Another Friend in Amphibia

Chapter 12: Becoming a Battle Queen

Sasha sat in her cell. She was conversing with another toad she had met. A light purple one named Braddock.

"So, how's the garden?" Sasha asked trying to make conversation.

"It's gorgeous. You should see it sometime." Braddock answered.

"You know... I won't be able to see it while I'm stuck in this cell. You think you can unlock it for me, and we can go see it together?" Sasha requested with her eyes wide.

Braddock thought about it. "I don't know Sasha... Captain Grime can be really strict. He doesn't tolerate little hiccups."

"Come on! He left days ago and most of the toads aren't at the tower right now. We can walk around a bit, then get back to this cell before he even realizes I was gone." Sasha had been biding her time, waiting for a moment like this. The guards had slowly become undisciplined. Now, most of the tower's competent soldiers were out on some unknown mission. Probably searching for her friends. Although the bulk of the guards were still at the tower, Captain Grime himself wasn't. An opportunity like this may not come again.

"Alright... we'll walk around a bit." Braddock grabbed her keys and released Sasha.

"Thank you." Sasha said as she took one step toward freedom. "So, do you know why Grimesy left?" Grimesy was a nickname Sasha had created for Captain Grime. It was in some ways a subtle insult, as she refused to address him by his full title.

"No idea, just said there was something going on and he wanted to personally look into it." Braddock answered.

"Well alright, show me the garden." Sasha said.

The two walked down the stairs. Sasha could see toads mostly partying and having competitions rather than working. They walked out of the tower. There was a stable with giant spiders some toads were tending to. Off to the side, Braddock made a tiny garden. She only had a small plot of land to work with, but she made good use of that space. Somehow being able to grow a large berry bush.

"Wow, you managed to make this?" Sasha was impressed.

"Yep, I can grow my own food now." Braddock answered. She picked two berries and offered one to Sasha. The berries themselves were half green, half red. "Here, try one." Braddock offered.

Sasha grabbed the berry. She wasn't sure if it would poison her or how it would react to a human body. As she stared at it, her stomach growled fiercely. Her hunger strike had taken its toll and now her body was demanding any form of sustenance. Sasha put the berry in her mouth and chewed. Surprisingly, it didn't even have a seed on the inside. Sasha swallowed; she was expecting something bad to happen immediately. Possibly collapse or die from food poisoning. After a few seconds, she realized she felt full. In fact, eating that one berry was like eating an entire meal.

"That really hit the spot. You know, you're wasting your time here as a guard. You should go out into the world, pursue your passion for gardening. I think you'll do great." Sasha said.

"Well, I like my job." Braddock scratched her head.

"Can I ask for a favor?" Sasha spoke up.

"Sure, what is it?"

"My friends are out there, lost and probably scared. I need to find them. Can you please open that door and help me escape? I don't know what I would do if they got hurt." Sasha pleaded.

Before Braddock could think, the main gate swung open. One wagon being pulled by giant spiders came inside the fortress. The wagon itself seemed to be designed like a small bus. Capable of carrying at least ten toads. The toad Captain Grime was the first to step out. He looked at Sasha and Braddock. "You fool! What is she doing out of your cell!?" he started screaming. "Guards! Seize her!"