Chapter 2: Wyki vs. Liberty

Curled up against her mother, Misty lay down in the mothers' den. It was nighttime, so the mothers were insisting upon their kids to go to sleep. Campbell and Liberty had put up a fight, but Charlotte had won them over, claiming they wouldn't get to visit Tiggerkat the next day; Tiggerkat often amused the young, so they enjoyed visiting her. Misty looked at Campbell and Liberty, who had their eyes closed, trying to drift off to sleep. Misty turned to look at Adele one last time - she had her eyes closed - before closing her eyes as well, trying to get comfortable.
However, Misty couldn't fall asleep. Her eyes fluttered open, and she examined the room. Everyone was asleep but her. She trotted over to the window looking down on the yard; Airia had always warned her not to sit on the sill, because she didn't want Misty falling. So Misty kept away from the edge.
Maybe I'll go out to the yard, Misty thought. Most likely, the other animals of the Tower were asleep, either that or doing night training or hunting, developing their skills for working in the dark. Misty trotted out of the room and through the hallways, down the stairs. She crept out into the yard, which was empty. It looks so weird without anyone here, Misty thought. Her head lifted up and she looked at the almost-full moon. I wonder where the moon is...
"Misty?"
Perking her ears, Misty looked to see who was coming - Koro, a young male wolf-husky mix, Light's son. Misty had admired Koro's strength; he had been an apprentice for such a little time because he had amazing skills. So did Rhett, Koro's brother. They barely had to train.
"What are you doing out here?" Koro asked.
"Um...I couldn't sleep," Misty admitted.
Koro studied Misty for a while. "Hmm. But you should probably get back to your den."
"Well, what are you doing out here?" Misty shot back.
"I'm going to go get Rhett. He's hunting, and I think he needs to get his sleep," Koro retorted calmly. He then smiled. "I'll take you back to Airia, I guess." He patted Misty with his tail, indicating for her to follow him. Sighing, Misty trotted after the wolf-husky; she felt much smaller standing next to him.
They walked back into The Bending Tower, Misty following reluctantly. They trotted up the stairs and into the hallway. But, Misty then perked her head to see her father, Ash, coming around the corner. "Misty? Koro?" he said, "what are you guys doing up?"
"I went to go get Rhett, and found Misty sitting out there by herself," Koro reported.
"Couldn't sleep?" Ash asked Misty.
Misty shook her head, looking down at her paws.
"That's alright. Koro, you can go get your brother," Ash nodded.
Koro nodded back in respect and trotted away.
"Want to sleep with me?" Ash asked.
Misty nodded. "Okay!" she exclaimed. Misty never really had a lot of time to spend with her father, as he was always busy doing his leader duties and tending to the other animals of The Bending Tower. And when she looked for her dad, he was never to be found; most likely hunting.
They arrived in Ash's den. It was rather big, and had a pool in it for drinking, and a huge window with a view of the yard below and vines decorating the walls of the room. The moonlight shined through the window, illuminating the room. "This room is pretty," Misty said in awe.
"Well, I worked hard to be able to sleep in here," Ash chuckled.
In the corner, someone lifted their head. "Ash?" the silhouette yawned.
"Just bringing in Misty, Raoul," Ash replied. "Couldn't sleep."
"Oh," muttered the silhouette. "G'night." With that, Raoul put his head back on his paws.
As Ash settled himself next to the pool, Misty walked over. "How did you become leader?" she asked.
Ash smiled. "A little nighttime story wouldn't hurt, I guess." He cleared his throat. "When I became deputy, the Firebenders were rulers of The Bending Tower. The deputy before me was a lion named Kabu. Kabu was strong, full of courage and never gave up, even if it meant he had to die. He was forced to retire to the elders, even though he didn't deserve it..." Ash sighed. "Goldwing chose me to be deputy. I thought he'd choose River, though. You know who he is?"
Misty nodded. "Isn't he Rusty and Dust's father or something?"
"Yes," Ash replied. "But I did become deputy. Goldwing - he's your mother's father, actually - was murdered by a Firebender, along with your great-great grandfather, Airwing."
Even though she didn't know this "Goldwing" and "Airwing", immediately Misty felt sorry for them.
"I had to take over," Ash continued. "So I did...I lead The Bending Tower, Water Tribe, Earth Kingdom and a Tribe of non-Benders to the Fire Nation to exile them. And so we did. That's why today, The Bending Tower is at peace. And will be for many more moons."
"G-Good story," Misty said, failing to stifle a big yawn.
"I see you're tired now," Ash chuckled. "Go to sleep. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, dad."


When Misty woke up, she first didn't know where she was - but then remembered she slept with Ash last night. However, when she opened her eyes, Ash wasn't there, neither was Raoul. The sun was in the sky. They probably went to go work, Misty thought, slowly rising to her paws. She yawned and stretched her legs before trotting out of the room and through the hallway, down the stairs and into the yard.
The yard was busy - the total opposite of how it was at night - and filled with animals. Misty spotted Campbell, Adele, Airia and Charlotte sitting by the prey pile. Both of the mothers were deep in conversation, Charlotte laughing, while Campbell was narrowing her eyes and watching...Misty followed her friend's gaze. Sure enough, Campbell was watching Liberty.
Misty watched Liberty; she was currently crouched down, eyes narrowed at Wyki, a black male wolf, with Sirius and Mirage - Wyki's siblings - watching. Apparently Wyki must have challenged Liberty to a play-fight, which Misty knew from watching Liberty in the past was never a good idea. Wyki, Sirius and Mirage had recently been born to Akumu, Flare's mate, so they probably didn't know much about Liberty and her fighting skills yet.
"Your move," Liberty growled.
Wyki narrowed his eyes and lunged at Liberty. However, Liberty simply quick dodged Wyki, and when the male wolf pup landed with a thud, Liberty pinned him down. He struggled to get up, but Liberty kept her paw on him. "Don't try to challenge me again, now."
"Hey!" Mirage exclaimed, jumping at Liberty. "That's my brother!"
Liberty easily jumped out of Mirage's way, making Mirage miss.
"And apparently both of you couldn't even fight a mouse," Liberty said coldly.
Sirius snickered.
"You're supposed to help us," Wyki pointed out to Sirius. "We're your brothers."
"My very annoying brothers at that," Sirius insisted.
"Liberty is good!" whispered Ekaj - Slice's pup.
Malroy, Ekaj's brother, nodded. "I wish I could fight like that."
"And you probably couldn't, with your bad eye and all," Ekaji pointed out.
Misty felt sympathy for Malroy - he had a bad eye that made it very difficult for him to see. He was born with it, and it made his training more difficult, from what Misty had heard from Lephos and Sidew.
Misty turned her attention back to Liberty and Wyki. "Whatever," Wyki was growling. "Trust me, one day, I will be able to knock you halfway across the territory."
Liberty snorted. "And mice might fly."
"Burn," muttered Ekaj.
Wyki narrowed his eyes and stalked away, Mirage and Sirius trailing after.

Author's Note:
Yay, pointless chapters. :D
Oh, and check my new story.
Also, look at Misitu's Art Central. It has a new look. :3

Chapter 1: A Day at The Bending Tower

Leaves swished on the ground as a black-and-white wolf pup trotted through the forest. She smiled up at the treetops; sunlight was shining brightly through the beautiful orange and yellow leaves. Birds tweeted too; it looked like a beautiful day.
"Misty!"
The pup turned and smiled as a gray female pup trotted up to her.
"Hey Campbell," the pup greeted the other.
"Going for a walk?" the gray pup asked.
"Uh-huh," Misty nodded. She kept walking, Campbell at her side. "What were you doing at the Tower?"
"Nothing, really," Campbell shrugged. "Except watching Liberty. She was--"
"Alright," Misty giggled. "No need to go on one of your rants."
"But it's just...I don't know why everyone likes Liberty so much," Campbell growled.
"She's your sister, Campbell, don't be angry at her," Misty replied.
"Why is everyone so impressed about her though?" Campbell demanded.
"Um..." Misty didn't quite know what to say; Liberty, Campbell's sister, was a hot-tempered she-wolf, and a brilliant fighter. She'd play-fight with everyone and always win, even against the guys, which was pretty impressive since the boys were pretty tough. The full Benders even respected her for her skills. "Maybe because she's a nice--?"
"No she's not. She snaps at the smallest things!" Campbell protested.
"Well then, I don't know," Misty muttered.
They walked along in silence until they approached Ice River. Misty stiffened. "Let's go back."
"Why?" Campbell asked.
"We can't go any further," Misty shrugged.
Campbell snorted. "Please. Look, we can cross if we want to. It can't be that dangerous."
"But my father said--"
Her tail up to indicate for Misty to stop talking, Campbell interrupted her. "Yeah, yeah, your father...you know, just because he's leader of The Bending Tower, it doesn't mean you need to demonstrate how to suck up to him, alright?"
Misty felt taken aback. "Campbell, we can't--"
"Fine, I'll show you," Campbell insisted. She then jumped over the river. "Okay. You come now!"
Misty looked at the river hesitantly. I can't let Campbell be over there by herself... Misty bunched her legs together, prepared to make a leap...
"Misty! Campbell!"
Full of relief, Misty turned to see Max trotting up, followed closely by his apprentice, Spot, a black-and-white Dalmatian. "What are you two doing?" Max demanded. "You know you two can't cross Ice River, it's not our territory!"
"We're sorry, Max," Campbell apologized, all of the sudden looking innocent.
Max narrowed his eyes. "Campbell, you need to learn to start following the rules." He then looked at Misty. "And Misty, I wouldn't expect something like this from you."
Misty shrank back. "S-Sorry, Max."
The purple-black collie studied Misty for a bit, but then sighed. "I guess you two could have done something worse...come on, I'm going to take you back to the Tower. Your mothers will be wanting you for lunch now, anyway."
"What about our training?" Spot asked.
"After I take these pups back," Max replied.
The four of them began to walk by in silence, until Campbell finally whispered, "See, when you're not an apprentice you can get away with anything. They don't expect you to break the rules, and when you do they excuse it, thinking you're too little to understand."
"But that doesn't mean we can go breaking rules!" Misty hissed.
"Yeah, but dad always told me: when you have an advantage, use it," Campbell replied.
Misty wanted to say that she didn't think that's what he meant, but they had arrived at the gates that were being guarded by Crystal, her apprentice Lephos, and Streak, and his apprentice, Sidew.
"Hello," Crystal nodded in greeting.
"I found these two by Ice River," Max said, giving Misty a look. Luckily, he didn't say further more.
"You can come in," Crystal replied. The gates opened, and they walked into a room with apprentices training their Bending skills and fighting.
"Go find your mothers," Max ordered. He then turned to Spot. "Let's go."
The two of them then left.
"Geez. What's with Max, being so strict?" Campbell asked.
"Well, he is a full Bender," Misty pointed out. "We need to listen to him."
The two of them then walked out to the yard.
Misty noticed Campbell narrowing her eyes. Following her gaze, Misty saw who she was looking at: Bracken, who was busy talking to his mentor Firefly, eagerly. "Ugh. Bracken," Campbell muttered.
"What's wrong?" Misty cocked her head.
"I just don't like him," Campbell grumbled.
Misty looked at her friend in disbelief. "Why not...?"
"Don't you know who his father is?" Campbell exclaimed, "Ironfang."
"So?" Misty shrugged.
"So, I heard that Ironfang was a cold-blooded murderer!" Campbell hissed.
"But...That doesn't mean Bracken is," Misty insisted.
"Oh, yeah? Well, do you think that maybe Bracken may have inherited some of Ironfang's traits? And guess what else?" Campbell dropped her voice to a whisper. "Ironfang tried to kill your father!"
Misty stiffened. "B-But that's in the past. Besides, Bracken's okay..."
Just then, Misty noticed Bracken making his way over to her. She felt sympathy for the young bobcat though; whenever he walked by, animals seemed to grimace and move away from him, flinching at his every move as if they expected him to explode. Sure enough, as he walked by, animals were jumping away from him as usual. Bracken seemed used to it enough, though, that it didn't bother him.
"Hi Misty!" he beamed, walking up to her.
"Hello, Bracken!" Misty greeted him.
"Hey," Campbell grumbled, not very enthusiastically.
"What were you guys talking about?" Bracken smiled.
Misty cringed. "Er...Just...What Bender we wanted to be," she lied.
"Oh? Cool!" Bracken grinned. "Waterbending is fun, actually. You should choose that."
"I think I'm going to stick to Airbending, thanks," Campbell said coldly.
"Okay then," Bracken shrugged. "I guess I'll see you guys later, then." He then trotted off.
"How can he be so naive?" Campbell demanded, as soon as Bracken was well out of earshot. "I mean, he doesn't even notice that no one seems to like him. He didn't even pick up on my sarcasm. He's just always so bright and happy..."
"And what's wrong with that?" Misty shot back. "I like him. He's my best friend."
"You mean you'd pick him over me?" Campbell narrowed her eyes.
"I didn't say that!" Misty protested. "He was just my friend before yo--"
"Fine," Campbell growled. "I'm going to find my mother, and get lunch..."
As Campbell trotted away, Misty called after her, "See you later!"
"Hey, kid."
Misty turned to see a small meerkat standing there, eating a bug. "How are you?"
"Hi Tiggerpaka!" Misty exclaimed, trotting up to him. "Can you tell me about the battle with the Firebenders?" she asked. The Firebender battle was one of Misty's favorite stories; when Tiggerpaka told it, he explained it greatly and always made it interesting.
"Again? Well, I suppose I have some free time..." Tiggerpaka shrugged. He then launched into the story.
"We were surrounded by Firebenders," the meerkat began. "They were everywhere. Reeking of rotting food, their sharp fangs glistening in the flashes of lightning...everyone was overwhelmed. The Bending Tower thought they were doomed, done for. But..." he smirked. "I then grabbed my stick and jumped at the Firebenders. I hit them all in the heads at once. They were quick, but I was much quicker. They didn't even have time to yell out before they fell over, killed by me."
"Cool!" Misty said enthusiastically.
"The Bending Tower applauded me, and I became one of their best fighters. The end," Tiggerpaka finished.
"But...my mother tells it so differently..." Misty said.
Tiggerpaka flinched. "Er...she got a bit of memory loss at the end of the battle, kid."
"She did...?" Misty cocked her head. "But it didn't seem..."
"Hey! Why don't you get lunch with your, er...lovely mother like you said you would? I...have some grubs to catch." With that, Tiggerpaka quickly scurried away, out of the yard and towards the forest.
Misty looked after the meerkat for a bit before turning to trot away, looking for her winged mother. She scanned the yard - everyone was sitting around and talking, finishing their lunch before going out to do their afternoon training and hunting. Misty then spotted her mother in the corner, talking to Charlotte; the two of them were close friends, as they both became mothers at around the same time.
"Hi mom!" Misty called.
"There you are!" Misty's mother exclaimed; Misty had heard others address her as "Airia" before. Misty always thought it was a beautiful name. "I was looking for you. Adele already ate her lunch, you still need to have yours."
Misty looked at her sister; she was slightly smaller than Misty, and had wings like her mother. But she never spoke a word in her life; Misty knew it was because Adele was deaf, and Airia explained that Adele would never be able to talk since she couldn't hear. For this reason, Adele also couldn't fly or do Bending.
"Um...hi," Misty greeted her. Adele just stared at her.
I wish my sister was normal, Misty thought with a sigh.
"What would you like for lunch, dear?" Charlotte asked. Charlotte was like a mother to Misty; she always seemed to care quite a bit for Misty, always bringing her a treat, like the time Charlotte found some honey and gave it to Misty, who had eaten it gratefully. Misty figured Charlotte liked Misty so much because Charlotte and Airia were close friends.
"I don't know," Misty admitted. She then thought for a bit. "I...Guess a mouse sounds good right now. I'm not too hungry."
"I'll go get it," Charlotte nodded, trotting off.
Misty sat down by Adele, who simply looked at her. "Um..."
"How has your day been, Misty?" Airia asked.
Misty turned from Adele to look at her mother. "Good. I...went to Ice River with Campbell, but Max brought us back, insisting on us eating lunch." She decided not to bring up that Campbell had crossed the river; it'd get her friend into trouble.
"Sounds good," Airia nodded.
"It was," Misty agreed, as Charlotte trotted up with a mouse in her jaws.
I wish I could be a part of the young forever, Misty thought, I'm much more carefree than the apprentices and Benders.

Author's Note:
Eeeee, this chapter was fun to write. :D
Who's your favorite character, so far? c: