Chapter Text
1-
It’s a bustling day in the Newtopian market, so many places to be and so many shops to visit. The aroma smelling of fresh bread and sea water. The sillage of rich newt’s perfume and much too overpriced shampoo flooding Marcy’s senses.
Stalls flooding with different goods. New inventions, knick-knacks, and dresses. New perfumes imported from the high side of Newtopia, or new swords and steel from the axolotl land in the higher regions from amphibia. New goods to study, right down, and experiment with.
What possibly could she buy? There were so many options, so many temptations!
No! Marcy thought to herself. This was for king Andrias. He was the one who helped her when she was not able to fend for herself. He was the one who took her under his wing and guided her to become as smart as she is. She needed to buy a present for him.
Despite popular belief, Marcy Wu was in fact, not good with money. She knew how to do taxes, knew how to add tax to different items, and knew how to calculate the bill. Though, when it came to spending it, she was a hoarder.
She would buy a bunch of stuff and never sell it.
She never could save her money, could she?
But who could blame her? When Sasha and Anne would buy tons of new clothes and accessories, she had just as much fun shopping for new fidget-toys, nintendo cases, or games. It's why the mall was a sacred place for the trio. Everyone has something there for them.
The fresh scent of flowers pulled her back. Despite Amphibia being its own completely different environment, there were certain aspects that were incredibly similar to earth. In amphibia you could still find Steel, copper, Water, and
Flowers.
The exact type you could find on Earth, could be found here.
She makes her way to where she could smell them the best. Down the road across the street, a small flower stand is present. She can see a tall newt, blue and yellow, fiddling with the flower stems.
There! That was the perfect gift for King Andrias!
She headed to the stall. She had studied the flower meaning back in, what, 3rd grade? No, 2nd. Her parents had bought her a 200 paged flower dictionary. She had completed the entire book in 2 hours, and memorized it by the back of her head in 4 days.
She made her way down the road, and crossed the street to the flower stand. The flower stand housed many exotic flowers. Marcy recognized a solid ⅔ of the flowers, and started thinking about what flowers would have the best meanings.
She picked up a sunflower, a baby’s breath, and a calla ’lily.
A bouquet, well not really, but 3 flowers fit for a king. Or in this case, the king.
Marcy made her way back to the castle. The Newts knew her well, and weren’t afraid of asking her to stop and help with something. These tasks ranged from getting their bugs out of the tree, or cleaning their pond. So she put on her hood and rushed.
When she made it to the castle, she politely asked Lady Olivia where the king was.
“He’s on the balcony, Master Marcy.” Lady Olivia said tiredly, holding her “juice”.
Marcy made her way up the staircase, since the balcony was on the 3rd floor.
Something that had always baffled Marcy was that the newts had the same titles as earth, but she had never been called her respective title by Lady Olivia. Usually she should have been referred to as “Ranger Marcy '' but instead, she was referred to as “Master Marcy.”.
Did Lady Olivia not know she was basically calling Marcy a little boy?
Marcy’s trail of thought stopped when she met the balcony door-way. She was a quick walker, often leaving Anne and Sasha behind. She pushed the door, and in front of her stood King Andrias mumbling something. She noticed he had done that alot.
Maybe being a king does that to people, always having to mumble or talk to yourself about new ideas, new plans, hell, even Marcy mumbled to herself a lot!
She clutched the flowers in her hand, and politely spoke up.
“King Andrias, ya there?” Marcy made out.
Ok, maybe not that polite.
“Ohh, Marcy!” He said, tone happy. Marcy grinned at this, she didn’t find him in a bad mood. Often whenever she tried to talk to her father during times when he was mumbling to himself, it would be returned with screams and shouts drowned in anger.
But King Andrias wasn’t like her dad, he was so much better!
Her days with King Andrias included, well, actually being able to voice her opinion (something she couldn’t even do with Anne or Sasha.). Being included in conversations, being useful. She was respected, needed, maybe even adored. Her voice was something here. On earth, her voice could be compared to one of a moucies.
And sure sometimes King Andrias would ask her to do extra long shifts, and sure he maybe sometimes would make her do trips that were days maybe weeks long. But she was being useful, it didn’t matter how there had been a few times she was in the hospital for overworking herself.
Plus, the newts had free healthcare!
She lifted her arm up to show the three flower bouquet. King Andrias had a grin plastered all over his face.
“Why Marcy, this bouquet is quite a lovely batch! But when I asked you to go to the market, I asked you to buy something for yourself silly!” The King said with a smile.
That was true. But what was better than surprising the ones you cared about? Now that was a gift!
Marcy returned with a giggle.
“Alright Mar-Mar, let's get the flowers set up next to the Flipwart stand. Maybe now You could finally beat me?” King Andrias said, eyes glinting with curiosity.
Marcy nodded.
Marcy ended up winning that game, to Andrias’s surprise.
(The Flowers Rotted The Day The Core Finally Got To Meet Her In Person)-
Calla Lily- Sophistication
Sunflower- Loyalty
Baby’s Breath- Faith.
Marcy’s bouquet showed how she would follow the king to the end of Amphibia, then back.
—
2-
Marcy Wu had never been one to value modesty. It was something that never really came to her. Why be so polite when in the future, when you get to know the person, you wouldn’t be polite then? Why can’t you just skip the formalities and get straight into the good stuff.
She still was polite nonetheless. No way was she going to risk anything.
Though, when rumor brought into the castle that it was lady Olivia’s birthday, Marcy couldn’t resist herself to be just a bit polite.
Marcy didn’t know what to get her. Anything could suit Lady Olivia, bo=ut she already had everything. The newt probably hosted all of the most precious jewels of amphibia in her jewelry stand.
Marcy strolled through the mall. Looking around at the shops and booths. Trying to eye something that maybe lady Olivia would already have.
Then, she spotted it. A flower booth that presented the most brilliant flowers she had ever seen. The aesthetics, the diversity, the exoticness. It was stunning. The booth had grape vines running the wood pillars, and the stall was filled with beautiful flowers.
That was going to be lady Olivia’s gift, it was perfect.
Surely lady Olivia knew the flower meanings, right? Lady Olivia had opened up to her about her childhood, explaining how she was taught to be the most respectful, dainty, hardworking lady she could be. She had to be taught the flower's meaning at one point.
Marcy looked around at the stall. She decided to pick up a Hydrangea, Zinnia, and Pink Rose. The perfect bouquet for the most perfect newt.
Marcy quickly paid for the flowers, and left without saying a word.
She found Lady Olivia at the garden, admiring the beauty of the roses. Lady Olivia had always been one for nature, one for the beauty of the world.
“Lady Olivia, I got you something for your birthday!” Marcy cheered. Lady Olivia turned her head with a slight smile. One eyebrow lifted up, signaling Macy to show the present.
Marcy presented the bouquet. Lady Olivia gasped. Eyes star struck.
“Why thank you Marcy!” Lady Olivia exclaimed. She didn’t use Master Marcy, it was just Marcy. Were they on first name basis now? Not that Marcy was complaining, that was a great thing to know! Though, should she reply with “Olivia”? No! Still be polite. She couldn’t risk it.
“Why your welcome, Lady Olivia.” Marcy said, drawing out the end of her name. Lady Olivia started to giggle, and then Marcy started cracking up too.
Frogs, it couldn’t get better than this.
(It didn’t.)
Hydrangea- Gratitude
Zinnia- Respect
Pink Rose- Gentleness
The bouquet symbolized the fact that Marcy saw Lady Olivia as a mother figure. Marcy looks up to her.
–
3-
Marcy Wu had never been one to hold a sword. The intensity of it, the pressure, the weight. It burdened her. A crossbow had always been the better weapon for her The point that you could aim. The way math and physics could be incorporated so you could calculate the best possible place to shoot. It was perfect.
She owed it to Yunan when she showed her that. Showed her to instead of shying away from things she didn’t like, also known as physician activity, instead, focus on ways you could improve on the things that challenge her.
So when Marcy found out it was General Yunan’s anniversary. She went. “Wait, I thought she and Olivia were dating? Is she already married-”
Turns out, it was her anniversary to become a general…
Nevermind. She needed to get her something to show her gratitude. Something that had the crazy and sparky attitude Yunan embraced. Something.. Yunan.
So she went to the one person who knew Yunan best.
“Lady Olivia, what in the world should I get her?” Marcy said, extravagantly sighing in the most dramatic way possible.
“Hmm. Well I'm getting her a new sword and some new armor..” Lady Olivia said, trailing off in thought.
Of course rich people would give other rich people rich stuff. But her Ranger salary would not last.
“But, she does love flowers..” Lady Olivia said. Giving Marcy a smile.
Marcy had seen Yunan with flowers in her hair from time to time, especially when her and lady Olivia would meet, but she had never thought anything of it. Maybe Lady Olivia just wanted Yunan to look nice, maybe it was something more romantic. But if Yunan did like flowers, it would be a good idea to buy them.
“Oh my god Lady Olivia you're a life saver!” Marcy chidded. Lady Olivia only smiled at this response.
Marcy headed her way to the newtopian mall. The same exact stall is still in place. The beautiful grape vines are now home to ripe grapes.
Marcy made her way to the stand and selected a few flowers. She picked out a full bouquet of Lilac, Gardenia, and Lisianthus. She quickly paid the stall owner (who she was now on a first name basis with) and thanked her.
Marcy made her way to the training grounds. She looked around but couldn’t find Yunan, who was usually here at this time helping other nets become better sword wielders. This was the exact same place where Marcy had learned to use a crossbow.
Marcy remembers how Yunan first seemed cold and brash, but how Marcy had quickly warmed up to her. The moment Marcy picked up (or attempted to) a sword, she had a sad look in her eyes. Though that pity was quickly blown away when Marcy had picked up the crossbow.
The moment she put it on it felt perfect, from the way it wasn’t too heavy on her hands, to the way it fit in with her personality. It was strategic, calculative, but also fun. It was open to interpretation, and could be used for many different skills and assets (which wasn’t a lot like Marcy, because all she can do is calculate the bill, but it's still similar).
It was perfect, and practical, everything Marcy needed.
It also shocked Yunan. From the moment she picked it up, Yunan has said it seemed perfect for her. Marcy wasn’t the strongest fighter, but her and her trusty crossbow always seemed to be a power source.
Her trail of thought stopped when she heard cackling coming from the hallway where Lady Olivia’s room was. A cackle that sounded suspiciously close to one of Yunan’s.
She made her way down the hall to spot Yunan and Lady Olivia, having a laughing fit. She called Yunan, who looked over to her.
“What do you need, Marcy?” She playfully said.
“I just wanted to give ya this, since it's your anniversary and all.” Marcy said, grinning. Yunan took the flowers and put them around her ear, and flashed Marcy a smile.
“ They are quite lovely Marcy, thank you..’ Yunan said in a voice much softer than her normal tone.
And with that Marcy swiftly left, since there was much work to be done! She still needed to find her friends and fix the newtopian sewer systems. Don't forget the volunteer planting group she had made to plant new trees for the Newtopian park!
(Such a shame the moment she went away, all of her hard work disappeared.)
Lilac- Youth
Gardenia- Hope
Lisianthus- outgoing nature and appreciation
This bouquet symbolized Yunan’s incredible achievements, and how Marcy looks up to her.
—
4-
Jealousy had never looked good on Marcy Wu. But whenever she looked at Sasha Waybright holding a sword, swinging a shield, or talking back, she couldn't help but feel its gentle sting.
Don’t get Marcy wrong, she loves Sasha, she really does! Her and Anne are her world. But loving someone's qualities sometimes come with wanting their qualities. And Sasha was everything Marcy wasn’t.
She was loud, funny, the life of the party, she knew how to hold a sword, and was the embodiment of a main character. Marcy was at best comic relief.
Sasha had that aura to her, the aura that made you feel protected. Marcy had that aura which made you feel awkward, which was definitely not the same. Sasha could stand up for herself and others, Marcy can’t even look to people eye to eye.
So when Marcy met Sasha again, to find that now not only could she swing swords and shields, but she was at Yunan’s level at it, made her heart flourish in that sweet green envy.
And on top of that, the only thing Marcy could ever hold up to Sasha was intelligence. And now, Sasha had that too. From her battle strategy to the way she pulls up plans in minutes flat, she was perfect. Marcy was practically useless at the 3rd temple, all she could do was be a translator.
And what was the icing on the cake? Marcy could still say she might be kinder than Sasha, or more gentle than Sasha. Which was now completely untrue. Battle of the bands proved to Marcy that Sasha was now worth more than Marcy could ever be.
It was like comparing a diamond necklace to those string bead bracelets you made at your friends house when you were like, 7.
But alas, Sasha is still her friend. No matter how much it pains Marcy to see her be better than her, she still loves her. And she still wants the absolute best for her, no matter what.
Marcy’s head was spinning, with a mix of low-self esteem and words of encouragement. The flower fields were beautiful, maybe she could get Sasha some flowers? Since she hadn’t seen her in a hot minute.
A part of the field had a patch of Dame’s rockets, which caught Marcy’s eyes. The purple was extravagant, and the shape was beautiful. Perfectly royal for a girl like Sasha. She plucked one, and gently stashed it into her pouch.
She roamed the field, searching for some more flowers. A colorful yellow caught her eyes. There lay a patch of yellow hyacinths, which matched the color of Sasha’s hair. It was perfect. She plucked one up and stuffed it into her pouch.
She rushed back to the planter house since it was almost dark. The moon falling over Marcy, making her black hair seem just a bit blue.
She found Sasha lying outside, training a bit.
“Sash!” Marcy called out. Sasha’s head turned back to greet Marcy.
“Hey Mar-Mar! What's up?” Sasha said with a plastered fake smile.
Marcy knew exactly what was going through Sasha’s head most of the time. Most people would think Sasha was a sweet, genuine girl. But Marcy has studied enough about body language to know what is genuine and what's not.
Just because Sasha knew how to work her way through people doesn’t mean she was a bad person. She just knew what she wanted and how to get it. Which was the complete opposite of Marcy.
“I just wanted to give ya something.” Marcy said. She reached to her pouch and pulled out the two flowers. Sasha’s eyes lightened up.
“Wow! Thanks Marcy!” Sasha exclaimed as she took the flowers. Marcy headed back to her trailer.
And with Sasha’s genuine smile, Marcy looked at the bright side. Green meant prosperity and safety. And that's what she was. Absolutely green.
(Green also means Greed.)
Dame’s Rocket- Rivalry
Yellow Hyacinths- Jealousy
This bouquet symbolized Marcy’s jealousy of Sasha.
—
5-
Anne Boonchuy was Marcy’s other half. It was an unspoken fact, but true. She was the one she could bounce off of, the one that made Marcy feel ups and downs in her stomach. She was her soulmate, the one who could read her.
And when Sasha was added to the mix, they balanced eachother out perfectly. They were the calm of the calamity. They completed each other. They complimented each other. All of them were their own individual hurricane, but when they ganged up, they were the calm in the storm.
That being said, Marcy valued both girls in different ways. With Sasha, she values her like a sister. Someone who you could always look up to count on. Someone who by all means wasn’t perfect, but always there.
But when it came to Anne, it was hearts and butterflies galore. Whenever Anne made a joke, she would wheeze. It could be the stupidest joke Marcy has ever heard, but she would still laugh. With Anne, it was a longing.
Marcy wasn’t sure if the plan with Andrias would work, she had a sneaking suspicion Sasha was up to something. But god knows Marcy doesn’t have the heart to call her out. She wanted to tell Anne how she felt, but not tell Anne how she felt. So, she weighed her options and decided on a great idea.
A bouquet of flowers.
At this point, she writes all the possible flowers that she could give to Anne. A yellow pansy, daisies, white lilies, and red tulip. She decides on getting Anne two white lilies and two red tulips.
She heads to the flower field, and picks up the flowers. The scenery is lovely, and she can’t help but think about bringing the girls here. Her trail of thought is stopped when she hears Anne yell.
“Mar-Mar we got to go! We're leaving for Newtopia!” Anne said, calling out to Marcy.
Marcy’s hand reached her pouch and pulled out the flowers. She found Anne and shoved them into her chest.
“Here ya go Anna-Banana!” Marcy said with a manufactured giggle. She tried her best to sound as innocent as possible, not raising suspension of what those flowers meant.
“Wow.. Marbles, they're lovely! Let's talk more when we're in the trailer though.” Anne says in a rush, grabbing Marcy’s hand and leading her to the trailer.
Marcy can’t help but feel the butterflies in her chest flutter.
(It's the exact spot that gets punctured by a flaming sword.)
Yellow Pansy- Thinking of you
White lily- Pure love
Red Tulip- A declaration of love.
Daisy-??????????????
This bouquet symbolized her love for Anne, and how it was as pure as you can get. It was also a declaration of it.
—
+1
The rain isn’t too hard on Anne’s raincoat. The gentle tapping sound it makes is soothing. Too soothing for such a night. The sky is dark and cloudy, just like Anne’s thoughts.
She isn't stupid, she read that damned notebook. She knew exactly what those flowers meant, and how Marcy felt. She knew how it was a declaration of romantic love. How Marcy knew Sasha was up to something, but was too scared to speak up.
Just like how Anne is scared of the fact that she still wants to reciprocate to Marcy.
Scratch that, she already has reciprocated. She had loved Marcy long before Amphibia. She had always thought of Marcy as something a bit more than a friend.
From the moment they met, they were a duo. Actually, no. Not a duo, the duo. The pair that was envied, the pair that was close. They were everyone's dream middle school relationship. The only down-side is they weren’t actually together.
With Sasha, Anne had thought of her as her best friend. Someone to rely on, someone to cherish. But with Marcy? It was the exact same except adding some butterflies and feeling and heart-beat and god. Anne was down bad.
And Anne knew she was allowed to be angry, but she wasn’t. She could never be angry at Marcy for too long. Because Marcy has never had bad attention, Marcy has never been willing to hurt anyone, and just like Anne that night, Marcy had been betrayed and backstabbed.
And what's even worse? She had read that damn notebook to the point she memorized it.
She knew how Marcy had developed feelings in 2nd grade, much before Anne had even known what crushes were. She knew how Marcy hated the endless pining, and just wished she would grow up and fall out of love. She knew that Marcy had thought that Anne might have cared about her as much as she cared about Anne.
And she was completely right.
Anne would do everything again to get Marcy back, the backstabbers, the betrayals, the pain. Anything to have Marcy in her arms again. Anne had loved Marcy, not as a best friend, but as a lover.
Anne had catched feelings back in 5th grade. It was the end of the elementary school graduation party, and something about Marcy’s sligh giggles and cute dances had Anne completely star-struck. Nothing could be harmful around Marcy. She would make light of any situation.
She felt those butterflies, she would rant to Sprig all day about her cute little giggles. When Marcy had originally given those flowers, she talked to Sprig for 2 hours straight about how amazing she was, sharing stories of things she did as a kid.
And she still felt that way. Because despite betraying Anne, she had saved Spring's life and Anne’s life, at the cost of her own.
So the most Anne could do to repay the bouquet, and let Marcy know she had long reciprocated, was to get Marcy her own special batch of flowers. The notebook had helped Anne, and she knew exactly what flower to pick.
So there, on Marcy’s makeshift grave (because her body was still in Amphibia) lay a bundle of daisies, waiting to wilt.
(Marcy’s body was in-fact, up in moving at the very moment Anne had placed those flowers.)
This bundle of flowers showed how Anne had long forgived Marcy, and how Anne had long loved Marcy in a pure, innocent way. No strings attached.
—