The Owl and the Frog

Chapter 63: The Olms and the Salamanders

Hope you're all doing well. Just to clarify, I've made a slight change to the chapters, so this one is now a combination of what was supposed to be "Prophecy of the Olms" and "Secrets of the Salamanders." I've condensed those two chapters into one to move things along, especially once I realized that I'm cutting a lot from "Mother Olm." But yeah, I hope you enjoy this new, more streamlined chapter, and I hope you'll love the big reveal at the end. I can't wait to hear what you think, so please comment and review. It always motivates me to write faster when I get good feedback from you guys.

I hope I continue to impress you...

Deep in the underground halls of the resistance, a training area had been set up to allow participants to hone their fighting skills. At the moment, Sprig and Sasha were locked in another training match, while Luz, Anne, and others had gathered around to watch.

Sasha swung her training sword at Sprig, but the small frog leapt out of the way before it could make contact. Sprig readied his slingshot and fired at Sasha; she swung her sword and managed to knock the projectile out of the air. She charged at him, using both her swords to try to strike him. Sprig backflipped out of the way and shot his tongue out at Sasha, trying to grab one of her swords. His tongue connected, and he pulled hard, but Sasha held firm.

The two began a small tug of war for the sword. Eventually, Sasha let go, and the sword launched towards Sprig. His eyes lit up as he attempted to duck out of the way; the sword flew past him, but, with his tongue still attached, its momentum carried him back. The sword slammed into a wall with Sprig following close behind. He hit the wall, causing Anne and Luz to both wince as they saw that, though his tongue was finally released from the sword. Sasha charged straight at him.

Sprig stood up and launched another projectile at Sasha, but once again she batted it away. Sprig jumped over her while she tried to strike him. As he was in the air, he aimed and fired his slingshot again, finally striking Sasha in her mask, causing her to stumble. Sprig shot his tongue out at her leg and pulled back hard, causing her to fall on her back. While she was down, Sprig hopped on her stomach and aimed his slingshot directly in Sasha's face. She looked him in the eyes for a brief second before raising her hands in surrender.

"Nice, it seems you're starting to get the hang of it," said Sasha.

"Only because you're such a good teacher," said Sprig, offering his hand to her. Sasha accepted it and stood back up.

"Great job, Sash!" exclaimed Anne, coming up to her and hugging her. "I love how you're teaching Sprig to be a better fighter."

"The little guy certainly has spirit," replied Sasha. "He must have after going on all those adventures with you."

"I think you've done a fantastic job teaching him," remarked Anne.

"She certainly has," commented Sprig. "Sasha taught me all about moving fast and using my size to dodge attacks."

"I'm even smaller than you, so that strategy should work for me too!" exclaimed Polly, coming up to the group.

"I'd say you're doing great, boy," complimented Hop Pop, putting his arm on Sprig.

"Who wants to try a mock duel next?" asked Sasha.

"I'd like to try," said Amara, stepping forward. "Who wishes to spar with me?"

"I've been learning a lot with the spear," said Bella, raising a wooden training spear in her hands. "I wouldn't mind going a few rounds with you."

"Sure," said Amara, "let's see what you've got."

The two newts stepped into the arena, though Bella noticed that Amara didn't have a weapon.

"Are you fine fighting with just your hands?" asked Bella.