58. Heroes and Villains

Chapter 56 - Heroes and Villains

Anne, Mr Boonchuy, and the Plantars were watching a hero movie in the living room. The movie shows a storm over what looks like New York City. On top of the Empire State building, Tarantulad the hero was fighting against his archenemy, Bufferfish.

"In the name of justice," said Tarantulad. "Your rein of terror is over Bufferfish!" "Why fight me, Tarantula?" Bufferfish asked. "When you should join me?"

Tarantulad was stunned, "What?" "Like me you'll never be accepted in this world," said Bufferfish. "If that is my fate," said Tarantulad in a fighting stance. "Then so be it!" Tarantulad lunges at Bufferfish and punches him in the gut. "You will never be loved," said Bufferfish before he exploded.

Tarantulad falls from the building to the street below, where a crowd of people were watching them. His helmet falls off revealing his true identity to the public. "All this time.." "He's a monster." Tarantulad feels heartbroken until a little girl cheers him up. "I don't care what you are," she said. "To me, you're a hero."

The crowd applauded and Tarantulad looked up to the sky. "Mother, Father, I've finally found my home," he said. As the credits rolled, Sprig and Mr Boonchuy were crying. "That was Tarantulad," said Mr Boonchuy. "The World called home, quite possibly the finest film ever made." "I, I've never seen anything like that! So moving! So, inspiring!" said Sprig. He jumps to look out the window. "I wish I could be lovingly embraced by all of humanity," he said.

Anne wouldn't allow that, "No can do dude. Low profile remember?" "I know I know," said Sprig. "But it's not fair. You and Darrel got to make your mark in Amphibia." "That's because in Amphibia, we weren't in hiding," said Anne. "Fine," groaned Sprig.

Just then, Darrel and Tint came bursting through the door. "Guys, guys, guys, guys, guys! You're not going to believe this!" Darrel cried. "Woah, Darrel. What's going on?" Hop pop asked.

Darrel closed the door and made sure that the windows were shut. "I've got great news," said Darrel. "It's better if I showed you." Darrel reaches his hand out into the air and a blue glow appears in thin air. The glow reveals itself to be Cronaxx, causing the Plantars to gasp. Mr Boonchuy however, was scared out of his mind. "A g-g-g-GHOST!" He hightails it out of the living room and into his bedroom.

"Guess I have that effect on others," said Cronaxx. "Cronaxx? You're back?!" Polly cried. "I thought you were gone," said Hop pop. "I never left," said Cronaxx. "And that's not all," said Tint. "Because I faced my problems, I was able to get my powers back." Tint performs a light spell, much more powerful than before.

"Wow, where did that come from?" Polly asked. "It's because I'm growing up," said Tint. "As I grow, so do my powers. And I'm going to maintain them somehow." "As long as it's not out in public," said Anne. "Still, it's great to see you again Cronaxx." "Indeed," he said.

"We just watched a hero movie," said Polly. "To be fair, that movie was stuffed with predictable tropes and lazy writing." "Writing is not lazy," said Tint. "We have got to cut back on her internet use," said Hop pop.

"So Cronaxx, how does it feel being a ghost?" Anne asked. "Honestly, nothing," said Cronaxx. The group laughed at his joke, while Sprig headed up to the attic. Tint takes notice and follows him.

Tint finds Sprig looking at his hands. "He was just a mild mannered frog-boy who never made a fuss," said Sprig. He was talking to himself which made Tint a little worried. "But he was destined to be something more."

Sprig starts to climb on the walls, while Tint's ooze begins glowing a new shade of blue colors. Tint smiled at his newly developed abilities and was curious about what he could do with them. "Who knows how long he's got left on Earth. But it's time to put his mark on the world and be adored by all!" said Sprig.

"Are you with me Tint?" Sprig asked. "If it'll help me train my new powers, I'm in," replied Tint. The two gather resources for costumes in order to stay out of sight of the people of Los Angeles. They use Anne's sewing machine and clothes to make superhero suits. Sprig wears a ski mask over his head with his goggles covering his eyes. Tint wears the same thing, but with a cape. "Alright Earth," said Sprig. "Get ready to meet Frog-Man!" "And Professor Weird," said Tint.

Polly, Darrel, and Cronaxx enter the bedroom to see the two in heroic poses. "What's going on?" Darrel asked. "We're fulfilling our destinies as your neighborhood superheroes," said Sprig. "More like attention seekers," said Polly. "The only thing I seek is justice," said Sprig. "Hop up and away!"

The two jump out of Anne's window and Darrel, Cronaxx and Polly watch them go. "You think Tint is going to keep his powers hidden to the public?" Darrel asked. "He was like that when he first found out he got magic abilities," replied Cronaxx. "Let him go. If he gets into trouble, he'll fix it on his own."

"Here we are," said Sprig. "Guardians of the city. No evil shall escape my gaze." "And no crime will go unnoticed with my powers," said Tint. He uses his abilities to make ancient runes appear from his hands. Those runes make him see trouble the instant it occurs.

"Alright, I'm writing you kids up," said an elderly stranger on roller blades. "You kids need a permit to sell goods on this street." He writes up a ticket to the kids selling lemonade in front of their house. "Mom's going to hate us for this," said the boy. "Dude, we're eight," said the girl.

Tint hops into the scene, keeping his powers in check. "Is everything alright here?" he asked. The man laughed at his costume. "Ha! Who are you? Some kind of masked vigilante?" "I am my good man," replied Tint. "So am I," said Sprig. "We are Frog-man and Professor Weird. Ribbiers of Justice!"

"Well these streets don't need you," said the man. "Because they've got me, Robert Otto: Neighborhood Safety Supervisor." "Well how is selling lemonade without a permit a safety hazard?" Tint asked. "They're just offering drinks to ongoing pedestrians."

"Listen kids," said Robert. "This neighborhood ain't big enough for the three of us, and I was here first. So get lost." "Hey I don't want to fight you," said Sprig. "Neither do I," said Tint. "We only fight injustice."

Suddenly, they hear a scream. "Someone's in trouble," they said. Then they make their way to the scene of the crime. Tint still had to keep his powers hidden, considering the fact that Robert was following them. "This neighborhood's finally hit rock bottom," said the girl.

A school bus came rushing down the road at high speeds. The brake lines were broken and children's lives were at stake. Robert Otto skates in front of the bus, in an attempt to stop it. Only for the bus to knock him off his feet and land on the hood.

Tint uses his new rune powers to slow down the bus. Sprig makes a tongue web in case the bus doesn't stop. The plan worked, the bus slowed down and touched Sprig's tongue. No casualties were reported.

"Oh my gosh, those kids did it," cheered a bystander. "What heroes!" "Hey what about me?" Robert asked. "I slowed the bus down first." "How did you two do that?" asked a citizen. "We were just practicing special effects for an independent movie," said Tint. He knew it was a lie, but he also knew the people would buy the fact that a movie was being filmed.

Just then, a girl came out of the bus. She was wearing school clothes, black boots, a watch, and had hair color streaks in her blonde hair. "Molly Joe?" Robert asked. "You were on that bus? Thank goodness you're safe." Robert knew Molly Joe, and reached out for a hug. But Molly Joe ran past him to see the masked vigilantes.

"Thank you Frog-man and Professor Weird," said Molly Joe. She reaches out to shake their hands, and the two accept. "For saving me and my grandpa Robert." "Oh, that man's your grandfather?" Tint asked. "Well I'm glad he's safe."

The crowd cheered for their act of bravery, but Robert turned away in anger. "Stupid vigilanties," he grumbled. Tint looks at Robert turning away, and feels a bit sorry for the guy. He remembers back to what Cronaxx told him when he used his powers for the first time. 'With great power comes great responsibility.'

Tint walks up to Robert, hoping to make things right. "Excuse me Robert? I didn't want to upstage you from the start. I wanted to step up, to do the right thing. That's what a real hero does." "Are you saying I'm not a hero?" Robert asked. He glares down at Tint. "Because I assure you, this won't be the last time you see me." Tint tries to talk to him, but he skates too fast. "I never said you're not a hero!" he shouted.

The rest of the day, Tint and Sprig were on patrol looking for people to help around the city. Their good deeds caught wind with the media nationwide. This got Darrel and Anne's attention as well. Cronaxx smiled, but looked outside growing weary of how much attention they're receiving. Darrel and Anne however, were quite the opposite of happy. "SPRIG!" "TINT!"

Meanwhile in the city junkyard, Robert Otto was scrolling through articles involving Frog-Man and Professor Weird. He was fuming over their good deeds all over the neighborhood. "I've been taking care of this neighborhood for years," he growled. "And what do I get? NOTHING!"

While coming up with a plan to stop the duo of heroes, he stumbles across the robotic arm of the old cloak bot. "It looks like some kind of high tech mechanical arm," he said. He stretches it out, satisfying the human. "Surprisingly light, yet so powerful and a perfect fit. This must be fate! And it looks like fate wants me to squash those vigilantes." Robert Otto takes the arm and starts smashing up old cars for practice.

The very next day, Sprig and Tint were greeted by the cheering citizens. Sprig was basking in their glory. Tint however, didn't feel like he wanted it in the first place. "Yes, Yes! Adore me," said Sprig. "Frog-man," said Tint. "Don't you think there's such a thing as too much attention? We're supposed to be keeping a low profile."

"Nonsense Professor Weird," said Sprig. "These people love us!" Tint crossed his arms. "But do they love the real us?" he asked. "Cause I assure you there are people who won't. Let's just leave." "No way," said Sprig. They are offered a pizza by the citizens, but then the robotic arm snatches it away from them. "It can't be," whispered Tint.

"Halt fiend!" shouted a familiar voice. Tint sighed in relief, "Oh thank goodness. I thought that robot was back." The arm retracted with the pizza, revealing Robert Otto. This time, he's wearing goggles, a green scarf, and a brown jacket with the right arm torn off because of his robot hand.

"Scoundrels like you deserve no such zahr," he said, crunching the pizza. "Robert Otto?" Tint asked. "Is that you?" "Indeed," he replied. "Now, let's settle this."

Robert takes his arm and lunges at Sprig and Tint. The two dodged the attack, and the crowd began to scatter. "Yes!" Sprig cheered. "Our very own super villain!" "Frog-Man, the last thing we want is enemies!" Tint exclaimed. "We already have enough of them as it is."

"Your popularity contest is over," said Robert as he crushed a rock. "This is a battle for the soul of a city. A battle I intend to win!" Robert attacks again, grabbing a nearby car. "I never wanted a battle to begin with," said Tint. "I just wanted to help people. You want this city? You can have it! I just want to go home."

"Too late for that," said Robert. He takes the car and slams it down on the heroes. Tint uses his magic to block the attack, and Sprig uses his tongue to swing on a lamp post. "You both are a bunch of warts on the face of this city," said Robert. "Get ready for some laser surgery!"

Robert takes his arm and fires the laser from it. Sprig dodges and Tint blocks. Both amphibians attempt to run away from the maniac of a human, but Robert is determined to rid the city of them. After a few blows and dodges, the crowd runs away from all the damage they were causing.

Having enough, Tint magically turns himself invisible for a short period of time. He retreats near the coffee shop, where Molly Joe steps out. "Molly Joe?" Tint asked. "Who said that?" she asked. "It's me," said Tint as he turns visible again. "Professor Weird, what's going on?"

"That's what's going on," Tint points to the fight, and a car slams right next to them. Robber and Sprig keep the fight going, with Robert throwing public property and cars at the amphibian. He nearly crushes Molly Joe, but Tint pulls her out of the way. The car hits the lamp post and Tint stops it from falling on them.

Knowing that things are going too far, Tint shouted, "ALRIGHT! EVERYBODY STOP! Robert Otto and Sprig immediately stop fighting, and turn to the disguised salamander. "This has gone too far," said Tint. "You almost killed her!" he points to Molly Joe with a disappointed face. "You saved my granddaughter?" Robert asked. "From you, and from us," replied Tint.

"Look at what we were doing." Tint points to the streets, damaged with potholes, crushed cars, and crowds scared for their lives. "You say you want to protect the city. Well, is this what you call protection? Fighting each other? Endangering innocent lives? I'm disappointed."

Sprig and Robert survey the scene of their big fight, realizing that Tint was right. "What have I done?" "That's a lot of property damage." "I don't believe this," said Molly Joe. "I thought Frog-Man was cool. But you're both just destructive attention seekers. Why couldn't you listen to Professor Weird?"

"Wait," said Sprig, stopping Molly from taking another step. "Professor Weird is right. You're right too. I was selfish. If I really wanted to help people, there were better ways."

"You're darn right," said Molly Joe. "Yeah, I'm sorry too," said Robert. "We'll clean this up stat!" Tint smiled, "Now that's what I call doing the right thing." He prepares the magic form his hands, and the trio clean up the streets.

Surprisingly, thanks to their teamwork, the streets were safe to walk again. Molly Joe was on her phone until Tint and Sprig reached out for friendship. "Are we still friends?" Tint asked. Molly Joe smiled, "Of course." The three shake hands, only for Sprig and Molly to be stuck from Sprig's ooze again. "And that's why I wear gloves," laughed Tint.

The two amphibians take their leave, then Molly Joe stops them. "Hey, can I see your faces?" she asked. "A generous offer," said Tint. "But some things are best kept secret." "He's right," said Sprig. "Besides, it will give you nightmares. And those nightmares would puke." The two amphibians leave and Robert gets taken to jail.

Along the way, Sprig decides to break the silence between him and Tint. "I'm really sorry I didn't listen to you Tint," he said. "I should've kept a low profile like you said." Tint smiled, "It's okay, Sprig. You took responsibility for your actions and you cleaned up your mess."

"Hey, at least you got to use your powers again," said Sprig. "Cronaxx told me I should use my powers only when I have to," said Tint. "After all, with great power comes great responsibility."

"Your uncle gives the best advice," said Sprig. "Even when he's a ghost." Tint smiled again, "The lessons he taught me keeps his spirit alive. But it was great I got my magic back, and then some," said Tint. "You know Sprig, next to Darrel, you're my best friend ever."

Sprig smiled, "Thanks Tint." He offers him a fist bump. "So what do you say? Sprint against the world?" Tint fistbimps him, "Sprint against the world."

Back at the Boonchuy house, Sprig and Tint enter Anne's room and dump their costumes in the trash. They tried sneaking in, but Anne and Darrel were waiting for them. Darrel turned on the light on them, and Anne spoke. "I don't believe you two! You put all of us at risk just to play dress up?!"

"Yep," replied Sprig. "But that's all done now. It ended up doing more harm than good anyway." Anne starts to feel bad for the two, Darrel included. "Looks like you had it rough," said Darrel. "However, those costumes were pretty cool."

"You like them?" Sprig asked. "I cut up Anne's clothes to make them." That statement left the three stunned. "SPRIG!" they shouted.

Back at the Loyalitat house, Cronaxx was floating around Darrel's room and finds the Eternal Staff. He grew weary seeing the staff fading from its color. 'I wonder if Darrel's ever noticed,' he thought.

Darrel and Tint return from Annes house finding Cronaxx and the staff. "Darrel, your magic is fading," he said. "What?" Darrel asked. He takes the staff and sees the color almost all faded. "But how?" he asked. "It's like I said," replied Tint. "Magic comes from our inner emotions."

"I don't understand," said Darrel. "My mom is well, Cronaxx is our guiding spirit. How can I still not do magic, even when I'm happy?" "There must be something in your mind that you're not dealing with," said Cronaxx.

Suddenly, a sharp pain hits Darrel in the head and causes him to fall on the floor. "Darrel!" Tint cried. Darrel regains his composure and rests his head on his hand. "What happened?" Tint asked. "I don't know," said Darrel. "But I need to sleep." Tint and Cronaxx nod and Darrel crawls into bed.

While he was asleep, Darrel began tossing and turning slowly, then violently. He started having a nightmare, but for some reason it didn't feel like a nightmare. Darrel saw the world of Amphibia, a once beautiful thriving land. Now a wasteland of industrial pollution.

Factories have been working overtime since Andrias activated his flying castle. And more factories have been made since then. Smoke has replaced the clouds, causing the weather system to go haywire. The wildlife of Amphibia have been exterminated by robots, or moved out of their homes to make way for Andrias' goal.

Then he finds his vision going into a dark room in the castle. The same room where he felt the dark presence. It became much stronger when it woke up. His vision gets blurry for some reason, but his hearing was a little clearer. He could hear Lady Olivia and General Yunan's voices.

"We did it!" cried General Yunan. "I'm not normally one for teamwork. But, uh, good job. Nice hustle," The vision becomes clearer when three figures become more focused. It was Olivia, Yunan, and an armored Marcy. Darrel stopped tossing when he saw her. He realized she was still alive, Anne was right.

He watches as Olivia and Yunan get her out of the room, only for Andrias to push them back in. "Leaving so soon?" Andrias asked. "But we have so much to discuss!" "But how?" Olivia asked. "We've been watching you the whole time," replied Andrias.

Then his crown reveals an eye shining on the trio. Then a metallic monster comes crawling down from the ceiling. It screeches and grabs Marcy, strapping her into a chair. Marcy tries to break free, but to no avail.

"Behold," said Andrias. "Our ultimate creation: A collection of Amphibia's greatest minds preserved for all eternity. Studying the Mossman improved our medical technology. But it wasn't until we met the swordfish that we truly learn to conquer death. And thus, The Core was born!"

"The Core?" Darrel's voice asked. "Let me go!" Marcy cried. "I wish I could," said Andrias. "But my lord craves a host. And it wanted the best, the smartest, the only one who could beat me at Flipwart." Darrel and Marcy gasped. "No," said Darrel's voice. "Don't do this! She's just a kid!" "Honestly, Marcy I like you. Always have," said Andrias. "I begged The Core to consider an alternative host, but without Cronaxx…alas."

Darrel couldn't believe what he was hearing and witnessing. A helmet lowers below Marcy and she cries in fear. Olivia and Yunan could only watch in horror. And Andrias looked away in shame. The helmet stops on Marcy's head, causing her to grunt and scream. Darrel tossed and turned violently again, and this time he sweated and cried.

Marcy's struggling stopped, and The Core's eyes disappeared behind her. Darrel had a bad feeling about what just happened to his friend. And he didn't want to know more.

"The time has finally come for the Core to lead us to our destiny," said Andrias. "But what destiny you ask? Well I suppose I should let it speak for itself."

Darrel couldn't believe his eyes. Marcy's body started twitching back up straight, making a few snapping noises. Darrel cringed at the sounds and tried to look away. But he couldn't. The Core opened its ten eyes and grinned. "Why Hello There."

"NO!" Darrel jumps up, awake from his nightmare. He pants heavily on what he just witnessed. He watched as his best friend, his dungeon buddy, got possessed by an unnatural entity. Or in this case, entities. And he knew that it all wasn't a dream, it all just happened.

Darrel sobbed his heart out. But he was still quiet enough to make sure no one else heard his sorrow. He buried his face in his blanket, and let out his grief for his friend. At the same time, the Eternal Staff faded their colors, till there was nothing but gray. "I've lost her," whimpered Darrel. "We lost her…"