Chapter 55: Talking With Achak

"How much longer are we staying here?" Lephos asked Koro, failing to stifle a yawn. They were all awake now, thanks to Misty and Tiggerpaka who had awoken them all. Some of them (such as Campbell, Sidew and Ophir) were angry at being woken up, but the rest didn't seem to mind too much, or at least they didn't act like it.
"Until our strength is built up and we're more aware of where we're going," explained Koro. "In the meantime, we need to learn more of Yin and Yang. See if anyone around here knows."
"Right. Who around here is going to know?" said Campbell dryly.
An image of Achak quickly flashed in Misty's mind, as Ophir replied to Campbell, "well, you never know," he insisted, his usual smirk upon his face, "the person who knows what you want to know may very well be sitting right next to you."
"The heck is that supposed to mean?" demanded Campbell.
"Oh, nothing, merely making a point," said Ophir.
"I'll go look," Misty shot to her paws and eagerly bounded out, heading to the main path of the camp. Many animals walked it, the camp being very alive now with a lot of animals. Misty trotted down the path, heading to where Achak lived.
However, she found herself bumping into someone. She backed up, realizing it was Adonael. "Oh! Sorry, Adonael," she apologized to the brown bear.
But then, Adonael drew her lips back in a snarl. "Don't you run into me again," she snarled, "runt."
Misty gaped as Adonael walked off, growling. How did she say that? She's supposed to be real friendly! she thought in alarm. A bit shaken up, Misty walked down the path a bit slower now towards the elderly tortoise, whom she saw seated outside by some berries. "Achak," she said.
The tortoise looked. "Ah! Hello, Misty."
Misty sat down by the tortoise. "Adonael just shouted at me. But why?"
"Ah," Achak looked up at Misty. "That happens sometimes. Animals around here tend to...change."
"Oh...kay," said Misty slowly, confused. "Anyway, do you know much about Yin and Yang?"
Achak was silent for a few seconds and then said, "Yin and Yang are two winged wolves, much like that winged wolf in that group of yours."
"Adele? She's my sister," said Misty. But she felt puzzled; if Yin and Yang were exactly like Adele...what did that mean?
"Yes. Yin is in charge of all evil in the world, whereas Yang is in charge of all good in the world. With both of them alive, the world hangs in balance, as does good and evil. However, if one of them dies, the world...it dies with it."
Misty nodded, having heard this before, but forced herself to look a bit surprised to keep Achak's suspicions down.
"The Land of Yin and Yang is divided into two sides: Yin, and then Yang. Yin is bright and sunny, the sun never setting. Yang is completely dark, and it's nighttime all the time. Yin and Yang are supposed to never associate with each other, avoiding each other. However, something has caused them to start fighting. There are many side affects of this."
"Such as?" asked Misty curiously.
"Tremors, shadow-like creatures," Achak said.
Misty stiffened. We've had earthquakes at The Bending Tower! she realized. And Campbell and I had run into a shadow creature!
"Is that--"
"I will tell you more later. I must have time to think," insisted Achak.
"Oh. Uh, bye," Misty said, trotting away from the tortoise.

Author's Note:
Incredibly short and pointless chapter, for that I apologize. :/
School's starting this Monday, meaning I won't be posting as much anymore. But I'll certainly try.
Also, I have a new story blog that I'm pretty excited about. I'd appreciate it if you'd check it out; the link is in my blogger profile! Check my profile here.