44. All Stones Recharged

Chapter 43 – All Stones Recharged

After the incident with Darrel and the second temple, the gang agree to take it easy before they journey to the third temple. So throughout the whole day, Darrel and Anne spent the day walking in the forests outside of town. Cronaxx gave Tint the day off from magic training to try regaining his long term memory. Hop pop, Polly, Sprig, and Marcy were growing crops in the fields.

The next day, the group was prepared and ready for their last leg of the journey. So Darrel, Anne, Sprig, Tint, and Marcy were packing up crates in the fwagon. Hop pop and Cronaxx were organizing as many maps as they could bring.

"Can't have too many maps," said Hop pop. "You'd be surprised at how detailed my maps are," said Cronaxx. Polly comes in with a box of boom shrooms. "Definitely going to need these bad boys," she said. "And now to get more deadly weapons."

At the wagon, Darrel was storing a crate when Anne walked up to him. "Are you sure you're okay, Darrel?" she asked. "I'm alright," said Darrel. "Are you sure?" Anne asked. "You scared me when you clenched your head." "I'm sure, it's gone," said Darrel. "Whatever it was, it was trying to communicate with me. However, the link is still weak."

Darrel takes Anne's hands, "I promise, if it gets worse, I will let you know." Anne nodded, "Okay, Darrel. I trust you." "Hey guys, let's keep going," said Tint. "That temple isn't going to discover itself, you know."

The group continues packing until Marcy joins in on Anne and Darrel's conversation. "So, Anne, Darrel, I've been thinking," she began. "We all agree that everything is riding on this last temple." "Yup," said Anne. "That part we agree," said Darrel.

"And can we also agree that you guys need some new gear already?" Marcy asked. Anne looks down at her missing shoe to see her sock is really wearing out. As for Darrel, his cape is shown to have dirt marks and holes. "Fair," said Anne. "I suppose you're right," said Darrel.

"Good," said Marcy. "Because I already fly-mailed Newtopia's best armorer, and he's on his way right now to give you two whole new looks."

"That statement made Anne drop her box instantly. It even made Darrel freeze in fear. "Oh no," said Darrel. "New Look? I know what that means." "What does it mean?" Tint asked. "I cannot tell you guys how many times Sasha and Marcy have tried to give me A MAKEOVER!" Anne cried. "Is that bad?" Sprig asked. "Oh it's bad," said Darrel. "Take it from someone who recorded for their makeup tutorials. They were so humiliating, I had to delete the footage." "This is not going to end well," said Anne.

Later that day, a crab chariot arrives bringing the Newtopian armorer to the farm. A newt comes out wearing a stylish outfit and sunglasses. He holds his tail like he's on a fashion runway. "My name is Bernardo," he said. "Who is in need of my services? Never mind."

Bernardo walks over to Anen and Darrel, finding his customers. Bernardo takes his workspace inside the Plantar household. His assistants bring in his kits and wardrobes. "I'm not so sure about this Marcy," said Darrel. "I kinda like the way I am." "Yeah, me too," said Anne.

"Guys, we're probably going home soon," said Marcy. "Don't you want to live the fantasy a little? Try a new identity? Roleplay?" "Wait a minute," said Darrel. "What do you mean 'probably'? We are going home." "Of course we are," said Marcy. "I just want us to make every second here possible."

"Anne, Darrel, who do you want to be?" Bernardo asked. The two were indecisive, so Bernardo and Marcy tried to experiment on many different forms of armor. However, they end in disaster. Either Anne and Darrel didn't like the armor, or Bernardo didn't like the armor, mostly both sides didn't like the armor of choice.

An hour or so passes, and Anne comes out with golden armor with teal decorations. It was hard to move in, and it was hard to see. As she got out the door, she fell down on her back. Darrel was hiding after calling for a bathroom break.

There was a ruckus going on outside, but Darrel didn't catch all the details. He simply came out of his hiding place when he saw a big explosion. "Help! Please!" Anne cried in her suit of armor. Darrel goes over and helps get her helmet off. Sprig and Marcy help as well removing everything but her chestplate.

"This is perfect," said Anne. "Just the chestplate?" Darrel asked. Anne nodded, "I think the reason I don't want a new look is because I'm finally happy with who I see in the mirror right now." She walks over to Frobo and looks at her reflection. "So whatever I put on, I just want to be able to see the same me looking back." Frobo smiled hearing her statement.

"So, what do you guys think?" "Minimalists, Bernardo likes," said Bernardo. "I think it really suits you," said Tint. "You're right it is perfect," said Marcy. "But a summer cut might be cute." Anne rejects the idea and turns to Darrel. "So Darrel, still thinking about keeping your look?"

Darrel takes a minute to think and says, "You know what, I'm going to make something that best describes me for a change." He turns to Marcy and asks her. "Do you still have any of those mage robes?" Marcy pulls out a set, "Sure do."

Darrel takes the robes and his cape, then he magically fuses them together to make a mage robe with his cape's color. His robes consist of silver linings, a gold amphibian symbol on the center, a hood just like his cape, and ripped details like his jeans at the bottom of the robes.

"I look good," said Darrel. "You look like a real wizard," said Tint. "Not yet," said Cronaxx. "I was thinking you would like this." He gives him a wizard hat just like his, only a bit bigger. "It belonged to my teacher, he was a toad."

Darrel puts on the hat and gives off a magical pose. "What do you guys think?" he asked. "I think you look great," said Anne. "It really gives off the wizard vibe in you." Anne kisses Darrel on the cheek, making him blush. Marcy geeks out at their moment.

"Come one guys," said Darrel "Now that we're stocked and geared up, I think it's time we take on the third temple." The group agreed and called upon their flying companions. They took off to where the gems took them. This time, they took Frobo with them on their journey.

Along the way, Tint grew curious about something. So he went to Darrel, "Say Darrel, I was curious as to how Sasha met Anne and Marcy in the first place." "Why don't you ask them," said Darrel. "Hey girls! Tint was curious about how you two met Sasha in the first place."

Anne smiled, "It was a long time ago. Me and Marcy were in kindergarten at the time. We were playing on the swingset at the local playground, until a couple of bullies pushed us off. We were there first, but they were bigger than us. And that's when we saw Sasha on the slide. She stood up to them and drove them off. We were so happy with what she did, we wanted her to hang out with us. We introduced ourselves and that's when we became best friends."

Tint was amazed with how Sasha stood up for them. Like she was one of those people they could look up to. It wasn't long until the group arrived at the third temple.

Out of energy, Joe Sparrow lets go of Frobo and collapses from exhaustion. The group stood in front of an active volcano, where the third temple was said to be located. "This is it," said Darrel. "Now where's the entrance?"

Anne took out the box and the blue gem beamed in the direction of the first entrance. They see a pink glowing archway over what seemed like a rock. They find only little writing on the top of the arch.

"What does it say, Darrel?" Sprig asked. "Only one way to find out," replied Darrel. He takes his staff and the words translate to, 'Lift to enter, brah.' The group was stunned, "That's it?" Tint asked.

"I guess it means lift the rock," said Darrel. "Frobo, would you do the honors?" Frobo approaches the rock and carefully lifts it up revealing the hidden entrance.

"Darrel, I think it would be best for me and Tint that you should go alone on this leg of the journey," said Cronaxx. "Huh? Why?" Darrel asked. "Extremely hot climates do not go well with amphibians," replied Cronaxx. "I'm already shriveled up as it is, any more heat and I'll look like an old raisin."

Darrel looks to the entrance and nods, "Okay, just keep an eye out for any trouble." "Alright guys," said Anne, "Let's go crush this temple." The group, minus Frobo and the salamanders, enter the temple ready for anything.

The group enters a chamber surrounded by lava. "Whew, it's hot in here," said Anne. "You're telling me," said Darrel. "Alright gang," said Marcy. "There should be three challenges just like the two other temples."

"Ahh!" Darrel cried. "What's wrong Darrel?" Anne asked. Darrel points to the Plantars, "I think I know why Cronaxx and Tint wanted to stay out," he said. The Plantars show to have shriveled up in the intense heat.

"Whoa, are you guys okay?" Anne asked. "Just a little dehydrated from the heat," Hop pop said in a raspy voice. "We'll be alright."

The group opens the doors to the first trial, a long pathway that is surrounded by molten lava. Suddenly, pink crystals started glowing from the side showing them ancient writing. Darrel translates the language and reads it out loud. "Whoa there, boss! Think you're strong enough to get across?"

"That's it?" Darrel asked. "I thought it would sound more ancient." "I have a distinct feeling this temple's about strength," said Anne. The words disappear and a stone trunk opens up weapons to the team. "Wonder what those are for," said Sprig in a raspy voice.

Then, out of nowhere, a giant lava centipede creature pops out of the lava. Anne takes a hammer and swings in its face, causing it to retreat back into the lava. "Man this thing weighs a ton," said Anne.

The group looks out at the trail to see more of the lava creatures leap out, jumping over the pathway. They scream out of fear, then recompose themselves. "Alright guys, it's hammer time," said Marcy. She takes a hammer and offers it to Polly, who fails to get a grip on it.

"Plantars, you'll have to get behind me," said Darrel. "You guys can't fight these things." "I'll defend you guys," said Anne. "Don't sweat it." Anne takes charge and swings at one of the creatures.

Behind Anne, Darrel casts a shield to protect them from flying lava drops. Another creature popped out from the lava, but Marcy couldn't lift her hammer. "Anne, get behind me!" Darrel cried. Anne rushed to her friends and got in Darrel's shield.

"What do we do?" Marcy asked. "I can't lift this hammer." Darrel removes his shield and shoots a fireball at one of the creatures. But just as one creature retreats, another comes out the other side.

"Those things are too strong," said Sprig. "We can't keep fighting them like this." "He's right," said Darrel. "We need someone stronger, someone who rushes into battle. Someone like-"

Then out of nowhere, a slash was heard. The creature split in two and Sasha appeared in the air. She is shown to be fitted with the same style of armor. But with a shade of red. The group was stunned when she landed on the trail. "It can't be," said Anne. "But it is," said Darrel.

"Sash!" Marcy cried. "Oh my god! I can't believe -" "There's no time!" Sasha cried as she grabbed Marcy's hammer. "Follow me!"

The group does as she said out of impulse and runs across the trail. Sasha slams and swings at the creatures and Darrel keeps the rest safe in his shield. They make it to the end of the trail and close the doors behind them.

The group catches their breaths, after a tough passage across the first trial. Sasha plants the hammer on the ground, gaining the other's attention. Her startling appearance caused Darrel and Anne to stay on guard. They didn't forget what happened, where they left off.

"Sash?" Darrel asked. She turns around with a cheerful look on her face. "Hey friends, good to see you!" Her statement caught Darrel and Anne off guard. But Marcy, she was glad that she found them again.

"Hey Mar Mar," said Sasha. "Whoa, check out the new threads." She admired looking at Marcy's attire. "Speak for yourself," said Marcy. "Look at that armor. How did you even find us?"

"Yeah, how did you find us?" Darrel asked. "Simple," replied Marcy. "We heard you guys were traveling together and tracked you here." Darrel perked up, realizing she didn't come alone. "And of course when you say we, you mean...?"

That's when Sasha's companion arrives behind them. Captain Grime of the Toad Army. Of course he is also shriveled up due to the volcano's extreme heat. "Even in this state, those things were no match for me," he said.

Darrel, Anne, and the Plantars got their guard up, but Sasha told them to relax. "Cancel the red alert. Seriously, we're not here to fight." "Oh no?" Sprig asked. Sasha shook her head, "Nope, the whole reason we were stalking you guys was…"

"So I could tell Anne and Darrel that everything that happened at Toad Tower was my fault." The group was set back, shocked and awed. Especially Darrel, who thought she would be head over heels. Not only did she humiliate her in front of the toad army, but she kissed her best friend in front of her.

"Really?" Anne asked. "Yup," replied Sasha. "It was wrong for me to put your frog friends in danger. And Darrel, I'm so sorry for the way I've treated you. I'm doubly wrong of me pushing you guys around."

"I wasn't expecting that," said Anne. "Neither was I," said Darrel. "Forgive me for being skeptical," said Hop pop. "But why the change of heart?" "After Toad Tower, Sasha and I lost everything," replied Grime. Darrel chuckled about that. "Yeah, sorry about the damages," he said. "Couldn't control my own strength."

"We had to go into hiding," said Sasha. "And I had a lot of time to think about things. But what are you guys doing in a haunted volcano?" Darrel stepped up, "To put it simply, we're charging the stones."

"Darrel's right," said Marcy. "The king of Amphibia told us that the music box can transport us back home. But the stones need to be charged at four temples first. This is the third temple."

"No way," said Sasha. "You mean we can almost go home?" "Yep," said Anne. "Each temple has a theme," said Marcy. "And this one appears to be Strength." "Then it's a good thing I showed up," said Sasha. "I won't argue there," said Darrel. "Something tells me that this is your temple."

"You frogs can wait outside if you'd like," said Sasha. "You'd probably just slow us down." "Hey, you can't tell them what to do!" Anne cried. Sasha just stood there and said, "Okay fine. It was just a suggestion. Now come on, let's move."

Darrel was really surprised, 'That's weird, normally she would fight back,' he thought. "Do you think she's changed?" Anne asked. "I don't know," replied Darrel. "But I think we should give her the benefit of the doubt." "Time will tell kids," said Hop pop. "Time will tell."

Along the way, Anne and the Plantars kept their guard up. Sasha looks back to see Darrel look at something, then stuff it in his pocket. She was sure that they wouldn't trust her after what happened.

The group enters the second trial that shows a barbell in the center of the room. They see another message on the wall. Darrel translates, "Sup Broseph?" Do you even lift?" "Not even trying anymore," said Anne. "Yeah, this isn't thrilling," said Darrel.

"Hah, this is all me," said Sasha. "Wait, Sash," said Anne. "Marcy, Darrel and I have done these temples before. And, there's always some kind of catch. Let's just search the room before we try that thing."

"Actually Anne," said Darrel. "So far, this temple's been direct. We should just let Sasha do her thing." "Thank you, Darrel," said Sasha. She goes over to the barbell, lifts it up, and the door behind her opens. "Hey, what did he tell you?" Grime asked.

"This thing is going to be over before it starts," said Sasha. "Let's get going nerds." They enter the final room of the temple. The room appears to look like an arena with a lily pad as the floor. "Alright," said Marcy. "This should be the final room."

The doors behind them shut and more writing appears on them. Darrel translates once again. "You've definitely got skill, no doubt. But it's time you learn what strength is all about."

The ground begins to shake and the group sees a giant stoned creature in front of them. It looked like a bodybuilding toad, prepared to fight. "Looks like it wants to fight," said Darrel. Sasha unsheathes her sword.

"Stay back everyone, I got this," she said. She takes her stance, but as the creature roars, the ground suddenly begins to feel heavy to the group. "It's like an elephant tick is standing on my back," said Grime. "That thing has somehow increased the room's gravitational force," said Marcy. "I can't get up," said Sprig.

"Sit tight guys," said Darrel. "We'll handle it." The four humans try their best to fight the gravity pull to the floor. The creature laughs at the predicament, and rolls a couple of boulders at them. They dodged the enemy's attacks, even Sasha pushed Marcy out of the way.

"Nice save, Sash," said Darrel. "Yeah, thanks," said Marcy. "No problem," said Sasha. Marcy tries to get up, but she can't. "Stand down," said Darrel. "Leave this to us." Darrel, Anne, and Sasha continue to make their way to fight the creature.

"Who would've thought, the three of us working together, after everything that's happened," said Anne. "Yeah," said Sasha. "Unbelievable, especially since you two still don't trust me." "I never said I don't trust you," said Darrel. "Well you certainly were acting like it," said Sasha. "Even after I apologized."

The creature jumps, shaking the room and loosening the stalactites. The three dodge them very quickly. "Of course we trust you, what do you mean?" Anne asked. "What I mean is I've been watching you guys," replied Sasha. "You don't trust me at all."

"Well you did give us reason," said Darrel. "But do you think it was back at Toad Tower Sasha?" Anne asked. "Because it's not," said Darrel. "It was our whole lives. You've pushed us around for so much. I stood by your side because I was afraid to lose you. But your attitude just ended up pushing me farther away."

Sasha looks at them with guilt in her eyes. "I know," she said. "Listen," said Darrel. "I want to trust you again, really I do. It's just so hard after everything that's happened. If you're willing to move forward, if you really want to be our friend, then you have to work hard at regaining our trust."

The creature bellows and the ground glows pink, causing the three to fall flat on their faces. "It feels like my lungs are about to explode," said Anne. "It's over," said Sasha. "We can't do this." The creature takes out another stalactite and prepares to swing at them.

Suddenly, Darrel gets an idea. "You're right," he said. "We can't but you can. Because I believe in you." "How can you believe me? After everything I did to you guys?" Sasha asked. "I was such a jerk."

"Because I'm a wizard," replied Darrel. "And you're my inspiration, to be me." "He's right," said Anne. "You're fierce, you're brave, and most of all you never give up!" Anne gives her a thumbs up before her fist slams to the ground.

"And listen to what this wizard says," said Darrel. "A true soldier doesn't need armor to do what's right." He points his staff at her armor, giving her more motivation. "You're right guys," she said.

Sasha proceeds to get up back on her feet. "I'll never give up. Not today, not ever!" She takes her shoulder pad off, causing it to slam to the ground like it fell from the sky. "How heavy was that armor?" Sprig asked.

Sasha removes her boots to lighten her stance, and attacks the creature. The creature swings its club, causing Sasha to climb up on her enemy. She jumps high in the air and says, "Get CROAKED!" She swings her sword, slicing the creature in half, and causing it to explode.

The floor loses its glow, causing the gravitational pull to revert to normal. Soon after, a column appears behind Sasha. "You did it, Sash!" Marcy cheered. Anne gives her the third stone to charge. "Go ahead," said Anne. "The honor should be yours," said Darrel.

Sasha places the grey stone onto the column and her eyes lose her pink color. At the same time, the stone gains its pink shade. After the stone charged, more writing appeared on the ceiling. Darrel translates again, "Congrats brah! You finally know what it takes to go the distance. For what is strength without persistence."

Sasha places her stone in the box, then a pink beam shoots out. "This is it!" Marcy cried. "The last temple is about to be located." "One more temple to go," said Sasha.

However, the beam suddenly hits on Darrel's staff. This gave the humans a confused look. "Maybe the staff is the key to the final temple?" Marcy asked. Darrel waves his staff, causing the beam to follow it around wherever he points it.

As Darrel takes a closer inspection to the staff, he finds small inscriptions on the handle. Then, a bright red glow filled the ancient letters. The group surely was surprised at this, mostly Darrel. "No way," he said. "This is it!"

"What's it?" Anne asked. Darrel reads the inscription on the handle. "Knowledge, Heart, and Strength, together they're refined. But with Magic by their side, makes the three inclined. If a temple you seek, you'll seek to find, what's never really there, what's never been designed. Magic is important, a path you must commit. For if you don't believe, you will never find it."

"There is no temple on record, because there isn't a temple at all," said Darrel. "It's the Eternal Staff!" "No way," said Anne. "You mean we had the temple in our hands the whole time?!" Marcy exclaimed. "I gotta admit, I'm impressed," said Sasha.

"Go ahead, Darrel," said Anne as she gave him his stone. "This honor is yours." Darrel takes his stone and lifts it off the ground. He takes the staff in his hands and uses his powers to charge the final stone. The group was looking away from its bright light. So while they weren't looking, Darrel snatches the gem from the air and stops his magic from charging the stone.

"Did it work?" Sasha asked. Darrel reveals his stone with a shade of red again. "It's done," he said as he placed his stone back on the box. The music box has all their gems colored again.

"I guess that's that," said Anne. "Indeed," said Darrel. "We should open it at Wartwood, so we can say goodbye to everyone." "NO!" cried Marcy. "No, no, no. If we turn that thing on, who knows where we'll end up. We should bring it to King Andrias so he could tell us how to use it correctly to get home."

"Of course," said Sasha. "Trust Marcy to already have a plan." Sasha gives the box to Anne and she places it back in her bag. "Look at this," said Marcy. "The gang's back together again!" She wraps her arms around her three best friends and they all give smiles.

"Okay," said Darrel. "Let's get these frogs back to Wartwood and give them some water." The gang agrees and leaves the temple. Darrel lags a bit behind, because he was curious. 'Why was Marcy so keen on getting the box to King Andrias? And how is Sasha agreeing without hesitating?'

Outside the temple, Cronaxx and Tint were tending to Joe Sparrow and Frobo. They turn to see the gang back in one piece, and they have Sasha and Grime with them. They wave at Darrel, who waves back at them.

"Hey, Darrel, Anne," said Sasha. "Thanks for all that stuff back there, believing in me and junk." "Hey no problem," said Darrel. "I'm sorry for not trusting you earlier," said Anne. "Sasha, do you think, maybe we could start over? Do things right this time?"

"I'd like that," replied Sasha. "Sasha," said Darrel. "Since we're starting over, are you okay with me and Anne?" He goes over to hold Anne's hand, and seeing how happy they are, Sasha smiles. "Sure, I'm okay. I'm sorry I've been such a lousy girlfriend. You definitely deserve better, and Anne is better."

Darrel smiles, then pulls out something from his pocket. "You know, Sasha. Just because we're broken up, doesn't mean I don't care about you anymore." He shows her the old photo of him and her together, the same one he crumpled up in front of her at Toad Tower. "I kept this, to remind me how much you mean to me."

Sasha started to tear up and hugged Darrel. "You really are the best friend I could ever have," she said. "Okay, it's kinda weird seeing Sasha Waybright cry," said Darrel. "I'm just gonna go over to the salamanders before it gets weird."

The two girls laugh as he walks over to Tint and Cronaxx. "So did you charge the gem?" Tint asked. "I sure did," said Darrel. "And as a matter of fact, we found the last temple too." "Where?" Cronaxx asked. "The Eternal Staff," Darrel replied.

"So, you're all set to going home," said Tint. "Yeah, about that," said Darrel. His tone starts to sound gloomy and serious. "What's wrong Darrel?" Tint asked. "Something's wrong," replied Darrel. "What is it?" Cronaxx asked.

"I think Marcy and Sasha are planning something big. And it's going to happen in Newtopia. Marcy was insistent that we return the box to King Andrias. And Sasha agreed with Marcy's plan without any hesitation. Whatever King Andrias proposed to Marcy, she did find it interesting. And Sasha, well, I think it's only going to be a distraction to what the king has in store. In the end, I think the King is planning something big, and we're all pawns in his game."

Cronaxx looks over to Frobo with that same edgy feeling he had when it first arrived. Then looks over to Darrel, who's eyes glowed red about halfway in his pupils. He nods, "You're right Darrel. We must be prepared for what comes next."

"Can't we stop it, Uncle?" Tint asked. "I'm afraid the wheels are already in motion," replied Cronaxx. "We've passed the point of no return. Even if we told them, it wouldn't matter what differences we'd make." Darrel nods, "Then let's enjoy the time we have left. Until it begins."