Loyalty Among Worlds (Amphibia AU)

After returning Hop pop and his grandchildren to the Boonchuy's residence, Darrel and his family return home as well. The family was aware that the Plantars were in the mall, considering the amount of attention that was brought onto them. Darrel was grateful that his family was okay.

While on the road back to the house, Darrel asked his sisters. "So what did you guys get?" "We got pizza at the food court," said Jane. "Then we went to the Fitness Academy for gear and accessories. Gotta make ourselves stand out in front of everyone."

"So what happened at the mall?" Amelia asked. "The Plantars got into some trouble, so I had to help them out." "Aw, that sucks that we didn't get to help," said Jane. "But at least we weren't stuck at home waiting for something like this."

As they got back home, Darrel went up to his room, and Tint followed him. "I'm so glad we were able to get help," said Tint. "Me too, Tint," said Darrel. "Me too. I just thought that with everything going on, I believe things are going to be different. Both here, and in Amphibia." "Things are already different," said Tint. "Those things started at a time called 'yesterday'. Now, it is today. And it's what to do with tomorrow that's the question."

Darrel took his guitar and played on his strings. This time, it was a different melody. "What song is that?" Tint asked. "It's something called, The King's Lament," replied Darrel. "It's basically a melody that reflects on heartbreak, sorrow, grief, and remembrance." Tint sighed, "It's still getting to you isn't it?" Darrel nodded, "Yeah, I'm sorry for your loss."

"I didn't lose him," said Tint. "He was stolen from me. Andiras will not get away for what he's done. I swear that on my family's name, Andrias will pay." Darrel closes his eyes and gets a glimpse of Andiras standing over them laughing. Looking all innocent after everything he has done to him, Tint, Cronaxx, their family, and Marcy.

"Thank you for being in my life, Darrel," said Tint. "You're the only family I've got." Darrel opens his eyes and turns to him. "You're part of our family now," he said. "You're not alone and you never will be." Tint smiled, "Thanks Darrel." The two friends hug it out like the brothers they never had.

The very next day, Tint was up earlier than Darrel. He was talking to Jane and Amelia, telling them about his misadventures as an apprentice. They were so impressed that they wanted him to continue. Darrel wakes up, and finds Tint talking with his sisters.

"Sounds to me like you guys are getting along real well," said Darrel. "Yeah," said Tint. "I never knew having sisters could be this exciting." Darrel smirked, "They're something you can get used to."

Just then, Darrel's alarm clock goes off on his phone. The time is shown to be eight in the morning, only for Darrel to realize something he forgot while he was in Amphibia. "Eight o' clock!" he cried. "I'm running late! I forgot I still have a debt to pay at Thai Go!" Darrel races up the stairs, gets himself ready and makes his way to his bike.

His father and mother take notice of his rush against time. "I don't think it's that big of a deal if you're running late," said Matthew. "I'm sure Mr. and Mrs. Boonchuy will understand," said Sarah. "Perhaps," said Darrel. "But still, a man has to be responsible to pay for his own debts."

Darrel heads out the house and hops onto his bike. "Tint, look after the family until I get back," he said. "Family, keep an eye on Tint. Make sure he doesn't wander off." The family waved, "You got it Darrel!" And with that, Darrel rides off to the Boonchuy's restaurant, Thai Go!

Darrel arrives just minutes before the Boonchuy's do. He was most surprised he actually made it before them. Shortly after, they arrived as well. "Darrel, what are you doing here?" Anne asked. "I still have a debt to pay, remember?" replied Darrel.

"Oh Darrel, you don't have to help us anymore," said Mr. Boonchuy. "You've returned our daughter home safe and sound." "As a matter of fact," said Mrs. Boonchuy, "If he finishes today's shift, he'll be officially debt free. Think you can handle one more day, Darrel?"

Darrel shrugged, "I don't see why not." Anne climbs out of the car. "Hey Darrel. Guess you're here for your debt," she said. "Only one more day," said Darrel. "Hey Darrel," said Sprig, climbing out after Anne. "Hey Sprig, what are you doing here?"

"He's been misbehaving at home," said Anne. "So he wanted to come and help to make up for what he's done." "Oh, okay," said Darrel. "Come along, kids," said Mrs. Boonchuy. "We've got a long day ahead of us." "Coming mom," said Anne.

The group entered the restaurant and prepared to open. Anne turns on the stoves, Mrs. Boonchuy prepares the food, Mr. Boonchuy prepares the dining room, and Darrel prepares the dishes and silverware.

Sprig jumped up and down, anticipated to help them out. He chants, "How can I help?" Mrs. Boonchuy didn't want Sprig to worry so much. "Don't worry about it, Pink Frog. You're our guest. Why don't you sit in a corner with a Thai iced tea."

Sprig takes the iced tea and sits down grunting to himself. Darrel takes notice and feels guilty. "Hey Sprig, come over here." Sprig perks up and hops his way to the dishwashing machine.

"You need help?" Sprig asked. "Nope," replied Darrel. "But I think you want to talk about something." Sprig sulks behind the dish counter. "It's just that I wanted to be a part of Anne's family. And Anne's mom is treating me like a guest."

Darrel was most surprised, especially with his relationship with Anne. He saw the childlike behavior in Sprig, longing for a mother figure in his life. Ever since he lost his parents, Hop pop was the only one that took care of him and Polly. The amount of time he spent without a mother figure made himself sad. And knowing that this may be his only chance to have a mother again, Sprig was willing to do anything it takes to be a part of the Boonchuy family.

Darrel patted on Sprig's head, "If that's what you think Sprig, then maybe you should talk to them. These kinds of things take time. But eventually, gain enough trust and generosity, and they'll gladly accept you." "Really?" Sprig asked. "Some things are well worth waiting for," replied Darrel. "Until then, stick with me."

Shortly after, a bell rings at the front door. "Oops, sounds like we got a customer," said Mrs. Boonchuy. "Better set up a table early, Darrel." "Yes, Mrs. Boonchuy," replied Darrel.

Darrel heads out in the dining room to prepare a spot for the customer. "What's happening Boonchuy's?" he asked.

This customer was obviously frequent to Thai Go. He is shown to be a full figured man with dark brown hair reaching down to his neck. A small stubble of hair with a small chin beard on his face. He is shown wearing a Romance Academy 7 shirt under an open flame t-shirt. He is also wearing brown khaki pants and sneakers.

"Woah, Anne!? I thought you were dead," he said. Anne and Darrel spot their local customer, smiling. "Ned!" Anne cried. Turns out that the customer's name was Ned.

Darrel smirked at Ned, expressing his unamused eyes at him. "Hello Nedry," he said. "Hello Darrel," said Ned blandly. "Still alive and working here I see?" "Not for long, Nedry," replied Darrel. "Today is my last day until I'm debt free."

Ned chuckled, "Maybe next time you'll think twice about breaking my record. And maybe, you'll be able to pay for your food for once." Darrel shook his head smiling, "Look Nedry, I'm on the clock so I'm gonna do my job."

As Darrel goes to set the table, Sprig walks out to see Ned. "Check it out, Sprig. This guy's our number one customer. He's been around for years." Sprig gazed at the photos Anne points at. Turns out Anne was right, Ned has been around Thai go since Anne was a kid.

"And I'm not just a customer anymore Anne," said Ned. "I bought a food truck!" Darrel and Anne were surprised. "I want to bring your mom's amazing cooking to all of LA. She puts the pow in pad kra pao!" Ned pumps his fists, adding a dramatic flare to his idea.

"Oh neat," said Anne. "You guys are in business together?" Ned puts his hand behind his back and looks away nervously. "Well, no. Not yet."

Mrs. Boonchuy groaned and pinched her nose. "I already told you, we're just not interested in a food truck." "But you got the best Thai food in the county," said Nedry. "And if we partnered up, we could make so much money together. Couldn't you just share some of your recipes with me?"

"Absolutely not," said Mrs. Boonchuy. "These recipes are for family only." Ned groans, but then smiles, "When you change your mind, you know where to find me." He steps out of Thai Go and climbs back into his truck.

"Wow," said Anne. "He's literally parked right outside the restaurant." "Even I know a food truck parked right next to a restaurant is bad for business," said Darrel. "It is," said Mrs. Boonchuy. "Customers are very confused right now."

And right on cue, a customer looks at the sign, Thai Go. But then turns his head to the food truck that says Thai on the Go. Not knowing which is the real deal, makes the customer groan and shake in confusion. "What do I do?!" he cried as he fell to his knees.

"How long has this been going on?" Darrel asked. "It's been weeks," replied Mrs. Boonchuy. "And he still hasn't budged. Oh well, I better start the khao pad."

Mrs. Boonchuy walks back to the kitchen, leaving the three friends at the front desk. Darrel sighed, "I can't believe he's still holding on the fact I tried to beat his record. And that was months ago." "Hey," said Anne. "Maybe he'll feel better if you just let him have his thing. You don't need to beat his record to impress me, you know."

Anne and Darrel smile as she lays her hand on his. "I thought I was trying to impress Sasha at that time," said Darrel. "She looked convinced before I got the bill." Anne laughed at his statement. "Don't worry about that so much anymore. After tomorrow, you'll never have to work here again."

While the two were talking, Sprig was watching Ned's food truck outside and said, "Tough problem with Ned, huh? Why if someone were to solve it, your mom might consider him the son she never had."

Realizing where he was going with this, Anne and Darrel stop him in his tracks. "Sprig, stay out of this." "Okay okay, sheesh It was just a thought," said Sprig. "I mean it Sprig," said Darrel. "This is one of those things you don't understand. Heed my warning, Just leave it alone."

As time went on, Darrel was working hard on the dishes. He never felt so relieved to be smelling the scent of fresh soap. Mr and Mrs Boonchuy were most pleased with how he's handling his job. "Hey honey, can we talk?" Mr. Boonchuy asked. "Of course dear," she replied. "What about?"

They leave the kitchen as Darrel enters the dining hall to pick up plates. But as he was cleaning up a table, he spots Sprig making a ruckus. Anne takes notice as well. Sprig chants, "Morons! Morons!" as he was being dragged back into the restaurant by Anne and Darrel.

"Oh hey kids," said Ned. "While you're in there, could you grab those recipes?" Anne closes the door, and Darrel sets Sprig on the counter.

"Are you kidding me right now, Sprig?!" Darrel yelled. "I swear, If Mrs. Boonchuy caught you, Anne would get in trouble." "Wait, why would Anne get in trouble for something I did?" Sprig asked.

"Because mom doesn't yell at guests," replied Anne. "She only yells at family." Hearing that statement made Sprig feel sad and upset. "Ouch Anne, thanks for rubbing it in." Darrel gets up in his face. "You could've been caught, Sprig. Exposing yourself and your family. You wouldn't be safe anymore. You need to be smarter than this. The rules on Earth are different from Amphibia."

Sprig was most upset, not realizing that Darrel was right. He was in a different world, and so was his family. One foolish act would get them caught and exposed to the human world. Bad things could happen to them. He looks down with guilt.

"Look Sprig," said Anne. "I know what you're doing here. And I get why. But please stop, or I'll be cleaning the bathrooms with a toothbrush for the rest of my life. Just knock it off, okay?"

Anne exits the dining hall and Sprig smirks, "Heh, knock it off? Or knock it on?" Just then, Darrel grabs him from behind. "Oh no you don't!" he cried. "You cannot be trusted to be on your own around here." He takes Sprig to the dishwashing machine. "That's why you're not leaving my sight."

Sprig made many attempts to leave the dishwashing area, but Darrel always got the upper hand. Eventually, Sprig was about to give up. Until a voice was heard, "Darrel, could you come here please?" It was Mrs. Boonchuy. Darrel leaves the dishwashing area, and in a moment of weakness, he forgot to tell Sprig to stay in place.

Sprig sneaks away into Ned's food truck. Ned was dancing to the rhythm of music and cleaning his truck's floors. Sprig drops a note near Ned, gaining his attention. The note makes him smile with glee and he heads into the restaurant, leaving Sprig alone with his plan in place.

Anne exits the backdoor to take the garbage out of the restaurant. Suddenly, she spots Sprig in the food truck. "Oh no," she said.

Just as Darrel washed up and was about to meet with the Boonchuys, he hears the door to the restaurant open. He sighed, "Last minute customers." He enters the dining hall and finds Ned at the front desk. "Hey Darrel, is Mrs. Boonchuy in?"

Darrel was confused, "Nedry, why are you..more… happier than usual?" Darrel starts to put two and two together looking at his surroundings. He finds a note in Ned's hands, and a gleeful look on his face as if things were going so well. And to top it all off, he finds Sprig on the driver's seat of the food truck.

Darrel screamed for a second then said at a fast pace, "Mrs. Boonchuy's in the back, she'll be with you in just a moment!" He rushes out to the food truck before Sprig could touch anything.

Just as Sprig was about to touch the truck, Darrel and Anne stop him. "Sprig, get out of there NOW!" Darrel shouted. "What are you doing in there?" Anne asked. "Squirming my way into your mom's heart by making this food truck disappear!" Sprig claimed.

"Oh no you don't!" said Darrel. He jumps in and tackles Sprig to the ground. Anne climbs in after him to help him pin Sprig. Their pushing and shoving inadvertently caused Sprig to hit the gearshift. The food truck is set on neutral and starts rolling down the road with them inside.

The three kept on shoving and pushing until they felt a bump in the truck. They look up to see that they're moving. "Holy Crabapples!" Anne cried. "We gotta stop this truck!" Darrel screamed.

Anne takes the wheel, but Darrel was hesitant. "Anne, you can't drive!" He yelled. "True," said Anne. "But I have driven Bessie and played nine hundred hours of Super Warriors Karts." "That was a video game, Anne!" Darrel said. "This is real life!"

"Anne, look out!" Sprig cried. Anne swerves back onto the road without hitting the tree. "Use the brakes!" Darrel shouted. "Use the breaks!" Anne hits the brakes pedal, but nothing happens. They continue to speed down the road.

"Why isn't it working?!" Anne cried. Darrel looks up to see a note that says, 'Ned you rascal, don't forget to fix the brakes! - Ned.' Darrel growls, "Dang it, NED!"

The trio continue to rush down the hill, hitting a few obstacles along the way. After passing a sign that leads them to a skate park, Darrel comes up with an idea. "Guys! New plan. Sprig, I'm gonna need you to use that tongue to make a hard left." "Got it," said Sprig.

The food truck comes at the turn, and Sprig uses his tongue as instructed. His tongue wraps around a lamp post and the food truck turns left without tipping over. They drive into the skate park where they use the ramps and rails to slow the truck down. And finally, after jumping one more ramp, the truck comes to a complete stop. With broken glass and tires flat to prevent anymore rolling.

The trio sigh in relief. "I don't believe it," said Anne. "We did it!" Sprig cheered. "We're not out of the woods yet, Sprig," said Darrel. "Why not?" Sprig asked. The doors at the back of the truck open, revealing an angry Mrs. Boonchuy and Ned. "That's why not," said Darrel.

"I don't believe this," said Mrs. Boonchuy. She was not happy and neither was Ned. "Me either. You sent your daughter and coworker to destroy my truck? What are you people, insane?!

Sprig hops out to confess. "Anne and Darrel have nothing to do with this. This was all me." He looks up to a disappointed Mrs. Boonchuy. He takes off his hat and looks down. "I just wanted to be a part of the family. But I should've respected your boundaries instead of pestering you with something you didn't want."

Mrs. Boonchuy approaches Sprig and takes a knee. "It's okay Pink Frog… I mean Sprig. I know how much you mean to my daughter. And how much she means to you. I probably shouldn't have treated you like such an outsider."

Darrel and Anne climb out of the food truck and hear everything. They smile just as Ned starts crying. "I feel like an outsider too! I love your restaurant so much! I just wanted to be part of it. But I was wrong! I'm so sorry. I'm done trying to get your recipes. I just realized, this is a gross appropriation of your culture and I should just show myself out."

Then, Darrel got an idea. He walks over to Mrs. Boonchuy and whispers it to her. She nods in agreement and stops Ned. "Ned, look. I can't give you the recipes because they are for family only. But, we could use some help with deliveries."

Ned picks himself up hearing Mrs. Boonchuy asked for his services. "I mean it won't pay much," she said. "But you'll be part of the restaurant."

Ned shakes her hand in acceptance with the job. "Yes I'd love to. You'll not regret it Mrs. Boonchuy. Not for a second. Thank you!" "Actually, you should thank Darrel, he suggested the idea of delivering our food."

Darrel nodded, "After all, you're their number one customer." "That's very nice of you Darrel," said Ned. "So, are we good?" Ned and Darrel shake hands. "Of course, Darrel. And don't worry about not beating my record, it takes a lot of training and practice." "I have a better understanding now, Nedry," said Darrel.

Ned climbs into his truck and takes off to start a new opportunity for Thai Go. Leaving Anne, Darrel, Sprig, and Mrs. Boonchuy in the skate park.

"Darrel," said Mrs. Boonchuy. "I have something I want to give you." Darrel stepped up and simply said, "Okay." Mrs. Boonchuy smiled, "For all your hard work, and for bringing my daughter back safely to us. It is my great pleasure to declare you debt free. You are free to go."

Mrs. Boonchuy gives Darrel a form that says 'Debt Paid' making Darrel smile. "WOO HOO! I'm free!"

"Well, I guess we're all done here," said Sprig. However, he wasn't off the hook. Mrs. Boonchuy grabs his coat and pulls him up from the ground. "Not so fast," she said in an angry tone.

"If you think you're getting out of here without an earful, you've got another thing coming! Firstly, how dare you disobey me! Secondly, how dare you put Anne, Darrel, and yourself in danger. Thirdly, why are you smiling?"

Mrs. Boonchuy was confused. Sprig was crying tears of joy. Now that he's being scolded by a mother, it means he's not being treated like an outsider to the Boonchuys. "You're scolding me," said Sprig. "Which means…"

"Yep," said Anne. "You're family now bud." "This calls for a celebration!" Darrel cheered. As Darrel was getting jiggy with his victory dance, Sprig was hugging his mother figure. Mrs. Boonchuy was staring into the open with unease. "Already having second thoughts about this."

Darrel takes his bike back to his house after a long day of work. "Tint! Girls! Mom and Dad! I'm back, and I'm debt free!" He enters the living room and yelps at the sight of Tint in makeup and a dress.

Darrel smirked and laughed a bit. "Your sisters did this to me," said Tint in an unamused tone. "Welcome to a life with sisters," said Darrel. "Don't worry buddy, they only do that to new friends." Darrel takes Tint to the bathroom to clean up.