64. Seek and Ye Shall Find

Chapter 62 - Seek and Ye Shall Find

The Wartwood Resistance continued to battle against the tyrant king. They did small jobs like destroying factories, and ambushing robot squads. Anne and Darrel kept up by providing their teamwork combat skills. Sasha felt things were going much smoother with her being in charge. Sprig, Tint, Polly, and Hop pop also did their part, even if they weren't always on the battlefield.

One day, only a small group of fighters was in the assembly meeting. The group consists of Croaker, Wally, Loggle, Maddie, Tint, and Toadie. While Toadie was still looking clean and cute, the rest were dirty and tough. Sasha, Anne, and Darrel come forward with their next assignment. And this time, this was different from their normal missions.

"Listen up soldiers," said Sasha. "The Marauders have intercepted our latest shipment of weapons." The group was disappointed and angry, considering that they've had problems with them before. Darrel and Anne were confused, since they weren't around.

"Okay, Sash," said Darrel. "Bring us up to speed on this. Who or what are the Mauraders?" Sasha points to the chalkboard, illustrating a punk amphibian with stink lines all over him. "A gang of dirty anarchist frogs who don't work for Andrias or the Rebellion"

"So, we're dealing with pirates?" Anne asked. "Indeed," said Sasha. "They hijack caravans, raid villages for scraps, and basically a huge unwashed thorn in my side." "These Marauders have to follow a leader of some kind," said Darrel. "These rats often travel in packs. And where there's packs, there's someone in charge."

"Can't we just smack them down?" Anne asked. "There are too many of them to take head on," replied Maddie. "Bingo," said Sasha. She turns to flip the chalkboard to the other side. "Fair enough," said Darrel. "So, what's the plan?"

The chalkboard shows the group an illustrated Marauder camp. "So, we're going to sneak into their camp, and steal our stuff back." The group cheered in response, but Toadie felt uneasy about the task. "Croaker, you and your team come up with a battle strategy," said Sasha. "Darrel, Anne, we're going to grab the gear." Croaker salutes to Sasha, and Darrel salutes as he follows the two girls.

"Alright you miserable layabouts," said Croaker. "Listen up!" The group nodded unanimously at their team captain, until Toadie stepped in. "Hey, before we start, does anyone want a post-it note? Can't have a good meeting without post-it notes." Croaker takes the post-its, feeling annoyed at his soft generosity.

"Okay, here's the plan," said Croaker. "Loggle and Maddie, you're with me. Wally, Tint, and Toadie, you're on offense. Keep the pressure on them until Anne, Sasha, and Darrel are out with the goods. Now gear up, we leave in three!"

"Um, Ms Croaker?" Croaker stops at the sound of Toadie's voice. Knowing what he was going to say, she didn't say a word. "As much as I like to be on offense with Wally and Tint, I'd be much more comfortable as the-" "Lookout? Again?" Croaker finished.

Tint leans into Maddie and whispers, "Does this always happen with this guy?" "All the time," whispered Maddie. "He's just too soft." "Excuse me," said Croaker. "Have something you two want to say?" "Actually, yes," said Maddie. "I was just explaining to Tint that all Toadie ever wants to do is organize meetings and be on the lookout."

"But it's what I'm good at," said Toadie. "Direct physical confrontation, not so much." As he swings a few punches, he bumps into Maddie and makes her drop her pouch of magic dust, causing her to disappear. Tint was as surprised as Toadie he grabbed him and shook him violently. "You Idiot!" Tint shouted. "You could've hurt Maddie!"

"What do you mean?" Toadie asked. "I just did." "You wish." The two turn to see Maddie on the other side, unscathed. "Sup?" Her surprise caused Toadie to cling onto Ms Croaker. "Listen Toadie, the world's changed and we had to change with it."

Toadie watches to see Loggle do push ups with one arm, Wally carving wooden ducks, some with two faced edges, and Tint conjuring up ghost blades. Tint looks over to Maddie, who unsheathes a set of blades from her gauntlet. Tint comes to her and says, "Let me give you a spark of improvement." He snaps his fingers and gives her blades a glowing burning ember feature.

"Wow," Maddie blushed in amazement. "Thanks, Tint." "Anytime, Maddie," he replied. He touches her gauntlet without touching the blades. "Anytime." "Don't you want to step out of your comfort zone?" Croaker asked Toadie. "Become something more than the vest-wearing, pencil-pusher you've always been?"

"My comfort zone is so comfy," replied Toadie. "Well I think you're capable of so much more," said Croaker. "Make that two," said Tint. "Toadie, my Uncle once said that our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them. If you have dreams, then Andrias and the Marauders are taking them away from you. Do you want that?"

Toadie takes his words of wisdom and tries to step out of his comfort zone, only to go back in. Maddie smiles at Tint, "That was amazing, Tint. You know, if it were up to me, you'd be a great wizard already." Tint blushed, "Thanks Maddie. You know, I'm glad we're working together on this. I was hoping we could make up for lost time." Maddie smiled, "Me too, Tint. I'd like to show you what I've been working on."

"Come on, team," said Croaker. "We've got work to do!" Tint and Maddie fist bump and the group march out the base. Toadie cradles in his comfort zone, only to be picked up by Loggle. Along the way, Tint looked on with ambition. He glances over to Maddie for a moment then looks away. He felt a strange feeling he never thought he would never feel. He wasn't sure what that feeling was. All he knew was that it was warm and happy.

The group made it to the Marauder camp later that day. Sasha led them through the front door, and took cover behind a couple crates. Sasha gives them the signal to advance, and they acknowledge. But as they advance, the group looks around the camp grounds. No guards, no lookouts, no anyone. It looked deserted.

"It's quiet," said Sasha. "Too quiet." "Don't let your guard down," said Darrel. "They could jump us at any moment." "Who cares," said Loggle. "Let's get our stuff and go." He points to the tent with the signs that point to where their supplies are.

The group goes over to the tent, until Tint gets a chilling sensation from his spine. "Wait!" Tint cried. But it was too late. The Marauders jump out and surround the group. "It's a trap!" Tint shouted. "Head for the rendezvous!" Sasha called. The group attempt to escape, only for Sasha, Anne, and Darrel to exit the front gates.

The trio make it to the tree line, just a mile from the camp. "That was too close," said Anne. "Uh, Anne," said Darrel. "Where is Tint and the others!?" The two look around to see that they were the only ones out of the camp. Sasha gets her binoculars out and finds the group still inside the camp.

Darrel takes the binoculars and finds his best friend with the rest of the group. "Tint's captured," he said. "Along with the others." "We have to get back down there," said Anne.

"Absolutely not," said Sasha. "What, why not?" Anne asked. "We might just get captured ourselves," replied Sasha. "And the resistance can't lose their leaders." Darrel looks down to the camp, seeing Tint being escorted in the camp's cage. "So what do we do?" Darrel asked. "We just wait," replied Sasha. "Croaker's team is pretty tough. And with Tint by their side, I'm positive they'll make it out." Darrel was still uneasy about the situation

"Listen Darrel, you've been by Tint's side the whole time. And I'm sure he's grown more powerful and wiser like the wizard he was destined to be. Now you have to trust that he'll take care of himself in this situation." Sasha touches his shoulder in hopes of reassuring the human wizard. He looked back down at the camp, until Cronaxx appeared and nodded at Sasha's statement. Darrel sadly smiled, and turned back to Sasha.

"Okay," he said. "I trust him." "Are you sure?" Anne asked. Darrel takes her hand. "I know Tint," he replied. "I trust him. Do you trust me?" Anne nodded silently in response.

"So, what do we do until then?" Anne asked Sasha. Sasha stands up and draws her swords. "We'll train," she replied. "What do you say, Darrel? You're up to go against me first?" Darrel lets go of Anne's hands and draws his hidden blades from his wrists. "Let's dance," he replied. "I've got some fire in me."

Both the dual wielding fighters stood a fair distance from each other. Darrel drew his hidden blades and charged at Sasha. Darrel lunges at her, but Sasha dodges his attack. She swings her swords, giving Darrel the chance to block them. Darrel pushed Sasha back, giving them leg room to lunge. Sasha points her sword at Darrel's face, only for him to catch the sword with his blades.

Darrel brings her sword down and pulls off a low sweep kick, knocking Sasha off her feet. Sasha reacts fast and flips backwards, getting back in her battle stance. "Still have a lot to learn," she said. Darrel grinned, "It would seem so." He retracts his blades and lets Anne step in. "Your turn," he said. Anne gets ready to fight against Sasha.

Down at the camp, Tint and the rest were locked up in the camp's cage. They encounter their leader, who happens to be Barry. "Barry, you run the Marauders?" Tint asked. "That's right I do," he replied. "Turns out I got a sweet tooth for anarchy."

"What are you going to do to us you sicko?" Wally asked. "We're going to sell you sugarplums to Andrias' army," replied Barry. "They pay extra for resistance frogs." The group gasped, except for Tint. "You really think Andrias is going to let you guys go while you're doing this?"

"Look around," said Barry. "The whole world is against one another. But that suits us, doesn't it Brian?" "I used to be a tax accountant," said Brian. "Now I drink the blood of my enemies and eat dessert for breakfast."

"See, turns out the end of the world is sweet," said Barry. "No one can trust Andrias anymore," said Tint. "The moment he gets what he wants, he's going to stab you in the back. Literally!" "I'm not afraid," mocked Barry. The Marauders laugh and leave the group.

"Then I'll show you true fear," said Tint. He gets in stance and conjures up a couple of glowing dark purple orbs. Then, he fires them at Toadie. "Here's your self confidence," said Tint. "I've given you this gift, the rest is up to you."

Toadie looks down at his glowing arms, and starts to get a glimpse of what might happen if he continues being soft. The Marauders would break his spirit, then his friends would be taken away. All because he wouldn't get out of his comfort zone. Then, he hears a couple voices in his head. "I think you're capable of so much more," said Croaker's voice. "Dreams come true if we have the strength to pursue them," said Tint's voice.

Toadie clenches his fists and attacks the guard at the front. The group was amazed by this enchantment. "He's possessed," said Maddie. "You're amazing, Tint." But Tint said nothing, he just focused on his channeling. "Forget organization," said Toadie. "I've got an idea how to get out of here." "Let's hear it," said Croaker.

"Loggle, let's use those muscles to dig us out of this cage," said Toadie. "Maddie, navigate us to the stolen weapons. Wally, when we get there use Boom Shrooms to cause a distraction so we can get away. Croaker, you and I will make sure this all goes according to plan. And Tint, keep up with the channeling, I love this confidence boost. Got it?"

"Yes, sir!" said the group. They follow Toadie's plan accordingly. They dig underground with Loggle's new muscles. Maddie uses a spell on an underground spider to guide them from above to the stolen weapons cache. Wally gathers some boom shrooms for the diversion. Croaker smiles at Toadie's newly developed confidence.

Back outside the camp, Anne was practicing her combat skills with Sasha. "Look Anne," said Sasha. "I'm telling you we just have to wait." "Wait?" Anne asked. "My friends are in trouble, and here we are sparring." The two clash swords, and then Darrel feels a chill down his spine. He looks at the camp and smiles.

"Sasha," said Darrel. "I got this strange feeling that Tint is doing just fine with the others." "Really?" Sasha asked. Darrel nods, "It's only a matter of time before we see something from here." He looks back at the camp. "Tint and I are like the brothers we never had, and I can't imagine what it would be like without him." Suddenly, they see an explosion at the camp. "What was that?" Anne asked. "Things are going accordingly," replied Darrel. "Come on, it's go-time," said Sasha.

The three breach the front gates and find the Marauders being chased by Tint and the others. Barry gets cornered by Maddie and Tint with a frightening look on his face. "Take a good long look, Barry," said Tint. His eyes glow dark red, causing Barry to tremble profusely. "As of now, I'm your worst nightmare."

Maddie chuckles in a dark tone and throws a sack of her magic dust at him. Turning him into a giant chicken like before. "Oh no," creid Barry. "Not again." Then, Tint throws a vial containing a strong scent at Barry. "What is that smell?" Barry asked. "The smell, and taste of betrayal," replied Tint. As he gets on the wagon, he turns back to Barry and grins, "You'll understand soon enough."

The group leaves with the recovered weapons and Wally uses the boom shrooms to destroy their camp. "Great work out there Toadie," said Sasha. "Savage stuff. "Yeah," said Darrel. "Especially with what you did with that toad that was ten times your height. Where did you learn those moves?"

"It's actually how I dress the mayor every morning," said Toadie. "Anyway, it was all thanks to Tint. His enchantment was the key to give me the courage I needed to get out of my comfort zone." Tint grinned, "I didn't enchant you." Toadie was surprised. "Yeah," said Tint. "All I did was show you what could've happened if you wouldn't step out of your comfort zone and sit behind the front lines. All that courage and tactical stuff you did, that was all you buddy."

Toadie looks at his hands, and smiles. "It is," he gleefully said. "Whoopie!" "I always knew you had it in you," said Croaker. "Not me," said Maddie. "I'm still in shock," said Wally. "But that was nice of you for what you did Tint," said Maddie. "What kind of spell did you cast to make that happen?"

Tint smiled, "It was in a book about basic oracle spells. Chapter twenty, the future of possibilities." Maddie sat next to him with an excited grin on her face. "Tell me more." Anne and Darrel look over and smile. "You thinking what I'm thinking, Anne?" Darrel asked. "Way ahead of you," replied Anne. "I'm already coming up with Tint and Maddie pairing names. How about Taddie? No, Madint? Or maybe…"

"Mint?" Sasha asked. Darrel smiled, "Perfect. But let's not get our hopes up. This has to be dealt with at their own pace." The girls nodded in agreement. "Hey Sash," said Darrel. "Thanks for reminding me about what Tint's capable of without me." "You're welcome," said Sasha. "And believe me, I do care about these frogs, toads, and salamanders. Alot, that we've been through some serious stuff together since you and Anne have been gone. But being in charge means making tough calls. And, sometimes you have to stop and remember to have faith in the people around you."

Darrel and Anne smiled silently until Darrel spoke up. "Now where could you have learned such a heartwarming lesson like that? Is it from your best friends, who never want to abandon you? Even when they're miles away?" "Still, thanks Sasha," said Anne.

Back at the destroyed camp, what's left of the Marauders got back on their feet. "They took all our stuff. Even our food!" "This couldn't possibly get any worse," said Barry. "What are we going to eat now?"

Soon, that powerful aroma that Tint splashed on him drove the group insanely hungry. That powerful aroma was a batch of fried chicken oil, fresh from Earth. They got their knives and forks ready to prepare a batch of chicken for dinner. "Holy BAKAAAAAW!" Barry cried.

The next day, Sasha gathers everyone in the planning room. "Alright team," she said. "We've been on a roll lately. Destroying factories, saving wildlife, taking down Marauders." The group applauded, except for Darrel. "That's the good news," he said. "The bad news is that it's not grabbing Andrias' attention. Every plan we've made barely made a dent in Andrias' master plan."

"And if we don't act fast," said Sasha. "He'll be ready to invade other worlds soon. So Darrel's come up with an idea on what our next major step should be." Everyone turns their attention to Darrel. He holds out his phone and inserts it into Frobo's mouth.

"When we returned to Earth," began Darrel. "Me, Anne, and the others found an ancient vase with Amphibia writing on the side of it." Frobo projects the photo of the vase with the Amphibian writing.

"Let's see," said Croaker. "It says, 'Seek the Mother of Olms, she will guide you to your destiny.'" "Cryptic," said Sasha. "What does it mean?" "We don't know," replied Hop pop. "We found this on Earth, so it must be important."

"I'm sure if we find Mother Olm, she'll have all the answers," said Anne. "All of this isn't much to go on," scoffed Grime. "Plus, no one's seen an Olm for decades." "Me, Sprig, and Polly have," said Tint. Sprig and Polly jump out behind Grime, scaring him. "He's right," they said.

"They're names are Lysil and Angwin," said Polly. "The Olms that almost ate us in Quallerer's Pass." "Anyone know any friendlier, less murderous Olms?" Sasha asked. The rest of the gang shrugged in response. "Murderous Olms it is," said Sasha.

Later, Joe and Clipper take the group to Quallerer's Pass. Along the way, they find a large drill machine, getting ready to dig for resources. "Go low Joe," said Sasha. "Same here, Clipper," said Darrel. The two flying companions land the group by a cave and stay out of sight from the robots.

Sasha, Anne, Darrel, Tint, and the Plantars all enter the cave. Wondering how to get the Olms out of hiding, Sprig and Polly come up with an idea. Polly pinches Sprig, causing the siblings to whine and complain. Their echoes cover the entire caverns, until a pair of eyes appeared in the darkness.

It was the pair of Olms they encountered on their trip to Newtopia. Lysil and Angwin, the conjoined Olms that patrol the caves. "It's those squabbling frog siblings and their salamander companion," said Lysil. "This time, we're going to actually eat, and your little friends too," said Angwin.

"I'd like to see you try," said Darrel with his staff. "Because I will gladly carve our way out of your stomachs," said Sasha with her blades drawn onto the Olms. "Okay, point taken," said Lysil.

"We just want to talk to you," said Sprig. "Do you guys know the Mother of Olms?" Anne asked. "How do you know about Mother Olm?" Lysil asked. Angwin smacks Lysil in response, "You dumb dumb, now they know we know her!"The two quarrel and bicker until Darrel and Anne broke up the fight.

"Focus, you two," said Anne. "Sorry," said Angwin. "Mother Olm is the oldest, wisest Olm in the world. Keeper of ancient secrets and prophecies." "She lives in our homeland," said Lysil. "The subterranean city of Proteus."

"Can you guide us there?" Darrel asked. "We could, but it would be pointless," said Lysil. "Olms are famously suspicious of outsiders. They'd never let you inside." "Plus, we were sort of banished," said Angwin.

"Why?" Tint asked. "One time, we were on nightwatch," said Lysil. "And we started arguing," said Angwin. "Because we were distracted, a swarm of troglobites snuck past us and nearly destroyed Proteus." "Not our finest moment," said Lysil.

"So they threw you out after one mistake?" Sasha asked. "That's totally not fair! Everyone deserves a second chance." Darrel and Anne smiled at her statement and stood by her side. Then, Darrel spoke up. "Well, right now Amphibia is in danger. And the fate of this world and countless others may rest on us finding the Mother of Olms. Actions have consequences, good or bad. In this case, if you let us see her, you'll have a hand in saving your world. Then, the Olms would give you a second chance. Right?"

Lysil and Angwin looked at each other and said, "No, probably not." "And we don't have anything better to do. So…" Darrel smiles at the Olms for at least trying. They take them down the passage into the entrance of the underground city of Proteus. The city was glowing with magnificent colors, thanks to the underground moss, alge, and mushrooms. "Welcome to Proteus," said Angwin.

They reach the front gates, only to be stopped by the guards on duty. They smelled the group and they were very anxious. "Parisia is not going to like this," said one of the guards. "Who's Parasia?" Tint asked. "She resides over Proteus," said Lysil. "What is Parasia like?" Darrel asked. "You're about to find out," said the guard. "Now move."

The gang delve deeper into the city of Proteus, along the way, they find the inhabitants swimming in waters and hiding in holes. Suddenly, the ground began to shake. "What's happening?" Hop pop asked. "Mysterious earthquakes have been wreaking havoc on the city for weeks," replied the guard. "Water's being diverted, tunnels have become blocked, sunlight has even seeped in."

"You guys don't tolerate sunlight, right?" Darrel asked. His question was answered when a ray of light hit Angwin on his skin. "I'll take that as a yes," said Darrel.

"Have you gone out to investigate the cause?" Anne asked. "Or asked the surface dwellers for help?" "We can't go above ground, we'll burn alive," said the guards. "Plus, we don't associate your kind if we can help it."

The group soon find themselves in the presence of the one called Parasia. "Indeed, insularity is how we Olms survive. Fewer friends, sure. But also, fewer foes. I am Parasia, what do you want, outsiders?"

"We've come to seek the wisdom of Mother Olm," said Darrel. "Mother Olm? How do you know-?" Parasia asked before smelling the presence of Lylis and Angwin. "You two?! I should've known you were involved! Bringing outsiders here, you will be punished severely."

"Now hold on," said Darrel. "You may not like them just because they made a mistake. But right now, your home is in trouble. All of Amphibia is in trouble. Andrias is destroying this wonderful world, and if we don't stop him."

"That's none of our concern," said Parasia. "It sould be your concern, because Andiras won't stop on the surface," said Tint. "He'll take everything to make his plan come true. Including your homes."

The ground begins to shake again, causing the Olms to panic. "It's probably that giant drill we saw," said Anne. "Andrias must be mining for something." "Got to be iron ore," said Lysil. "Proteus is built on a huge deposit of it." "He must want it to build more war machines," said Sasha.

"A giant drill? War machines?" Parasia asked. She laughs in disbelief, making Darrel angry. "These giant tremors are nothing more than common earthquakes." "But how do you explain the sunlight?" Sprig asked. "ENOUGH!" Parasia shouted. "Guards, dispose of the outsiders."

The guards escort the group and Lysil and Angwin out of the city, leaving everyone distraught. "Hey," said Sasha. "I know what it's like to make a huge mistake you'll regret. I'm still fighting to make up for it. And I hope you won't give up either."

Suddenly, the ground began shaking again. This time, it was more fierce and more dangerous. "Sounds like that drill is getting close," said Darrel. "We have to do something," said Sasha. "To the surface!" Anne cried. "We know a shortcut," said Lysil.

Lysil and Angwin get them topside without getting hit by the sunlight. They race to the problem and find the robot drilling for iron ore. "Alright, team," said Sasha. "Attack plan: Epsilon." "What about us?" Angin asked. "We want to help too."

Darrel looks to the sunlight, knowing that the sun could probably kill them. Then he comes up with an idea. He takes a large piece of rock off the cliff outside and shelters the two Olms. However, it takes a lot of strain on the human wizard. "I can only hold it for so long," said Darrel. "If you want to help, now is your chance."

The Olms smile and follow the group. They ambush the robot squad, while Lysil and Angwin try to slow down the drill. But when they got to the drill, Darrel's rock shelter shattered into pieces. "Guys!" Darrel shouted. "The sunlight! Get out of there!"

"No," said Angwin. "We're doing this." "FOR PROTEUS!" They kept a tight grip on the giant drill, causing it to short circuit and the ground to start cracking. The group falls back into the city of Proteus. And the Olms investigate the noise outside the gates.

They find Lysil and Angwin in pain from the sun, and Darrel and Tint casts a healing spell for the brave Olms. "Thank you, outsider," said Angwin. "I can't believe you guys would stay, even after your shelter broke," said Darrel. "Proteus will always be our home," said Lysil. "Even if we don't live in it."

Just then, Parasia appears and smells the damages from outside. "Now do you understand?" Tint asked. "This doesn't prove anything," said Parasia. The group was shocked, "WHAT?!" "Are you Kidding ME?!" Darrel shouted. "How do I know you didn't fake this?"

"Lysil and Agnwin nearly died to save you and your city," said Tint. "Look at them!" "Maybe they injured themselves to make it look like they protected us," said Parasia. The Olms talked themselves into believing in Parasia.

This was the last straw for Sasha. She climbed up onto what's left of the drill and took her stand. "You are the biggest moron I have ever met!" she shouted. Everyone, even her friends were surprised at her outburst.

"Excuse me?!" Parasia asked. "Woah, Sasha," said Anne. "I don't think-" Darrel blocks her with her staff and says, "Anne, there's a time to talk, and a time to shut up. Now is the time to be quiet."

Sasha shouted, "Lysil and Angwin bent over backwards to prove they deserve a second chance! But you snooty despot and your crummy town aren't worth it!" She climbs down from the drill and leads the team out of the caverns. "Come on guys. If these idiots want to perish in denial, that's their business. Let's get out of here."

"Actions have consequences." Darrel told Parasia. "And your actions now seal the date of your city, your world, and countless worlds." He points his staff at Parasia and the Olm starts hearing screams of pain and agony.

When Darrel stops the vision, Parasia stops the group from leaving. "You've all got guts," she said. "I know what's been going on topside, but it's better to be safe than sorry. You shall meet Mother Olm."

"What about Lysil and Angwin?" Sasha asked. Parasia groaned, "Fine. they shall be granted access to the city. Under constant supervision."

"They'll take it," said Darrel. The group, Lysil and Angwin, bow in respect. "Now then," said Parasia. "Follow me." Parasia escorts the group all the way to Mother Olm. Darrel, Anne, and Sasha fist bump at the main chamber doors as they close behind them.