35. The Second Temple

Chapter 34: The Second Temple

The Amphibian Arctic was a wild and beautiful place. Snow covered the mountains and plains as far as the eye could see. As Joe Sparrow glided over this wintery scene The Plantars and the girls looked out over the area in awe and wonder.

"Hey look Woolly Mantises," said Sprig

Joe Sparrow touched down ready to let his passengers off, unfortunately he had landed on a patch of ice and immediately began sliding around before crashing into a snowbank. As the group dug themselves out of the snow Marcy explained where they were.

"Welcome to the Amphibian Artic everyone!" she said popping out of the snow, "I triangulated the tacking beam from the green stone, and…" Marcy pulled the stone out of her pencil bag to show the group where it was pointing. Though Hop-pop was standing in the way.

"Hop-pop move!" commanded Marcy.

"Oh, sorry," he said getting down on the floor and out of the way.

"The second temple must be right through there," said Anne pointing to where the beam was shining. The group followed the beam to an archway that had a blue stone in it. As Marcy shinned the beam on that blue stone, writing appeared on the archway which Marcy read.

"Just beyond these snowy gates, a grueling perilous temple awaits."

"Uh you sure about that Marbles?" asked Luz coming up to where she was standing. The group looked past the archway and didn't see anything other a vast field of snow.

"Could it be invisible?" suggested Sprig as he put out his hands trying to see if there was something there, only to fall over.

"Hmmm weird," observed Marcy, "all the ancient texts about this temple were super vague. They just mentioned the word "heart" a lot."

"Are we looking for something heart-shaped?" suggested Hop-pop.

"Maybe we have to rip someone's heart out," said Polly.

Just as she finished speaking the group heard a loud squawk and a bird flew overhead. It flew low almost hitting their heads then flew away towards the arch. Luz and Anne looked up and got a good look at the bird, both realizing they had seen it before.

"Hey wait! I know that crazy bird," they said together at the same time. Luz and Anne did a double take and then looked at each other.

"Wait you've seen that bird before?" asked Anne surprised.

"Yeah I have," replied Luz, "come on after it."

With that the group followed the bird until it came to rest at a tent. A tent that looked very familiar to Anne. Luz glanced at the name on the tent and let out a gasp as she remembered who it was.

"Valeriana, Anne didn't we meet her at the Bizarre Bazaar?" asked Sprig

"Yeah," said Anne.

"So you know Valeriana too?" asked Luz, Anne nodded her head before Luz continued, "she was a friend of Uodeela's, I met her when she came by to ask me about how I got to this world."

"Whoa that's neat," said Anne, "I wonder if that was before I met her?"

"It was," said a voice from behind the group, they all turned around in shock to see Valeriana emerge from behind a tree eating something off a stick.

"Pardon me I was just enjoying my lunch, it is the most important meal of the day," she said as she tossed the stick in the air and it transformed into a hooked staff.

"Valeriana, it's so good to see you again," said Luz running up to hug her. Valeriana was a bit caught off guard by the hug, but accepted it just the same.

"Hello Luz, how have you been? I imagine things are quite different for you now," said Valeriana, as she said this she gave Luz a wink.

"Oh uh things are fine," said Luz quickly, "actually they're not fine, I don't know if you know, but Uodeela got stuck in her heron form, if anyone can help her I assume you can."

"Ah yes I am aware of what happened to Uodeela," Valeriana turned her head sadly, "but that is not the only reason you are here is it? Are you perhaps also here seeking a temple to charge an ancient stone?"

Luz, Anne, and Marcy shared a look at each other before Anne replied, "oh yes, you know about the stones?"

"Indeed," said Valeriana, "but do you really think you are worthy?"

"Well yeah," said Anne nervously.

"Totally," said Marcy.

"I'd like to think so," said Luz.

Valeriana looked hard at the three girls before responding, "we shall see."

"Oh I'm Marcy BT dubs," said Marcy extending her hand to shake Valeriana's tail.

"Uh nice to meet you," said Valeriana.

"And I'm Hop-pop," said Hop-pop.

"Polly," said Polly.

The group relocated inside Valeriana's tent. They gathered around a table where Valeriana had placed a scroll.

"I am the last of an ancient order," began Valeriana, "our purpose was to study the sacred stones and temples."

"Oh, so you know where the temple is?" asked Marcy.

"Indeed, and you possess the Music Box?" asked Valeriana.

"Sure do," said Anne, pulling it out of her bag.

Valeriana's eyes lit up at the sight of the music box, "after all these years it has returned! I should very much like to hold it."

Anne noticed the look in her eyes and moved to put the box away, "Uh I'd rather hold onto it."

"Suit yourself," said Valeriana, "though I am curious as to how exactly it came into your possession?"

Anne and Marcy gave each other a look before Marcy made a motion with her hand to not say anything. Though Valeriana's question had intrigued Luz.

"Hey that's a good point," said Luz suddenly, "where did you guys get that box? I'm pretty sure Marcy had shown me a picture of it at lunch that day. And when I met you in the park you already had it Anne."

Marcy and Anne seemed to become uncomfortable at this statement and motioned for Luz to stop talking, Luz saw the motion, but it only made her more curious.

"Is something wrong? Is there a reason you can't say?" asked Luz unsure why niether Anne nor Marcy could just say where they had gotten it from.

Deciding to try and deflect a bit Anne finally spoke up, "You know I don't remember how we got it."

Luz gave Anne a look that showed she clearly didn't believe her. Anne and Marcy both looked away.

"Well in any case here," said Valeriana as she moved over to a dresser and began pulling out some fur coats, "to get to the temple we must climb the freezing cliffs of Mount Mutu. Leave your flimsy jackets and wear these caterpillar coasts instead."

Everyone started putting one of the coats on though as they were Luz commented

"Good thing I stocked up on some fire potions, just in case these coasts aren't enough."

Valeriana heard Luz and made a look towards her, but continued talking, "since this temple is my responsibility, you must do as I say. Or you can say goodbye to finding it, are we clear?"

"Clear," replied everyone.

Valeriana walked up to Luz, "before we begin I'd like to have a word with Luz in private."

"Oh sure," said Luz.

"Very good follow me outside, the rest of you wait here, I'll be right back," said Valeriana.

Luz and Valeriana walked outside the tent, when they were alone Valeriana took out her staff and waved it by Luz causing the two of them to vanish. Luz let out a yell of surprise!

When she opened her eyes Luz could see stars all around her. As she looked down at the ground she could see she was standing on some kind of stone structure that seemed to poke above the clouds. Luz was so amazed by the site she didn't hear Valeriana talking to her.

"So Luz, are you enjoying your new powers?" asked Valeriana.

Luz snapped back to reality on hearing that and turned to face the salamander.

"I suppose I shouldn't be surprised you know about that," she said sheepishly, "but where are we?"

"We are at the top of the temple," explained Valeriana, "I can warp us here if need be, and I thought it was far enough away so that we could truly talk in private. The journey here won't be so easy, Anne will have to prove her worthiness."

"Oh okay," said Luz.

"You will have to prove your worthiness too at your own temple Luz," said Valeriana, "I wonder if you are ready?"

"I'd like to think I am," said Luz unsure of herself.

"Even though you hide the gift the box gave you?" asked Valeriana.

The question caught Luz off guard, but after a few seconds she answered, "the thing is I haven't told Anne or Marcy about my powers yet because…."

"Because you don't want them to be jealous of you," finished Valeriana. Luz was taken aback at this but only for a moment. It didn't surprise her that Valeriana seemed to know more than she let on.

"Yeah exactly, listen Uodeela told me that my powers come from the music box, you seem to know a lot about the box so I was wondering if there was more you could tell me?" asked Luz.

"I do indeed know much about the box," began Valeriana, "but I am afraid I cannot tell you everything about it, there is much you must learn on your own."

"Oh….I guess I understand," said Luz dejectedly, "still I was wondering…."

"If I knew anything that could help Uodeela," finished Valeriana.

"Yes, so do you?" asked Luz.

"No," answered Valeriana flatly.

"Wait what?" said Luz in surprise, "are you saying you can't think of anything that could help her? I thought you were a magic user too?"

"I am, but even so I know of nothing in Amphibia that could help her," said Valeriana.

Luz got down on her knees, "please don't you care about Uodeela?" begged Luz to Valeriana, "isn't there something you can do to help her!"

"I am sorry child, but there is no cure for Uodeela in this world," answered Valeriana as she hung her head in sadness.

"No! It can't end like this! Are you saying that's it then?" asked Luz in frustration, "she's doomed to spend the rest of her days wandering around stuck in the mind of a heron!"

"What did I say Luz?" asked Valeriana.

"You said there's no cure for Uodeela," said Luz bitterly.

"Wrong!" said Valeriana hitting Luz with her tail, "pay attention! What I said was, "there is no cure for her in THIS world."

It took Luz a second to realize what Valeriana was implying, but as she did it slowly dawned on her.

"I think you already know this, but if not I can tell you, the music box can go to places other than your world and Amphibia," explained Valeriana.

"Other worlds," said Luz slowly.

"Indeed! Other worlds with their own systems of magic, other worlds with medicines and cures we can only dream of…..Perhaps even another world filled with witches, demons, and a mysterious masked man." said Valeriana coyly.

"Huh that sure sounds like an interesting world," said Luz, "and hey, once the music box is charged that means we could use it go to those other worlds, right?"

Valeriana nodded her head.

"Oh wow! So maybe there's a chance Uodeela could be cured by some magic in another world!" said Luz excitedly.

"Perhaps, but you have been journeying to go home to your world," said Valeriana, "you have someone that misses you there don't you?"

"Yeah, my mom," said Luz sadly, "I want to see her again, but I also want to help Uodeela."

"Luz you don't have to do everything alone," said Valeriana, "you have friends, they can help you to accomplish both tasks, in fact they are helping you right now are they not?"

"Oh yeah, I guess they are," said Luz.

"You should be lucky to have such good friends helping you," said Valeriana, "especially Anne."

"I am lucky to have them, you know for a long time I didn't have friends, but that changed after I met Anne, and Marcy," said Luz.

"We should get back to your friends," said Valeriana, "….but first tell me about those potions you have."

"Oh these," said Luz pulling out a bottle of red-orange liquid. Yeah after Marcy said we'd be going to a colder climate I thought I should make some fire potions. Now even if those caterpillar cloaks aren't warm enough these can provide extra warmth."

"Hmmm good idea," said Valeriana, "and as for your powers, you've been practicing with them yes?

"Oh of course, Uodeela told me to keep practicing, and I want to be able to get better at them," said Luz.

"Good, I bet you could stop an avalanche with those powers if you tried," said Valeriana.

"Well I don't know about that, but I'd love the chance to try," answered Luz.

"I'm sure you would, but unfortunately Anne has to face her trials herself," said Valeriana.

"Huh?" said Luz confused. Suddenly Valeriana waved her staff and Luz was encapsulated in a bright blue sphere.

"Hey! What gives? Let me out of here!" demanded Luz hitting her fists against the sphere.

"Sorry Luz," said Valeriana as she walked away, "can't have you interfering in the trials." Though as she looked back at Luz still in the bubble a thought occurred to her, but maybe you can provide me with an alternative to a test I had planned for Anne.

With that Valeriana waved her staff causing her to disappear from the top of the temple, leaving Luz stranded.

Luz continued to bang her hands against the sides of the bubble trying her best to get out. After a few minutes of trying she gave up and sat down sulking.

Dang it! What's going on? she thought, what did Valeriana mean when she said Anne has to face her trials alone?

Luz sat in silence wondering how long before Valeriana would return, or if she would return at all. She didn't have to wait long though as she eventually saw two figures reappear on the top of the temple. One of them was Valeriana and the other was Anne, though Anne hadn't yet noticed Luz.

"Huh where are we? What did you do?" asked Anne as she looked around her, "just show me and my friends where the temple is already!"

"Never! You are not worthy!" exclaimed Valeriana, "In fact none are worthy! And now that I finally have you alone. I can return the box to its rightful guardian, ME!"

"Huh?" said Anne confused, in the next instant her parrot emerged form Anne's backpack holding the music box. Anne was quicker though and grabbed it out of the birds talons, bringing it close to her chest.

"No I need that to get home!" she exclaimed.

"Is that so?" asked Valeriana, "In that case I wonder if you would trade it….for your friend's life!" With that Valeriana waved her staff and Luz shot over to where she was still trapped in her bubble.

"Luz!" yelled Anne in terror.

"Anne!" shouted Luz, though her voice was muffled by the bubble.

"Well Anne?" asked Valeriana impatiently.

"Let her go!" demanded Anne, with that Anne lunged forward bringing out her tennis racket and trying to destroy the bubble Luz was trapped in. In her attempt though she dropped the music box. Valeriana and Anne both glanced at where the box had fallen and both made a move to recover it.

"Aha! See! Still only thinking of yourself!" yelled Valeriana, as she managed to use her staff to recover the box.

"You're wrong," countered Anne as she manged to get the box away, "I'm not….that selfish."

"Oh no, didn't you lie to the Plantars to get out of a day of work?" accused Valeriana.

"How do you know that?" asked Anne

"Didn't you drive the family snail even though you were told not to?" asked Valeriana as she tried to take the box away from Anne.

"Okay this is getting weird," said Anne, "what else do you know?"

"I know that you snore!" said Valeriana.

"You could have kept that to yourself," mumbled Anne. Valeriana quickly moved her staff to Anne's foot and tripped her causing the box to fly out of her hands. Valeriana managed to catch it with her tail. Anne dove to try and recover the box but before she could get close, Valeriana used her staff to move Luz in front of her. Anne stopped her attack not wanting to hurt Luz.

"Stop hiding behind Luz you coward!" called Anne desperatly.

"Why?" asked Valeriana, "It's not like you really care about her, you told her you didn't want to be her friend anymore right?"

That comment upset Anne causing her to falter in her resolve, "no….I….I…."

"Anne don't listen!" yelled Luz trying to get her attention, "she's trying to rattle you!"

"Though I wouldn't blame you for that, she did wrong you, is her life worth your only way home?" called Valeriana moving the bubble away to the far side of the platform. Anne realized she had an opening and manged to swipe the box away Valeriana. As soon as she had it she ran towards Luz finally catching up to where she was. Anne took out her tennis racket and began banging on the bubble trying desperately to break it open.

"Why bother saving your friend, you haven't told her the truth about how you even got that box have you?" taunted Valeriana. Anne froze at that comment looking into Luz's eyes, eyes that were now full of questions.

"Luz….I…." began Anne.

"But if it's any consolation she's keeping a secret from you too," continued Valeriana. Luz looked away felling immense guilt. She quickly turned back trying to explain herself.

"Anne, I was going to tell you…." began Luz.

"Enough games!" declared Valeriana, with that she moved the bubble away from Anne and over the edge of the platform they were standing on. As Luz looked down she saw clouds and a steep drop. She let out a gasp!"

"No!" yelled Anne reaching out her hand towards Luz.

"Last chance!" said Valeriana, "give me the Music Box or I drop your friend to her death!"

Anne looked between the box she was holding and Luz in the bubble. As much as she wanted to go home, she knew it wasn't worth her friends life.

"Okay….stop," said Anne to Valeriana tears forming in her eyes, "please don't hurt her, I'll give you the box."

"Anne NO!" yelled Luz from inside the bubble, "don't do it!"

"The box isn't worth your life," said Anne solemnly as she walked over to the salamander holding the box outstretched in her hands.

"Is that your final decision then Anne?" asked Valeriana, "you will trade this box, which is the only way you know of to get home, for your friend? You will risk being trapped here forever? Is Luz really worth that risk?"

Anne hesitated for a moment, but finally said one word, "yes."

"Why?" asked Valeriana, looking hard at Anne's face.

"Because Luz is one of my best friends, I'd do anything for her." With that Anne handed the box over to Valeriana.

Luz watched from inside the bubble, touched at what Anne had said about her, she knew she couldn't let Anne hand over the box, especially when her life wasn't in any real danger. Deciding that now she really had no choice, Luz closed her eyes, when she opened them not only were her eyes glowing purple but her hair was too! Luz punched the side of the bubble causing it to instantly shatter and drawing both Anne and Valeriana's attention. Anne gasped in shock at seeing Luz in this powered up state!

Once freed from the bubble Luz shot out a vine from her hand wrapping around the box and pulling it back towards her hand. She then dove between Valeriana and Anne causing the salamander to jump back in surprise, though she also grinned.

"Okay Luz," said Valeriana with a simile on her face, "let's see how much you've been practicing."

With that Valeriana charged forward at Luz, Luz briefly turned around and wordlessly handed the box to Anne before charging at Valeriana herself. Valeriana held up her staff to stop Luz's charge which surprisingly worked. Luz attempted to break through the force of her punch sending Valeriana back. She recovered quickly though and charged again at Luz, hitting her with her staff and managing to send her flying back. Luz recovered and this time fired a blast of wind at Valeriana blowing her towards the edge of the platform. Valeriana dug her staff into the ground to try and stop her, then swung around and fired a blast of energy from her staff at Luz. Luz brought up a wall of ice to protect her from the blast, then after the blast hit Luz began firing chunks of ice at Valeriana. The Salamander managed to dodge every one of them, then began twirling her own staff creating a gust of wind that blew towards Anne and Luz. Anne tried to fight against the wind but was eventually blown off the edge of the platform, dropping the box as she did. Luz quickly realized Anne was in trouble and moved to the edge of the platform. Time seemed to slow as she could see Anne being blown off the platform into the sky in one eye, but she also saw the music box fall straight down in her other eye.

Luz quickly launched two vines, one out of each hand, one towards Anne, and the other down where she thought the box was. She managed to grab Anne with one of her vines and began pulling her back to safety, but as Luz pulled on the other vine she slowly realized she had missed the box. Luz pulled a little to hard on Anne's vine causing her to crash into Luz and then both of them hitting the ground; as she did the purple glow in Luz's eyes and hair faded. Luz and Anne both got up and Anne looked hard into Luz's eyes.

"I'm sorry Anne," began Luz quickly, "I was going to tell you eventually about my powers, but then you said how you and Marcy never got any. Uodeela told me how they came from the box and I was worried that if I told you that you'd be hurt that you didn't get any powers of your own and I…."

Luz was interrupted from her explanation as Anne threw her arms around Luz, hugging her tightly and causing her to stop talking.

"I'm just glad you're okay Luz," said Anne into her ear, tears forming in her eyes. As the two separated Anne looked deep into Luz's eyes and decided that it was time to confess something herself.

"You want to know how I got the music box," asked Anne, she hesitated for a moment before finally saying, "I stole it."

Luz was shocked to hear Anne say that, but before she could ask her anything else Valeriana interrupted,

"You see you are a liar and a thief!" she yelled pointing her staff at Anne, "you don't deserve the box." With that Valeriana held up the box in her tail, surprising both Luz and Anne.

"Hey how did you get that? Never-mind it doesn't matter, give that back!" demanded Luz, she moved forward to try and get it from the salamander but Anne stopped her.

"No, I traded it with her for you, it's hers now," Anne said morosely.

"Anne no, you can't just let her keep it," protested Luz.

"You heard what she said," exclaimed Valeriana, "the box is mine, your friend just admitted her thievery she is not worthy."

Anne got up slowly and looked up at the stars before speaking in a calm yet firm tone, "if stealing the box makes me unworthy then so be it. I know I've made mistakes in the past, I did lie to get out of work, I did take the family snail even though I was told not to, and I did…." Anne hesitated as she looked into Luz's face, she closed her eyes trying to stop the tears that were forming.

"….I did tell Luz I didn't want to be her friend anymore" Anne finished, her voice heavy with regret, "I am trying to be a better person, and I'd like to think that those mistakes taught me things I wouldn't have learned if I hadn't made them. I agreed to give you the box in exchange for Luz, so keep it."

As Anne finished talking she looked over at Valeriana who was smiling, "we have been waiting for someone like you for such a long time."

"Uh excuse me?" said Anne puzzled.

With that Valeriana made a motion with her hand and suddenly she was surrounded by smoke an instant later and her clothes had become pure white.

"Whoa Mama you clean up nice!" exclaimed Anne.

"You have sacrificed your warmth for your friends," began Valeriana walking towards Anne, "your safety for a stranger in need, and you were even willing to give up the box in order save one who had wronged you." She looked at Luz as she said this.

"Empathy alone isn't enough, for what is heart without, responsibility?" Valeriana slammed her staff into the ground for emphasis as she spoke that last line, "in the name of the temple I declare you worthy!"

"Wait, no way!" said Anne, "so the cardinal, the avalanche, all this was-"

"A trial," confirmed Valeriana, "you see we've been making our way through the temple this whole time, and I have been testing you."

Valeriana's parrot returned, perching itself on her shoulder and repeated, "testing you."

"Oh and Luz, good job on using your powers," said Valeriana turning to Luz, "you have been practicing. I see a lot of potential in you."

"Oh uh thanks," she said, a bit uneasy at being complimented.

"Let me give you some advice though," began Valeriana, "don't become over-reliant on your powers, they are a great tool, but tools can break. There may come a time when you must use other forms of magic, and your own wits to survive. You must be ready to adapt, but I sense that you have the resolve in you to change with the times."

Luz considered what Valeriana had said, "is there anything else you can tell me about these powers?"

"I'm afraid not," answered Valeriana, "there are events already in motion for you, others in Amphibia, and perhaps even in another world…..What happens in the future you will have face on your own, but remember what I have said. And don't forget Luz, trust in your friends."

"Okay," said Luz accepting Valeriana's answer.

"So Anne, what is it that you want?" asked Valeriana.

"Oh right to charge the stone and go home!" declared Anne.

"So be it," said Valeriana, with that she pulled one of the gray stones out of the box, and put it in the space of the hook of her cane. As she did there was a bright flash of light, Anne closed one of her eyes as this happened. Though the eye that remained opened glowed blue, but as it did the blue glow began to drain from her eye….though it did not drain completely.

Valeriana's cane lit up and slowly the stone began to charge, though it was at a much slower rate than last time. Anne was quick to notice this.

"Huh it's a lot slower than last time," she observed.

"Sorry this thing is pretty old," replied Valeriana.

"Oh I get it no problem," said Anne.

"Do you want something to read?" asked Valeriana.

"Seriously it's fine," answered Anne, though no sooner had she said this than suddenly they heard a scream from back at the bottom.

"That sounded bad" said Luz.

"Oh no! They're in trouble! What if it's another avalanche?" said Anne, she glanced at where the gem was and how charged it looked, to Anne it seemed as though it were finished.

"Uh that looks charged enough," said Anne grabbing the gem and the box.

"Hurry send us back to the others, please," said Luz.

Valeriana waved her staff and Anne and Luz disappeared, a moment later they reappeared on the side of the mountain. A moment after that they heard he screams again.

"Hang on we're coming!" yelled Luz as she and Anne charged through the trees towards the sound of the screams. As they emerged into the clearing though they saw that their friends were unharmed, gathered around Marcy's phone.

"Anne!" said Polly, "Marcy is showing us ridiculously cute animal videos on her phone."

"We looked for you but now we're taking a break," added Sprig.

"Oh Luz there you are!" said Marcy, "Valeriana said she had taken you to the top of the temple to talk with you, she said we'd meet you up there once we got to the temple."

"Yeah I guess that's mostly true," said Luz.

"So did you manage to charge the stone?" asked Sprig.

"Yep," said Anne pulling the box out of her backpack and showing it to the group.

The group cheered and clapped at Anne's success, Sprig himself curious, "but how?"

"I'll explain later, for now, can we please get out of this cold?" asked Anne shivering.

"Oh hey wait, I have something for that," said Luz reaching into her belt and pulling out a bottle filled with reddish-orange liquid and handing it to Anne. Anne drank the potion and immediately felt warm.

"Ahhh that does feel better," said Anne, as she felt the warmth course through her body from her head to her toes.

"Sure is a good thing you came prepared Luz," said Polly, "it's great that we have a magic user with us."

As Polly said that Luz's face fell, she recovered though and decided to speak,

"Listen guys there's something I have to tell you."

Anne saw this, "hey uh wait, why don't we get home first? That potion was great, but I'd still rather get out of the cold for real."

"You sure?" asked Luz.

"Yeah I'm sure, plus then you can show us too," said Anne.

"Huh what are you talking about?" asked Marcy.

"You'll see when we get home," said Anne, "this way it can be a surprise."

"Alright then, let's head home," said Hop-pop, "maybe Frobo can make us a nice cup of cocoa."

"That sounds nice," said Anne, with that the group made their way back to Joe Sparrow and then Wartwood, none of them noticing that the blue stone in the box had flickered a few times….

Luz summoned four orbs of fire that rotated around her, she sent them off into the sky where they exploded like fireworks. Next she summoned the same number of light orbs and sent them up to hang in front of the group life little stars, finally she put her hands on the ground and summoned up two small ice pillars, as she did the glow in her eyes faded and she took a bow.

The Plantars, and Marcy all had their mouths open in disbelief at this display. They simply stood there in shocked silence as Luz emerged from her bow, Anne the only one clapping. Luz looked at their expressions trying to think of what to say.

"So….yeah that's what I wanted to show you guys," said Luz a bit embarrassed.

"That was amazing!" yelled Polly, "it must be so cool to have powers like that!"

"Wow! I mean I've never heard of anything like that in Amphibia in all my life here," said Hop-pop, "you live a long time and you think you've seen it all, then something new surprises you!"

"You've been holding out on us Luz!" said Sprig in a playful accusing manner.

"I mean I guess I kinda have," admitted Luz, "but listen the reason I didn't tell you all sooner is because I wasn't sure if either of you," she indicated Anne and Marcy, "got powers too. Uodeela told me that the powers I have come from the music box. I didn't know I had them until I fought Sasha and Grime. I thought maybe the two of you had developed the same powers, but when I realized you hadn't I….I didn't want you to be hurt that you didn't get your own…."

Luz trailed off as she kept talking looking hard into Anne and Marcy's faces. The two shared a look to each other then back to Luz.

"Hey, hey, it's fine Luz," began Marcy," I'm not mad at you, though if I am being honest….I am a little jealous, but hey don't take that the wrong way, I'm proud of you Luz." Marcy came up to Luz and took her hands into her own looking her straight in the face. Luz smiled at the gesture.

"I thought something was up," said Anne, "ever since the first temple I could have sworn I saw you using those powers, and I guess this explains how you were able to defeat Bog and his army by yourself. But honestly I'm not jealous, and I'm not hurt. If anything it's awesome having a super-powered friend!"

"Looks like you really are the good witch Luzura," said Marcy, "so hey you said Uodeela said the powers came from the box, did she say anything else about them?"

"Unfortuantly no," replied Luz, "the thing is, she didn't tell me about the powers until right before we fought the toads. The only thing she said was that they came from the box, but didn't elaborate much beyond that." Luz thought for a moment before adding, "actually there was something else I just remembered. I think she said something about the four of us being brought here for a reason."

"The four of us? So Sasha too then?" asked Anne.

"Maybe….I don't know," said Luz, "if Sasha was supposed to come here for a reason I can't imagine that reason was to help the toads to fight Uodeela."

"Even so, we do have to find her at some point," said Marcy.

"Do we?" asked Luz, "if Sasha hadn't done what she did then Uodeela would still be here, she could probably tell us anything we wanted to know about the box."

"I mean we can't just leave her here," said Marcy.

"You know you do have a point," said Sprig joining the conversation, "feels like Sasha should go back to your world and be safe there, plus then she'd be away from us." The girls all gave him a look.

"Hey Marcy, when you were researching the box with the King did that book say anything about it granting powers?" asked Polly.

"No it didn't," said Marcy, "maybe whoever wrote that book didn't know about the powers?" Marcy put her hand to her chin scratching it for a few seconds before continuing, "Oh I have an idea! Since Luz was the only one who got powers, maybe the box only gives them to one of the four people who open it, and honestly…considering what Sasha, and I did, it makes sense that Luz would be the one to get them."

"You mean how we stole it," said Anne morosely, Marcy looked at her, her smile fading.

"Yeah….exactly," admitted Marcy, "Luz you were the only one who wasn't involved in that, so I'm guessing that's why you got the powers."

"I guess that makes sense," said Luz as she considered what Marcy said.

"Well enough depressing talk," said Hop-pop trying to lift the girls spirits, "it's time for dinner, let's go inside and get something to eat, maybe even get some hot cocoa!"

With that the group made their way inside, except for Anne and Luz who hung back until they were alone.

"Hey just wanted to say sorry again for keeping this from you," said Luz.

"Well I didn't tell you about stealing the box so I'd say we're even," replied Anne, she turned to go inside but Luz called to her.

"Hey Anne, Sprig told me that you always seem to get leaves in your hair," said Luz pointing to Anne's hair.

"Oh yeah, you know for a while I didn't even notice, then I started cleaning my hair at night, but I still manage to get leaves in it no matter what I do. Man I really miss showers," said Anne.

Luz laughed at this, "yeah me too, but I thought maybe your hair could use a touch of color, if you don't mind," With that Luz put her hand to the ground and concentrated causing a beautiful blue flower to emerge from the ground. Luz picked the flower and put it into Anne's hair.

"There now you have a little color to go with your leaves," said Luz playfully.

Anne looked up at the flower and then at Luz smiling, "Aw thanks Luz, here's hoping this stays in my hair."

"It suits you," said Luz looking into Anne's face, causing Anne's cheeks to blush at that statement; she returned Luz's smile and the two of them joined the rest of their friends inside.