19. Friend in the Night Market

Luz and her friends were outside with Uodeela. Today she was teaching them an invisibility potion.

"There are a myriad of uses for this potion as I'm sure you can imagine," began Uodeela, "but in teaching you this potion I also must point out that you should be ethical in how you use it. Now the invisibility effect will only last one hour, so you'll need to prepare and drink more if you want to remain invisible longer. I should also point out that it has to be drunk in order for its effects to take hold. This does present a problem in that it can't affect clothes. If you really wanted to be invisible then you would have to be naked."

"Uhhhh," groaned Luz thinking about that prospect, "guess I won't use this one that often."

"Afraid to show some skin?" asked Amara teasingly.

"Not at all," began Luz before suddenly shifting, "well maybe a little, I mean it would make for a real awkward position to be caught in if you turned visible without your clothes."

"Like I said that's why this potion may not be that useful," explained Uodeela, "but sometimes in the right circumstances you never know.  Remember there are two parts to learning potions, the first part is the ingredients required. The second is learning how to best use the potions you brew."

"Thankfully this one doesn't seem that complicated," said Lilly as she began stirring her ingredients together. After some time stirring the potion turned a light sky blue, the exact color it was supposed to be.

Luz looked at her potion and was pleased to see it turning the same color. She glanced over at Amara and Gustav's potions and saw them also having achieved success as their potions were sky blue as well.

"Well since this is just for testing purposes why don't you all measure out a bottle and try it," said Uodeela, "though please leave your clothes on. If it works you'll all still turn invisible, with your clothes, lets see."

The four students scooped up a bottle of their potion and drank it. Luz brought her hands up to her eyes and was a little freaked to see her hands start to fade into nothingness. She glanced over at her friends and saw their skin beginning to fade as well. After a few seconds the students physical bodies had all faded away. Though their clothes were still floating in the air. It was an odd sight to see for sure.

"Man this is weird," exclaimed an invisible Luz, "I still see all your clothes floating in the air, but no one is wearing them!"

"You're barely invisible at all Luz," said Gustav, "because of those things on your legs and your shoes."

"Oh yeah I guess I'm the only one here wearing shoes so you can see more of me," said Luz.

"Still I gotta admit this feels cool," said Lilly, "I can see using this to sneak around or eavesdrop on a conversation."

"Or maybe sneaking into the boy locker room," said Luz with a hint of deviousness.

"The what?" asked Amara.

"The boys locker room," clarified Luz, "it's at school where the boys….you know what forget I said anything."

"Anyway," said Uodeela, "looks like you all have successfully prepared this potion. Your invisibility will wear off in an hour so at that point bottle up the rest of your potion and keep it, might prove useful down the line. I think we can call it early for today, good job everyone!"

After an hour the students began to clean up from the day when they heard a noise. It sounded like a carriage of some sort. The group looked out to the path that lead to Uodeela's house and sure enough a snail pulling a carriage appeared on the road. The carriage was being ridden by a figure in a thick black cloak. As the carriage approached the house it finally stopped, and the figure stepped down, the cloak still obscuring her face. Uodeela stepped forward to meet the stranger, though for a second she thought she recognized her.

"Valeriana?" asked Uodeela, "is that you?"

The figure removed her hood to reveal another salamander! She was about the same age as Uodeela. She was brown in coloration and had yellow spots on her skin. Her eyes were bright red and immediately came to rest on Luz.

"So is this the strange creature you told me about?" asked Valeriana taking out a small magnifying glass that extended out and using it to examine Luz.

"Uh yes, but hang on a sec, what are you doing here?" asked Uodeela.

"Vat do you mean, vat am I doing here?" answered Valeriana, "I got your letter and came over."

"Oh!" began a surprised Uodeela, "it's just I didn't expect you here so soon."

"Well it just so happens that there will be an opening for the Bizarre Bazaar in this area in a few days," said Valeriana, "so I figure why not eat two beetles at once."

"Makes sense," replied Uodeela.

"Um hey sorry to chime in here," said Luz, "but a what exactly is going on?"

"Ah forgive me Luz," said Uodeela, "let me explain, Valeriana here is an old friend of mine."

"Friend?" said Valeriana in mock outrage, "I'd say ve're more like sisters considering all ve've been through."

"I suppose that's right," said Uodeela who finally walked up to Valeriana to give her a hug.

"Anyway," continued Uodeela, "Valeriana here deals in strange and mystical objects. She knows almost as much about magic as me. She travels around Amphibia collecting them. She also sets up shop at the Bizzare Bazar."

"What's the Bizzare Bazar?" asked Luz.

"It's a traveling night market that sets itself up in a different place each time," explained Uodeela, "at this market you can find almost anything, and Valeriana here is one of the best when it comes to magical objects. I asked her to come over to pick her brain about how to help you get home Luz."

"Oh really," said Luz, "that's great!"

"What kind of mystical objects do you have?" asked Amara.

"I have traveled all across Amphibia," said Valeriana, "over the years I have collected many treasures all of vhich have strange and mystical powers, behold!" With that Valeriana pulled out what looked like a small wooden frog. At first it was completely still, but after a few seconds it began to move.

"Wait is that supposed to be a frog?" asked Lilly, "it looks so tiny."

Luz starred at the wooden frog, it began to hop around of its own accord. For a second Luz felt a familiar sensation upon seeing that frog, but couldn't think where she might have seen one like it before.

"Actually that's what frogs look like in my world," said Luz, "well minus the whole being made of wood part."

"Really?" said Lilly in disbelief, "that's how small we are in your world? That's terrible, oh look at its eyes they're glowing."

Lilly was right as everyone looked at the frog its eyes suddenly began glowing bright yellow. It stopped moving when its eyes glowed. They stayed yellow for a few second before turning back to their normal color as though nothing had happened.

"It's very strange," said Valeriana, "for some reason the creature's eyes will turn that color at random for almost no reason. I can't quite figure it out, but that's not even the strangest part. Here have a look at this." with that Valeriana took hold of the frog and turned it over so all the kids could see the bottom of its left foot. There was a strange hole in the foot, it had a weird pattern in the hole, almost as though it was a lock of some kind.

"Where did you get this Valeriana?" asked Uodeela intrigued, "I've seen almost as much of Amphibia as you have and I've never seen anything like this."

"I found it hopping alone in the vilds," answered Valeriana, "I think the creature is somewhat sentient as it almost looked as though it was lost. Ever since I found him he's stayed with me, I would never dream of selling him, he and Leander get along okay. But the creature doesn't speak or communicate in any vay that I can understand."

"I wonder if maybe its eyes glowing is perhaps how it communicates," suggested Amara.

"I'm more curious about that hole in its foot," said Gustav, "it almost looks as though it's meant to lock into something."

"Unfortunately I know nothing more about this creature," said Valeriana, "but I do my best to keep him safe, he doesn't seem to require food or vater. Sometimes he stops moving and just stays in one place. Maybe someday I vill know more. That's just one of the many strange and mystical objects I have in my possession. But enough of that! I came here to help your strange friend and I believe it is time to discuss some things."

"Indeed it is," said Uodeela, "though before we get to that I need to have a word with Valeriana in private. Luz why don't you head up to my room and wait for me there. The rest of you get inside, and no eavesdropping!"

The students quickly filed inside the house and Luz went upstairs to wait in Uodeela's room. She had only been in there one other time, when Uodeela had fared badly against the herons and Luz had helped her into bed. Luz sat down on that bed and waited for Uodeela and Valeriana to return. She didn't have to wait too long as soon the two opened the door and entered the room.

"So young one, vhy don't you tell me about how you got here?" began Valeriana, "Uodeela has filled me in on some of the details, but I'd like to hear more from you."

"Well I'm afraid I can't remember much more," said Luz, "the last thing I remember before coming here was being in the park with my friends. Anne opened up a box and suddenly there was a bright flash of light and next thing I know I was walking through a swamp in this place."

"I see," began Valeriana, "this box that your friend opened, can you describe it to me?"

"I think it was gold and had a carving of a frog on it," began Luz, "also there were four gems in the lid."

Valeriana's eyes lit up at hearing this, she glanced over to Uodeela, who was shaking her head and using her hand to give a sign to not say whatever she was thinking of saying. Luz did not notice any of this.

"I see," said Valeriana, turning back to look at Luz, "I have heard of some device that fits your description, though I have never seen it before. Much of what I have heard is legend, but I vill tell you vat I know. I have heard of such a box that vas used by the royal family of Newtopia. I believe they knew how it functioned and that it was capable of taking them to strange and new vorlds. But much of vat I have told you is only stories. I have never seen the box myself, and I suspect that it has not been in use by the royal family for many years."

"Why do you think that?" asked Luz.

"Because if it was then I vould have heard more," answered Uodeela, "I have many contacts all over Amphibia and I do my best to stay informed of any magical happenings. If it vas real then I vould know much more about it and how it vorks."

"I see," said Luz, slightly crestfallen.

"Do you have it vith you right now?" asked Valeriana.

"No sorry I don't," said Luz, "when I first arrived I didn't have it with me."

"Hmmm and you say there vere others vith you?" asked Valeriana.

"Yes, they were there when the box was opened, but when I arrived in Amphibia they weren’t with me," answered Luz.

"I see," said Valeriana, "I suspect that your friends are here, perhaps they vere put in different parts of this land, but there's no vay to know for sure until ve find them. My guess is that if you don't have the box then maybe von of your friends does. In all likelihood ve vill need to find it first. Maybe if Uodeela and I could see it ve could learn how it vorks and then use it to send you and your friends back."

"I would very much appreciate that," said Luz.

"Listen Luz," begna Uodeela, "we're about halfway through my teaching schedule. When the apprenticeship ends for Gustav, Lilly, and Amara I'll be free of any commitments maybe we can take a trip to different parts of Amphibia and look for your friends."

"Oh but what about Gustav, Lilly, and Amara? What happens to them?" asked Luz.

"Well they'll go back to their families," answered Uodeela.

"You mean they'll leave?" asked Luz a bit sadly.

"Well yes they will eventually leave," clarified Uodeela, "that's how an apprenticeship works. They come and learn from me for a period of time, then they go home and take the knowledge that they've gained and use it."

"I guess I didn't realize they would leave eventually, we've actually gotten to be real good friends," said Luz.

"Well you did want to get home eventually right Luz?" asked Uodeela, "that means you would have to say goodbye to them at some point."

"I just didn't think it would be so soon," replied Luz.

"It's not over yet," said Uodeela, "plus what about your other friends?"

"I guess I need to find them," said Luz, before shifting uncomfortably, "I'm just not looking forward to seeing Anne again."

"You never said what it was that the two of you fought about," said Uodeela, "I know you may not want to see her again, but if Valeriana is right about your friends being here we need to send them home with you."

"Yeah I guess you're right," agreed Luz, "well I suppose it will be nice to get out there and see other places in this world."

"There is much to see in Amphibia, child," said Valeriana, "I have been traveling around my whole life. I think you vill like it."

"Well now that that's taken care of Valeriana and I actually have some place to be," said Uodeela, "Luz you stay with the others, don't wait up for us!"

"Oh where are you going?" asked Luz

"Can't say unfortunately," replied Uodeela, "but trust me it's important."

Uodeela and Valeriana got onto Valeriana's carriage and headed away form the house, once they were far enough away Valeriana spoke to Uodeela.

"So now that ve are alone are you going to tell me vhy you are lying to that child?"

"I'm not lying," said Uodeela defensively, "I'm just not telling her the whole truth."

"I believe that is called a lie of omission," replied Valeriana.

"So would you prefer I tell her that not only has she been summoned to Amphibia for a dangerous purpose, but also she has an incredible power within her?" asked Uodeela sarcastically, "she's a child she's not ready for that kind of knowledge."

"I hear vat you are saying," said Valeriana, "but assuming the prophecy is correct then she vill have to find out eventually."

"How do we know that the prophecy is even right?" asked Uodeela, "for all we know it could be a bunch of junk that was made to keep Amphibians scared. Not only that but, I don't think Luz and her friends fit the description of "four warriors." Furthermore Luz has said how she had a fight with one of her friends before coming here. If she knew about the power she has inside her who's to say she wouldn't use it to take revenge on Anne. Then if Anne can harness her power then the two would get in an epic fight that could cause destruction and CALAMITY throughout the entire kingdom."

"So you think the same thing then?" asked Valeriana, "that box that Luz described was the Calamity Box. You think that means it has returned to Amphibia?"

"It has to be the Calamity Box," said Uodeela with conviction, "Can you think of anything else that fits Luz's description of the box?"

"No I can't," said Valeriana, "and ve don't even have the box, it could be anywhere in Amphibia. For all you know King Andrias may already have it."

"Perhaps our contact can inform us on that matter," said Uodeela, "but in the meantime I need you to be on the lookout for that box. While I assume whichever girl wound up with it would keep it safe, they may try and take it to the Bizarre Bazaar to try and learn more about it."

"I promise to let you know if I hear anything even rumors about the box," said Valeriana, "though as for Luz, do you not think you should train her to use her powers? Vat if the prophecy is true? If there is a great evil that threatens Amphibia Luz vould have a better chance of beating it if she knew how to fight with magic."

"Luz is too impulsive right now, I don’t think it's a good idea to tell her she has magic powers, began Uodeela, "especially because she's obsessed with fantasy, she even told me that she wanted to be a witch, but since magic wasn't real in her world she never thought she'd get that chance. I started teaching her potions and elixirs because that's how eager she was to learn about magic, but then when she drank one of the elixirs she was able to access the powers her gem gave her. Though she can only do it temporarily for short periods of time. The other problem is that Luz thinks having magic powers is all fun and adventure, but the gem gave her power for a reason, and it wasn't for her to have fun…. "

"Then that means if there are others like Luz then they likely have powers as well?" said Valeriana, "I vould say all these circumstances make it seem as though the prophecy is true. In vich case ve should be on guard."

Uodeela nodded her head, then looked down sadly, "there's another reason why I haven't told Luz the truth yet….I don't want her to have to bear the burden of fighting a great evil. She's young but she has a good heart. Also…..I've grown fond of her. I don't know how to tell her that she was brought here to fight an evil force beyond our comprehension. I keep thinking that in the back of my mind maybe, just maybe if we can find the box and reunite Luz's friends maybe we can send them home and they won't ever have to know about that terrible prophecy. They can go back to living their normal lives."

"Uodeela," said Valeriana seriously, "I understand that you care for her, but knowing that there may be a chance that Luz will have to use those powers in what may vell be a fight for her life you von't be doing her any favors by keeping her in the dark."

"I know, I know," said Uodeela somberly.

"Vell in any case ve've arrived," said Valeriana, she pointed off In the distance to a small town. It was near twilight as the sunset bathed the town in an orange-red glow. Valeriana whipped the reigns on her snail so It continued towards the town. Valeriana stopped the carriage just outside of the town where she and Uodeela waited for their contact to show up.

After about an hour a figure approached the carriage wearing a cloak.

"The stars are always beautiful at this time of night," the figure said.

"And the brightest star can give a glimmer of hope," replied Uodeela.

The figure nodded its head and Uodeela motioned for him to enter inside the carriage, Valeriana was already there. The figure removed its cloak to reveal a frog.

"Good to see you Uodeela," said the frog, "first before we get to business how is my daughter doing?"

"Your daughter is doing fine," answered Uodeela, "but I take it you didn't call this meeting just for that. You know you can come by and visit if you want."

"Are you sure it's safe for us to be seen together?" asked the frog.

"Considering I live out in the wilds with no neighbors I think you'll be fine, though the only reason I didn’t have us meet there was because I don't want the kids overhearing us," answered Uodeela.

"That's fair," said the frog, "anyway the reason I called you both was because of something that recently happened in a small town in Frog Valley. There was an election for mayor there and while normally the resident toad runs unopposed this year an elderly frog ran against him."

"Did he win?" asked Uodeela.

"Unfortunately no," replied the frog, "but I think it's significant that he actually managed to beat the mayor in quite a few of the trials. Not only that but he managed to beat him in combat in the fighting trial."

"Really?!" exclaimed Valeriana, "that is interesting, a frog manged to beat a toad in a fight."

"I suppose that's interesting, but I fail to see how it helps our cause," said Uodeela.

"I think it's more significant than you realize," said the frog, "for one this is the first time in years that the mayor of that town has ever face a significant challenge. Furthermore I think we can use this to help inspire other frogs elsewhere."

"How do you mean?" asked Uodeela.

"I mean we can use this story to our advantage," said the frog, "We should start spreading it around to every town both in and outside of the valley. We can show frogs everywhere that they don't have to continue to live an oppressed existence under the toads."

"That does sound like a good plan, but what about getting the actual frog on board? What was his name?" asked Uodeela.

"His name was Hopidiah Plantar," answered the frog, "and honestly I don't know, I've thought about asking him to help us, but maybe it would be better if he didn't know. He can't talk about the resistance if he doesn't know about it."

"Still we should consider bringing him in at some point," said Valeriana.

"Perhaps further down the line," said Uodeela, "in any case how were you planning on spreading this story?"

"I have several copies of the newspaper from that town," said the frog, "I figure I can start spreading it to other small papers who can re-print the story and get the word out to their own readers. I also have an idea for a poster," the frog reached into his cloak and pulled out a poster depicting Hopidiah Plantar in a heroic pose with the words "Freedom Frog" emblazoned on it.

"Uodeela do you think this vill vork?" asked Valeriana.

"It can't hurt to try," replied Uodeela, "at this point I'll take any chance I can to bring an end to the oppressive rule of the toads. They've ruined so much and done nothing but cause misery for folks living in their territory. If we can beat the toads and get them off our backs then maybe things will finally start to change. Here let me see one of those newspapers. I'll make sure and get this to the local news at Tadpole Pond. Once the story gets printed in that paper, I'll be sure to help spread it to other towns near my location."

"I can't thank you enough for all you've done for us," said the frog, "especially after what happened to my wife….." he trailed off unable to finish what he was saying, instead hanging his head in sadness.

"Hey that wasn't your fault," said Uodeela, "we all knew the risks associated with starting a resistance. Your wife was a hero, and honestly you should be proud of your daughter I see the same kindness and compassion in Lilly that I saw in her."

The frog raised his head and smiled upon hearing that.

"I should tell you that your daughter's kindness may have had a profound impact on another student. I took in a rather snobbish high class newt from Newtopia, who at first was very prideful and stuck up. But Lilly was able to change her just by being nice to her. Now she and Lilly are good friends."

"I'm glad to hear that," said the frog.

"Vell if you'd like me to take a copy of this story I travel all over the land, I can certainly help discreetly spread the story of "Freedom Frog", if that's what we're calling him, around," said Valeriana.

"That would be great," said the frog, "was there anything else you wanted to know about?"

"Actually yes," said Uodeela, "two things, firstly have you heard any news from Newtopia about a strange box being discovered there?"

"Can't say I have," answered the frog, "though I did hear a rumor about a strange creature appearing there."

"Strange in vat vay?" asked Valeriana.

"As in the creature wasn't a frog, toad, or newt, it was some kind of never before seen species. I hear the king took in that creature, maybe he's keeping it as a pet." answered the frog.

"Hmm, if you can I'd like you to get a better description of that creature. Is it perhaps tall and gangly? Does it call itself human? Does the creature talk about coming from another world? This may be important," said Uodeela.

"Oh I just remembered something," said the frog in excitement, "I heard rumors that the town where "Freedom Frog" is from also had a strange creature staying there. I think some of the descriptions of it were in fact that it was tall and gangly."

"Which town was this again?" asked Uodeela.

"Wartwood," said the frog, "Oh I just remembered one more thing, the creature I believe calls itself Anne."

Uodeela looked crestfallen at that bit of information, "are you sure that's what its name is?"

"Pretty sure," said the frog, "I haven't seen the creature myself or been to Wartwood, most of what I hear is all second hand."

"Then I need you to take a trip to Wartwood and confirm these rumors," said Uodeela.

"Are you sure you want me to do spend time doing that?" asked the frog.

"Yes I'm sure, trust me it's important," replied Uodeela, "I need to know anything you can tell me about this creature."

"Very well," answered the frog, "if you say it's important I'll do it. Though it may take me awhile as I have to take care of spreading our story first."

"Yes by all means take care of that first," said Uodeela, "but once that's done make sure you go to Wartwood and follow up on those rumors, here," Uodeela reached into her hair and pulled out a bag of coins.

"This is all I have left from the tax raid I did on the toads," she said handing it to the frog, "use it to help you spread the story and for any expenses you incur traveling to Wartwood."

"Understood," said the frog as he accepted the money, "what was the second thing you wanted to ask me?"

"Actually it was that," said Uodeela, "I had wanted to know if you'd heard any rumors about strange creatures in Amphibia."

"Oh well if that's all settled then, I best be on my way," said the frog, "I promise to report back when I have more information."

With that the frog opened the door and leapt out into the night.

"You are vorried about Luz and Anne meeting," observed Valeriana.

"I wish Luz would tell me what it was they fought about," said Uodeela, "I don't want them to still be angry at each other when they reunite. If they fought in anger then they could inadvertently activate their powers and we all know how bad that would be."

"Considering how dangerous things may get I suppose ve should be preapred for anything," said Valeriana, "it's a good thing I found this." she rummaged through a trunk next to her and pulled out a broken tablet and handed it to Uodeela.

"What is this?" she asked.

"Read it," said Valeriana

Uodeela began reading the tablet, it looked as though it contained a list of ingriedients, as she read further down the list her eyes lit up in realization!

"Is this the formula for the Elixir of Life!" asked Uodeela in excitement.

"I think so," replied Valeriana, "but the stone tablet is broken, so it's incomplete, Someone came to my stall looking for some quick cash and they sold it to me. I don't think they knew vat it vas. Though to be honest I'm not sure if it's real or not. And in any case ve don't have the entire recipie so ve can't brew it just yet."

"But if we could just imagine!" said Uodeela.

"I don’t know," said Valeriana, "the only vay to test the Elixir is to….vell die, and I don't fancy doing that just to see if the stories are true."

"Still I wouldn't mind brewing it just to prove that I can," said Uodeela.

"You always did like a challenge," laughed Valeriana, "but I think if you do brew it you should try and keep a bottle of it on you. There are dangerous times ahead, and should the vorst ever happen to you it vould be vise to keep a bottle of this vith you to recover from death."

"I try not to think about that too often," said Uodeela, "but hey a little extra insurance never hurts."

"Then take the tablet vith you vhen you return, I'll keep an eye out for the other half of that tablet, if anyone can brew the Elixir of Life I have faith that it's you Uodeela," said Valeriana.

With that Valeriana took Uodeela home, it was very late at night by the time Uodeela got home. Uodeela opened the front door and turned on the lights only to be surprised to find Luz standing there!

"Luz what are you doing? I said don't wait up for me," said Uodeela.

"I know I'm sorry, but I never got the chance to properly thank you for all that you've been doing for me," said Luz.

"Oh you didn't need to stay up to tell me that kid," said Uodeela.

"I know but I wanted to anyway," replied Luz, "Oh hey you said that you'd keep a lookout for any news about my human friends."

"Oh that's right I did," said Uodeela a little nervously.

"I was just wondering if you'd heard any news or rumors about them?" asked Luz.

Uodeela slowly turned away from Luz trying to avoid her eyes, you would ask me that now wouldn't you Luz, thought Uodeela, right after I did hear a possible rumor of your friend being in Wartwood, still I don't think you're ready to reunite with her just yet….

"Sorry I haven't heard anything about that," said Uodeela a little too quickly.

"Oh well at least we got to talk to your friend about the box," said Luz, "again thanks for that, well I guess I'll go to bed then, Goodnight Uodeela!" with that Luz gave Uodeela a hug before heading down to the basement.

Uodeela stood there feeling guilt about lying to Luz, but trying to convince herself that it was for the better.

"I've seen and heard it all," said Valeriana

"Ack! Seen it all heard it all," repeated her pet

"Bet you haven't seen anything like me though," said Anne

Valeriana leaned in close with a special magnifying glass as she examined Anne.

"No, not exactly," said Valeriana, why do I feel as though I have seen something like her before, thought Valeriana, uhh sometimes I hate getting old. Can't remember a darn thing.

"Uh there's something I'd like you to take a look at," said Anne reaching down to where her backpack was.

"Uh are you sure about this," said Sprig, "maybe Hop-pop was right."

"You heard her, she seen it all," said Anne, "if anyone knows anything about the music box…." Anne paused as she realized her backpack was gone!

"My backpack! Where'd it go?!" asked a panicked Anne as she looked up she saw the small creature who had stolen her backpack.

"Hey that's my backpack you little creep!" exclaimed Anne, "get back here!" With that Anne and Sprig chased after the thief leaving Valeriana alone to muse over what she had just seen.

"Could it be Leander? Could she be the one we've been searching for?" asked Valeriana,

Why did that creature look so familiar? I could have sworn I'd seen something like her before? Thought Valeriana, I'm sure it will come back to me eventually. I wonder what she wanted to show me?