise?" "I have a very good teacher," said Darrel. The two were busy staring down at the lake, that they didn't notice that their hands were touching.

Shortly after, Anne and Darrel's stomachs start to growl. "You thinking what I'm thinking?" Darrel asked. "Let's get some food," said Anne. Darrel stands up and offers his hand, "Come on, I know a place." Anne takes his hand and follows him out of the wilderness.

Up on the hill overlooking the valley of Wartwood, the two see a dinner table like the one at Stumpy's place. "Woah, did you make all this?" Anne asked. "I had a little help," replied Darrel.

The two sit down, then look at the horizon across the valley. "Take a good long look, Anne," said Darrel. "Because this valley is just the beginning of this grand adventure we're about to endure. You, me, the salamanders, the Plantars, and eventually Sasha and Marcy."

Suddenly, Cronaxx and Hop pop came out and served them a plate of Anne's traditional Thai noodle recipe, now with crickets and larvae. "Enjoy, you two," said Hop pop. "Funny, I thought they were going to sit down and join us," said Anne. "Ah, I'm sure they won't bother us," said Darrel.

Then, Tint and Sprig pop up out of nowhere and play their instruments. Recognizing the melody, Anne concluded that it was Darrel's favorite folk song. "Is this your favorite song from that fantasy movie Marcy showed us?" Darrel nodded, "It sure is. And it truly annoyed Sasha the way Marcy sang it."

(Blunt the Knives - Marcy's version)

(Darrel)

Blunt the knives, bend the forks

Smash the bottles and burn the corks

Chip the glasses and crack the plates

That's what Sasha Waybright hates!

(Anne)

Cut the cloth, tread on the fat

Leave the bones on the bedroom mat

Pour the milk on the pantry floor

Splash the wine on every door!

(Darrel & Anne)

Dump the crocks in a boiling bowls

Pound them up with a thumping pole

When you're finished if they are whole

Send them down the hall to roll

That's what Sasha Waybright hates!

The two laughed after finishing their song. Darrel and Anne, arm in arm, look at each other realizing how close they are. They let go, blushing like crazy, remaining silent for a few minutes. "I know we're going to find them," said Anne. "You don't have to keep reminding me." "I know," said Darrel.

"So what did you think of tonight? Did you have fun?" Anne nodded, "Of course I did. It's always fun with you around. Your ideas of fun today were more exquisite." "What can I say, I have specific taste," said Darrel. "But, I had fun too Anne. We should do this again sometime." Anne nodded, "Absolutely."

Darrel's grin suddenly changed into a small frown. "Can I tell you something?" "Sure, what is it?" Anne asked. "Honestly, I had more fun with you in less than a month, than I had with Sasha in almost a year," said Darrel. "My idea of fun was way better than the last time Sasha took us out to have fun."

Anne was concerned about Darrel, "Oh come on, Sasha was trying-" "To look after us?" Darrel finished. "Like she did when she abandoned me in your restaurant? Or how about the time that she didn't like the gift I made for her on her 13th birthday? I had to waste a fortune to get back on her good side. Let's face it, I think Sasha is just looking after herself. I want to believe otherwise, but I have my doubts."

Darrel's behavior started making his hands glow a faint red. Seeing his hands, made Anne worry. Storm clouds began to condense the area, making the amphibians grow anxious. Winds began to blow variously across the hilltop. "Oh no," said Cronaxx.

In the center of the storm, Darrel looks down at his hands. "Why am I still with her?" Darrel asked himself. "Because you still see the good that's in Sasha," said Anne. "You know better than to turn someone away because you're a kind person."

Anne takes Darrel's hand and he calms down, breaking up the storm in the process. "Anyone would be lucky to have someone like you," said Anne. Darrel looked up and smiled at Anne. "I plead guilty. You're one of the best human friends I could have in this world."

"Why can't more people be like us?" Darrel asked. "For what it's worth, you hold a special place in all of our hearts," said Tint. "We each wish we could be a little more like others." "Sometimes, the best in you brings out the best in everyone else," said Cronaxx. "Even at times when you need to snap."

Darrel smiles at his friends who surround the table and says, "Thanks you guys." "Okay everyone," said Hop pop. "It's getting late and we have another long day of hard work ahead of us." The group grabs all the dining supplies and takes them back to the farm.

Back in the basement, Darrel and Anne were getting ready to turn in. "Thanks for taking me out today, Darrel," said Anne. "I had a wonderful time." Darrel nodded, "So did I, Anne. I think we deserved the night off." Anne takes out her phone and smiles. "Get in here. Special selfie."

Darrel smiles and gets in view of Anne's phone. "Smile Anne," he said. Anne takes the photo and initials it HBFF. As in Human Best Friend Forever. Anne looks down on the photo, and Darrel says, "Best photo I've seen all day." "Me too," said Anne. Anne and Darrel hugged again, a bit longer than they usually do, and soon turned in for the night.

Meanwhile, in Hop pop's study, Cronaxx was pacing back and forth. Hop pop sat at his desk. "Hop pop, for the last time. We have to tell them about the box," said Cronaxx. "I told you, not now," said Hop pop. "Darrel conjured up that storm, and he didn't realize that it came from him when he got upset!" Cronaxx said in an anxious tone.

"The power of the Eternal Staff comes from the wielders' emotions," Cronaxx explained. "Who knows what kind of damage Darrel can do when he's emotionally unstable. If he finds out you've been hiding the truth, he could destroy your farm, or worse. I'm not lying, if you won't tell him, I will."

Hop pop tried to keep his ground, "I told you if he does anything to the farm, it's your responsibility." "And that's why I'm giving you until the end of the month to tell them the truth," said Cronaxx. "Otherwise, I'm telling Darrel and Tint what I know."

Hop pop widened his eyes at the situation he's in. Cronaxx, a Salamander wizard, and guest in the Plantar house, gave him an ultimatum. Hop pop knew there would be no denying who he's dealing with. In defeat, he silently nodded as he exited the study.

Cronaxx sighed, "I'm sorry Hopediah, but I know as well as any other wizard that the Eternal Staff is the most powerful tool a wizard could ever witness. And in the wrong hands, or emotions, it could lead to disaster." Cronaxx blows out a candle, with smoke taking the form of a hand shooting out smoke.