Stars of Calamity (Amphibia AU)

Chapter 20: Heart's Temple

Eager to try it in one go, the gang headed off to the second temple. But now Marcy was sitting on Joe Sparrow, lacking her powers. Which she missed, since she had gotten them only a little while ago.

Anne was flying, using the Calamity Box's Green Gem to lead them to...the arctic.

Joe Sparrow landed, and Anne landed shortly after. The Plantars and Marcy geared up, but Anne's powers seemed to keep her warm.

Marcy hummed. "Okay, the temple should be...here!"

They looked and saw...a lonely gateway, protecting absolutely nothing. The gang blinked, even Frobo found a way. Anne then flew over, looking from side to side. She called out. "Temple?"

Nothing happened.

Anne patted the snow, but nothing happened. She sighed. "Guess we're outta luck..."

"Oh, don't talk like that!" Polly said. "It's probably here somewhere!"

Sprig waved his arms around. "Maybe it's invisible...!"

Frobo looked from side to side before shrugging and waving his arms around too.

Marcy laughed at Frobo, finding the robot adorable. His A.I. was definitely advanced...she couldn't help but wonder how Amphibia had the technology to build robots back then though. Especially with its current state.

But then? Anne perked her head. "...guys...someone's here."

And indeed, there was. Someone began walking through the snow, and the gang froze. Anne drew her sword, her hair and eyes glowing a bright blue.

Then? Out walked a newt of some kind. She wore a black cloak, and had long gray hair. Her skin was color of oil, with gold as her underbelly. She had red eyes, with one squinted. She carried some kind of staff, shaped like a hook.

Anne narrowed her eyes. "Who is it?!"

The newt looked at Anne...before smirking, and showing...she had only one arm, with her tail serving as the second arm. "...it's been a long time."

Anne blinked. "I've...literally never met you."

The newt suddenly laughed. "Right, I apologize, Anne. You remind me of someone." She said, walking over. She then observed the group and smiled. "I take it you are here to charge the Blue Gem?"

Anne's eyes widened. "How do you know about that? And how do you know my name?"

"I am Valeriana. I am the Guardian of The Second Temple." She said suddenly. "I am connected to the stone myself, so I know all its holders. Which is easy to remember considering there were only three holders of the Blue Gem's power..."

Marcy's eyes widened. "Guardian?"

Valeriana nodded before walking closer. "Yes. I was an old friend of Heart's."

"That would explain the age..." Sprig mumbled, but got a look from the newt and shrunk.

Valeriana then faced Anne and smiled. "You carry her powers, Anne Boonchuy. And you're very much like her."

Anne's hair and eyes glowed a bit brighter at that for some reason before she smiled. "I am...?"

"Kind. Brave. Compassionate. And willing to do the right thing." Valeriana suddenly laughed. "If I didn't see everything you had done, I would be testing you right now. See if you are worthy of what you've proved to be worthy of long ago."

Marcy couldn't help but smile, watching the two talk.

"But Sasha on the other hand...she will be tested if she ever shows." Valeriana said.