Chapter 7: Apprenticeship

The patrol all returned to The Bending Tower. Misty looked at the yard: everyone was all in conversation with others, training or eating. No one seemed concerned as they returned. Did they not believe us? Misty thought. Campbell and I weren't imagining things!
Ash then trotted up. "Anything?"
"Nothing," Hazen shook his head.
"I didn't see a single thing," Rhett nodded.
"It's because I chased it off," Tiggerpaka smirked.
Ash - and the others - ignored Tiggerpaka. "Oh well. You're all dismissed."
The patrol then broke up and all went in separate directions - all except Misty and Campbell.
"So I heard the two of you want to be apprentices," Ash said.
"Yeah!" Campbell and Misty both exclaimed at once.
"Hmm. What Benders would you be?" Ash asked with a smile.
"Airbender!" Campbell said right away.
"Misty?" Ash looked at his daughter.
"Hmm..." Misty thought for a minute. She glanced around the clearing, looking at the animals. "I don't--" Her eyes then landed on Koro. He's an Earthbender, she thought. That may be fun... "Earthbender," Misty decided with a nod.
"Alright then," Ash smiled. "I think you two will be apprentices rather...soon."
Misty and Campbell exchanged excited looks.


"Oh Misty, I'm so proud of you!" Airia licked Misty on the forehead.
"Mom! The whole Bending Tower is here," Misty flinched away from her mother.
Ash then said, "Okay everyone." The Bending Tower all went quiet and turned Ash. Misty and Campbell, both sitting by their mothers, looked at each other with eager grins. "We need two new apprentices," Ash announced. "Misty and Campbell. They have shown that they are ready to become apprentices, and each will be mentored by one of our own Benders. Campbell, what Bender do you want to be?"
"Airbender," Campbell replied with a curt nod.
Ash then scanned the animals. "Nzuri will be Campbell's mentor."
"Great. I get an animal who's smaller than me," Campbell hissed.
Misty punched Campbell with her paw.
"Hey!" Campbell exclaimed.
"Nzuri'll be fine. Go to her," Misty said.
Campbell trotted over to sit next to Nzuri, who looked really excited.
"I chose Nzuri because she's been an Airbender for a while, and deserves her first apprentice," Ash said. "She will teach Campbell well."
Misty noticed Campbell looked a bit happier now. Well that's good, Misty thought.
"Misty, what Bender do you want to be?" Ash asked.
"Earthbender," Misty nodded, turning to look at Ash.
"Okay. Misty, your mentor will be..." Ash looked at the animals. "Koro."
Misty's eyes widened. Koro? she thought.
She then glanced at Koro, who gave a slight smile at Misty. Misty found herself walking to sit next to her new mentor.
"I chose Koro because he has shown that he is ready for an apprentice. Koro was a skilled apprentice, and I'm sure he'll pass on his skills," Ash said.
Misty glanced at her sister, Adele. If only she could become an apprentice too...

Author's Note:
Short chapter. :U

Chapter 6: Hunting for Shadows

When Misty and Campbell were darting straight through the bushes, they ran smack into Tiggerpaka. However, this didn't stop them, as they quickly got up to keep running, but Tiggerpaka stopped them. "Hey!" Tiggerpaka yelled. "What's the hurry for?!"

"Th-There was a-a shadow animal in the woods!" Misty exclaimed.

"Shadow animal?" Tiggerpaka hissed, a hint of worry on his face. However, it quickly went away. "Not to fear, Mistake and Crabbell! I can get this figure for you."

"First off, it's Misty and Campbell. Second, that was no ordinary shadow. We have to get help!" Campbell cried.

Misty and Campbell then turned around and darted for The Bending Tower.

"T-Tiredblade?" Tiggerpaka whispered worriedly.

"There's a shadow in the forest!" howled Misty as she and Campbell ran into the yard.

Dozens of heads turned their way. "What?" said Mistletoe, trotting up to them.

"A-a shadow!" cried Misty.

"Shadow...?" frowned Miguel, trotting up to Misty and Campell. "You need to explain further."

"We saw a shadow-wolf thing in the f-forest," Misty gasped. "It had like, fire coming off of it..."

"And white eyes!" Campbell added. "It was on the ground, but then it just appeared next to us and like, made this hissing sound! Misty and I got scared and ran for The Bending Tower. We need to catch this thing!"

Everyone exchanged looks.

"Are you sure?" asked Miguel.

"If we're not telling the truth, then Lephos and Sidew are innocent of all their pranks," Campbell said sarcastically.

"We're right here!" yelled Lephos and Sidew simultaneously.

Ash then came forward. "A shadow animal?" he frowned.

"Yes, dad! We aren't lying!" Misty exclaimed. 

Ash studied Misty, then nodded. "I suppose a group of animals could find it. Misty, Campbell, I want you to go on it to show where it was. Let's see...Hazen, how about you lead the group? Take Koro, Rhett, Liberty and Twister along," Ash ordered.

"Sure," Hazen said. "C'mon, let's go."

"We need to hurry! We'll lose it!" Campbell said desperately.

The group all gathered together. "Lead the way, Misty and Campbell," Hazen nodded.

"We get to help an actual patrol!" Campbell said to Misty as they ran out the exit. "Maybe Ash'll make us apprentices soon!"

"Now we gotta focus on this shadow though!" Misty said, jumping over a bush.

"Right," Campbell agreed.

"Slow down!" Koro called.

"We're trying to catch an intruder Koro, you need to hurry up!" Campbell yelled over her shoulder.

"You shouldn't disrespect a full Bender like that," insisted Liberty, catching up to Campbell's side.

"Eat mouse tails, Liberty," Campbell growled in reply.

Liberty gave Campbell a cold glare but did nothing more:

"We're here!" Misty said, trying to stop the tension between the two sisters.

Hazen scanned the area. "Okay, where is it?"

"It was somewhere around the fallen trees," Misty nodded towards the heap of trees.

Koro sniffed the air. "Don't smell anything."

"It probably doesn't have a scent," Campbell insisted. "I don't even think it's really a true animal!"

Liberty gave Campbell a look. "You're not making this up?"

"Of course not!" Campbell spat.

"Hey, break it up," Rhett insisted.

Misty glanced at Twister. Why isn't she saying anything about this? Misty wondered. It was her own apprentice fighting with their sister. Then again, Twister was just quiet in general. Misty couldn't help thinking about what training sessions between her and Liberty would be like.

"Well, let's get searching," Hazen said. "We'll split up. Misty, Campbell, sit here. If you see anything just howl."
Koro, Rhett, Twister, Liberty and Hazen all split up and headed for the fallen trees.
"What's Liberty's deal?" Campbell grumbled.
"She only asked some questions and was being calm," Misty insisted. Quit overreacting, Misty thought.
Misty then scanned the area, now focused on finding the shadow animal. It's gotta be here. I know we saw it! she told herself.
"Why hello, my friends!"
Just then, Tiggerpaka scurried into the area. "I am here to save the day," he smirked.
"Uh...I think we're fine," Misty said.
"No you're not," Tiggerpaka replied. "Now, where's Tiredblade?" he said. Misty just now noticed he had a vine in his hands, with a small rock tied to it.
"What's that?" Misty frowned.
"My whacker," Tiggerpaka puffed out his chest. "It whacks my enemies to death."
"Uh, that's nice..." Misty murmured. "Um, I think we've got it, thanks anyway."
"Nonsense, nonsense," Tiggerpaka smiled. "I'm on your trail, Tiredblade!" He yelled.
"Hold it," Campbell stopped Tiggerpaka has his one foot was up, ready to head for the fallen trees. "Who's this 'Tiredblade'...?"
"Oh, he's my number one enemy! Quite dangerous too. But rest assured, he's no match for m!" Tiggerpaka insisted. "He was one of those Firebenders."
"But...they disappeared..." Misty frowned.
"That's what they want you to believe," Tiggerpaka whispered. He then swung his rock around. "C'mon Tiredblade, let's go!"
Hazen poked his head out from the fallen trees. "Tiggerpaka, get back to The Bending Tower!"
"Hazy, I'm helping you," Tiggerpaka snorted. He then ran for the fallen trees. Misty saw Hazen roll his eyes and duck back under the fallen trees. Tiggerpaka easily scampered up the fallen trees and dove under them, disappearing into the heap of them.
Misty and Campbell exchanged confused looks.
Then, Twister ran back through the clearing and by the fallen trees. "I don't think it's around," she said.
Hazen pulled himself out from the fallen tree, carrying Tiggerpaka in his mouth. He dropped the meerkat. "In case you couldn't help noticing, I am not a shadow figure!" Hazen snarled.
"Excuse me, it was dark in there. I couldn't tell," Tiggerpaka examined the rod connected to the rock that was broken. "But you didn't have to break my whacker!"
"If you hit animals that are your acquaintances you don't deserve to have it," Hazen huffed. "Anyways, I believe the 'shadow' is gone."
Liberty, Koro and Rhett all came back together. "None of us found it," Koro announced.
"Guess we're going back," Hazen nodded.
"But I swear, we saw a shadow!" Misty exclaimed.
"Whatever you saw, it's gone now," Liberty replied, trotting off after the rest of the group.
"I hope the shadow doesn't come back," Campbell said. "The last thing we need is a shadow haunting us."

Author's Note:
Check out some of my new blogs and such. ouo

Chapter 5: The Shadow Figure

Misty looked wildly around. "Wh-What's going on?" she demanded, the ground shaking beneath her paws.
"It's an earthquake!" Bracken gasped.
Everyone looked around, scared. Misty gripped onto the ground, hoping to remain steady, but as quickly as it came, the earthquake stopped.
All the animals exchanged looks, confused.
"What was that?" Slice frowned.
"Maybe an animal Earthbending took things a bit too far?" Miguel suggested.
Max snorted. "No animal has that kind of power."
"Quake did," Miguel pointed out.
"Yeah, well, that was Quake," Max replied.
"Is everyone alright?" called Ash's voice.
"No one's hurt," Dust nodded.
Misty noticed Raoul approach Ash's side, talking to Ash. Misty couldn't hear what it was, but she saw her father reply with a shrug. "Alright then," Ash said, turning back to the crowd. "I suppose it was no threat to us, so all of you may continue."
Slowly, the crowd of animals broke apart, each animal wearing a confused look on their face.
"I'm gonna go find Firefly. Catch ya later," Bracken nodded, darting off.
Misty watched Bracken go, then trotted off to find Campbell. As she did, she passed by Lephos, Sidew and Nyla, and perked her ears, listening to their conversation.
"What was that?" Lephos was asking his mother.
"A tremor. But thank goodness we're okay," Nyla was saying. Misty then saw Nyla's eyes grow wide. "Oh, poor Audrey, she must be worried--! I'm going to find her. You boys, behave yourselves," Nyla said, turning to Lephos and Sidew. Nyla then darted off.
Misty then felt some wind blow towards her, and turned to see Airia had flown over, landing with a woosh as her wings quickly folded. "Misty, are you alright?" Airia fretted. "The tremor shook..."
"I'm fine, I'm fine," Misty insisted. "What was that anyway?"
"Slight tremor, nothing bad," Airia said quickly, checking Misty over. "No cuts or injuries--"
"Mom, I'm okay," Misty replied. "Honestly. Is Adele fine?"
"Yes," Airia nodded.
Then, Campbell wondered over. "Hi Misty. Do you know what that was?"
"No clue," Misty shrugged.
"Well, me neither," Campbell agreed. "Wanna go for a walk? I'm bored."
"Sure!" Misty smiled. "I'm bored too."
Campbell nodded and headed for the exit. Misty followed her friend through, and they both entered into the forest.
Sunlight sparkled through the leaves and treetops and birds sang and fluttered around. It was almost like the tremor never happened - the birds all seemed to be flying around as if nothing was bothering them. Wonder what that tremor was like to the birds, Misty wondered.
"Where're we walking to?" Campbell asked Misty.
"I dunno. Anywhere I guess," Misty replied.
"Let's head for the fallen trees, we could practice for becoming an apprentice. Then maybe your dad'll make us apprentices if he sees we practice," Campbell suggested.
"Good idea," Misty agreed.
The two of them trotted in the direction of the fallen trees - Misty recalled being told by Charlotte that the trees all fell in a huge earthquake that made the ground feel like the storming ocean. I hope we don't get an earthquake like that, Misty thought with worry.
They finally made it to the fallen tree area. Misty looked at all the fallen trees - they were huge, and many claw marks on there from animals who had climbed over them through the seasons. "Must be a good place for training," Misty remarked.
"Agreed," Campbell said. "C'mon, let's check it out."
They both wandered closer to the trees. The closer Misty got to them, the smaller she felt. "I could never climb these," she admitted.
"Give 'em a try!" Campbell said with a daring look on her face.
Misty took some steps back and jumped up, digging her claws into the bark of a tree. Struggling, she heaved herself up, pulling onto the top of the tree with a grunt. She then turned to Campbell. "You try," she dared her friend with a grin.
Campbell smirked. "I got this, watch." Campbell then jumped onto the bark and heaved herself up, clawing her way up the bark. She then got to the top. "See?"
"Let's go higher," Misty suggested. She then leaped onto another tree, this one smaller than the other, so Misty got onto the top easily. Misty then lunged at the one stacked above that one, and dug all her claws in and pulled herself up. No wonder the apprentices are so tough, they climb these all the time! Misty thought.
Standing on the topmost tree, Misty looked at the ground below that seemed so far away. "It's awesome up here!" Misty exclaimed, as Campbell heaved herself up to Misty's tree.
"I can't believe we made it up here," Misty said.
"Misty," said Campbell.
"I mean, we're still a part of the young, and--"
"Misty!" Campbell hissed, sounding - to Misty's surprise - scared. "Look...where...I'm...looking."
Frowning, wondering what Campbell meant, Misty followed Campbell's gaze, and her jaw dropped at the sight - at the base of the trees was a shadowy-like black wolf, with bits of shadow-like fire coming off its back. It had white eyes, and was looking around.
"Wh-What is that?" Campbell whimpered, turning to look at Misty. Misty looked at Campbell, a look of fear on her face.
Misty turned back to the place the shadow-fire wolf was, but then gasped. "It's gone!"
Suddenly, Misty stiffened. She and Campbell slowly turned around at the same time to see the shadow-fire wolf right behind them, staring intently at them. It opened its mouth, as if about to speak, but all that came out was a hissing-spitting-choking sound.
Misty and Campbell both screamed and jumped down from the tree, scampering to get to the ground and to run for dear life.

Author's Note:
Creepy-ish chapter, I know. x3 I had to keep looking behind me as I wrote this because I felt like I was being watched. ouo

Chapter 4: The New Apprentice

Misty had came out into the yard, and Campbell slammed into her. She flinched and backed up. "Campbell, slow down!" Misty exclaimed.
"I was looking for you!" Campbell gasped. "You'll never believe what's happening!" she growled.
Misty shook her head, putting her paw on a part of her head that hurt from Campbell running into her. "What is it?"
"Liberty is becoming an apprentice!" Campbell scoffed.
"Good for her!" Misty said with a smile, but knew right away that was the wrong thing to say."
"'Good for her'? How come I can't be an apprentice?!" Campbell exclaimed. "I can be just as good as her as I wanted to!" she began. Misty sighed, preparing herself for Campbell's rant. "I mean, just because she's a better fighter doesn't mean she's going to excel in everything. I think I have a right to be an apprentice, too!"
"Well, my dad told me that to become an apprentice, it's not about age or siblings doing it together. I mean yeah, they usually do, but anyway, Dad said that they need to show that they're ready for it. Apparently since Liberty has a fighting talent, Dad wanted to make her an apprentice," Misty explained.
"But it's not fair--" Campbell began.
"According to the rules it is," Misty insisted.
Campbell sighed. "Rules, rules, rules, RULES. Misty, you can't always be a goody two-paws. You need to learn what it's like to live without restrictions. Don't let the rules rule you, okay? No offense, but really..."
Misty narrowed her eyes. "Fine, if you can't put up with it then don't hang out with me."
"That's not what I meant--!" Campbell started.
"Look, try being nice to your sister, okay? And I'm sorry, but our personalities don't have to be the same for us to be friends, okay?" Misty nodded.
"How do I be nice to her? She seems like a show-off," Campbell growled.
"Just try putting on a happy face, tell her you're proud of her. I mean, she's your sister, you're going to have each other forever," Misty said.
"I wish someone else was my sister, then," Campbell muttered.
"You think you have it bad, huh? At least you can talk to yours," Misty spat.
Campbell flinched. "Oh...oh. I-I'm sorry Misty."
Misty sighed. "I can't help it. I guess the Peacebenders--"
"Benders! Gather!" came Ash's voice.
"Ugh, boy," Campbell grumbled.


"Liberty, your mentor shall be...Twister," Ash said. "I've worked alongside Twister, and I can think of no better pair of Bender and apprentice. I believe Twister will train you well Liberty."
Misty watched Liberty nod and go to sit next to Twister, who nodded at her with approval.
"Meeting over," Ash nodded. "Liberty, welcome to the apprentice rank."
Everyone all broke up, and Misty watched Liberty follow Twister into The Bending Tower - from what Misty heard, apprentices started with a tour.
"Dad! Dad!" Misty called, running up to her father.
Ash smiled down at her. "Yes, Misty?"
"When can I be an apprentice?" Misty asked. "Oh, and Campbell too?"
"You need to prove you're ready," Ash chuckled.
"But I am. And so's Campbell," Misty insisted.
"Well I haven't seen it yet," Ash said. "But don't worry, I'm sure you'll make a good apprentice."
"I will. I'll be the best," Misty puffed out her chest.
"Yes, yes. Now go on, I have work to do," Ash smiled. He then trotted off.
Misty scanned the crowd and saw Campbell sitting alone, looking a bit grumpy. Misty trotted over to her friend. "I put in a good word for us to become apprentices."
"Well, good," Campbell muttered. "I hope I graduate apprenticeship before Liberty. Maybe then others will see I can be just as 'amazing' as she is."
Misty sighed. "Enough with the complaining, puh-lease."
"You don't understand. It's like everyone focuses on Liberty and not me!" Campbell protested.
"I'm your friend, and Liberty's not," Misty pointed out.
"But--oh whatever, never mind," Campbell grumbled.
"Geez, fine," Misty muttered.
Campbell sighed. "Anyway--"
Just then, Bracken trotted over. "Hey guys!" he exclaimed, beaming at them.
"Hi!" Misty smiled at her friend. At least I'll get a distraction from Campbell's negativity, Misty thought in relief.
"Hey Campbell, tell your sister I said congratulations," Bracken nodded.
Campbell glared at Bracken and stormed off.
"What was that...?" Bracken asked, confused.
"She's...in a bad mood," Misty muttered.
"Oh." Bracken frowned. "Well anyways--"
Suddenly, there was a rumbling sound. Misty perked her ears. What the--
Then, the ground started shaking.
"Earthquake!" howled Charlotte.

Author's Note:
Sorry I haven't posted. School. ;u;
Oh, and I probably won't be online at all tomorrow. Going on a trip to Pennsylvania. If I were home I'd write a chapter, but since I'm not... :|
Short-ish chapter but whatever
And check the new pages and story blog I linked. :P

Chapter 3: The Elders

During lunchtime, Misty sat with Bracken, eating their prey. Bracken was in the middle of telling Misty about how his training was progressing. "It's great!" Bracken beamed, swallowing some of the rabbit he was eating. "Firefly's the best mentor ever. I got to learn all of these Waterbending moves."
"That's neat," Misty nodded, taking a bite of the rabbit she was eating herself. "I'm not an apprentice yet, though. I don't even know what Bender I want to be."
"Do Waterbending! We could train together more!" Bracken exclaimed.
Misty shrugged. "I dunno..."
"Come on Misty, I--"
Bracken was cut off as Firefly walked up. "Bracken, lunchtime's over."
"Aww!" Bracken cried. "Okay..." He stood up and followed Firefly out of camp. Misty watched Bracken leave before turning back to her unfinished meal, biting into it.
However, Misty then felt something bump into her. She looked up to see Lephos and Sidew - Raoul's pups - jumping behind her, crouched down as if hiding.
"What--?" Misty began.
"Shh! Misty, no one wants to hear what you have to say," Lephos hissed.
"Don't mind him," Sidew whispered. "We're just hiding because--"
"LEPHOS! SIDEW!"
The two Border Collie pups flinched as Nyla came out into the yard. Everyone looked Nyla's way, but no one stopped talking. Nyla then spotted Misty - with the two brothers hiding behind her - and ran over, looking mad. "Boys, what did you do that for?!"
"Lephos and Sidew aren't here," Lephos said.
"This is no time for one of your games!" Nyla exclaimed, narrowing her eyes. "It was not funny to throw your sister's rabbit into Ice River. She worked really hard to catch that, and for what? Just for you to waste it? What have you got to say for yourselves?"
"That our sister is a paranoid bug-brain and she deserved it," Sidew insisted.
Misty grew wide-eyed as Nyla snarled at them - which really wasn't in her nature. She was usually kind and soft, but apparently not now. "You two, come with me! You're also apologizing to Audrey."
"But moooom! It's the truth!" Sidew cried.
"She can't help it. Now follow!" Nyla hissed.
Reluctantly, Lephos and Sidew followed their mother inside the Tower.
Misty shook her head and ate another bite of her rabbit, then finished it uneventfully.
Sighing, Misty trotted over towards Airia, Charlotte and Adele - Charlotte and Airia were laughing, and Adele was staring off into space as usual. Misty noticed Campbell was missing. With a pang of regret, Misty wondered if Campbell was still mad at her for stating that Bracken was a closer friend with Misty than Campbell was. With a frown, Misty plopped herself down beside Adele. Adele looked up at Misty with big eyes full of curiosity. "Hi," Misty said. But as usual, Adele didn't respond.
Misty sat in silence for a while before Airia turned to Misty. "What's up, sweetie?" Airia asked.
"What's it like to be an apprentice?" Misty turned to her mother.
"Lot of work," Airia grimaced. "Hard. Being part of the young was much more carefree."
"But I'm so bored," Misty insisted.
Airia smiled. "How about an apprentice task for you?"
Misty jumped up. "Okay!" she beamed.
"Alright," Airia nodded. "I need you to go visit the elders."
Immediately Misty give her mother a work. "That's not an apprentice task!" she protested.
"You're right, it's not," Airia agreed. 'This job is even more important."
"How? It's not Bending lessons!" Misty protested.
"Ah, but the elders need to be entertained," Airia insisted. "They're probably bored in there. And let me tell you, the elders love young. You need to go talk to them. They'll tell you all sorts of interesting things, and they'll be more than willing to do so."
Misty nodded and trotted inside The Bending Tower and climbed up the stairs, passing Starlight, Rusty's daughter. "Hi Misty," Starlight nodded. Misty returned the greeting with a nod, and continued trotting for the elders' den. She then found it and headed inside.
The elders - Creature, a crocodile, Shell, a golden lion, and Sun, a silver wolf - were all sitting together, chatting quietly. They all turned their heads when Misty came in.
"Oh, hello. Uh..." Shell looked at Misty hesitantly.
"Misty," Misty nodded.
"Ah. Misty. I can never keep up with all of these pups 'round here," Shell chuckled.
"How could you forget my granddaughter?" Sun said. She smiled at Misty. "Hello, honey."
"Do you need anything Misty?" Creature asked.
Misty looked at Creature. "You trained my dad, didn't you?"
"He trained Ash?" Shell frowned.
"Yes Shell," Creature nodded.
"Oh. Duh, I forgot," Shell murmured.
Sun chuckled. "Shell, your memory is getting quite bad."
"Oh, I'm not that old," Shell snorted. "I just forget from time to time like any other animal."
Creature smiled. "I remember the day Ash first came to The Bending Tower, actually."
Shell frowned. "Kabu was one of the first to meet Ash, I recall..."
"And Airia was the first," Sun pointed out, obviously trying to keep Shell - Kabu's mate - from growing sad. "From what I was told, Airia pounced on Ash when she saw him and nearly killed him."
Misty grew wide-eyed. "My mom nearly killed my dad?" she whispered.
"Oh, it was nothing big," Creature chuckled. "She was just doing her job, keeping intruders from coming too deep into our territory. Besides, Airia thought your father was a threat."
"Sure, he was a total threat. Ash wasn't even that old when we found him!" Sun laughed.
"But look at him now," Shell pointed out. "Good ol' strong leader, for many moons to come I'm sure."
"Of course, he'll never match up to Goldwing," Sun said.
Misty remembered that Goldwing was Sun's mate - which was why she was insistant upon the fact that Ash would never be as great as him. "My grandfather and my father were both leaders," Misty said when she realized it.
"You're lucky Misty. You come form a talented family," Sun smiled. "Goldwing was a great leader, so was your father...maybe you'll be next!"
"I don't think I'd want to be. I'd never handle the pressure," Misty shook her head.
"How would that be? The kin of our current leader becoming leader next," Creature said, bemused.
"Oh, I think that boy...um, Raoul, that's his name, right?" Shell looked at Sun, who nodded, then looked at Misty. "Raoul will be the next leader, I'm sure. He may be a bit of a wimp at times, but he'll surely get us some great allies."
"Of course. He's very sweet," Sun agreed.
"I don't think Lephos and Sidew got those traits from him," Misty muttered.
Sun laughed. "No, they're troublemakers if I ever saw one. Er, two. I remember when Rusty and Dust were the Lephos and Sidew of the Tower."
"They were?" Misty said.
Chuckling, Sun nodded. "Oh yes! They were the naughtiest boys I've ever met. They almost got Ash killed because they kept goofing off." However, she must've seen the look of worry on Misty's face, because she quickly said, "but Ash is well and alive, and no one was harmed..."
"Oh, Rusty and Dust. They were a funny pair," Creature laughed. "They've matured now though - although Rusty sill has his moments - and I can only hope Lephos and Sidew follow in their footsteps."
"Yeah...I don't think they will," Misty snorted.

Author's Note:
*Spoiler* - Shell actually is having a bit of dementia - this means memory loss, and dementia CAN be fatal. But Shell'll be fine, for now, at least. :)
Oh...
AND I'M BACK IN BLACK! 8D
By the way, new pages will be coming up soon - please check them out! :)