tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41991794575372653342024-02-06T22:04:47.718-05:00The Four Elements Of Bending | Series #2 | Yin and YangUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4199179457537265334.post-76593205840268184132015-11-04T16:07:00.000-05:002015-11-04T16:07:08.136-05:00Chapter 34: The Return<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
That evening Tiggerpaka had returned, and Tribe boys began to swarm him, demanding what he had been doing, in which Tiggerpaka went to describe a great quest he had apparently went on, where he had cleared out every intruder in the territory. The usual evening festivities had been stopped for this, and soon Tiggerpaka had every Tribe boy listening to his story.<br />
"If anything, he's making it worse," Lilypaka commented.<br />
"Making what worse?" Misty asked.<br />
Lilypaka nodded at Ricochet, and Misty looked to see the black wolf was eyeing the scene with a certain anger in his gaze. "Oh," Misty murmured.<br />
"Don't see what the big deal is. We're not staying or anything," Campbell scoffed.<br />
"He seems to think we are. Or at least Tiggerpaka is. I don't think Ricochet minds the others," Misty remarked.<br />
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****</div>
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4 months later in Author Time</div>
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****</div>
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*Sounds of meerkat paw steps approaching on darkened stage*</div>
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*muttering can be heard*</div>
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Where the heck is that blasted Great Scott?</div>
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Who does she think she is anyway</div>
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letting my fans hang like this!</div>
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*stomps around and elevates to rant level*</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Great Scott!!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br />Where are you!!??</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My devoted legion of fans have been </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">wasting away waiting for </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">more of the great TP!</span></div>
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**Looks around---sees no one at the computer**</div>
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**an evil smirk crosses the meerkat's face**</div>
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Well my dear fans,</div>
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You shall wait no longer!!</div>
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Your Dear Leader has arrived to save the day</div>
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and quench your thirst for more of me!</div>
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**Reads the beginning of this Draft Post**</div>
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'Making it worse?'</div>
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**begins typing**</div>
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<i>Suddenly a rock falls from the sky hitting</i></div>
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<i>Lilypaka in the head and killing her.</i></div>
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Hmm...she is my sister....</div>
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<i> <strike>and killing her.</strike></i></div>
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<i><strike><br /></strike></i></div>
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<i>and knocking her into a coma for 6 years.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>TIggerpaka continues to delight everyone with his tales of his great heroics.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Crabbell is overcome with awe and finds her self</i></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><i>irresistibly</i></span><i> attracted to Tiggerpaka.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>She fan-girls all around Tiggerpaka who turns to her</i></div>
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<i>and kindly says,</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i> "young lady---I appreciate your </i></div>
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<i>undying devotion, but you are much too young.</i></div>
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<i>So piss off."</i></div>
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<i>The boys clamor for more stories and Rick Shay</i></div>
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<i>crowns Tiggerpaka Emperor for Life</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Misty stands by Tiggerpaka's side because</i></div>
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<i>she has always loved him like a big brother</i></div>
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<i>And Tiggerpaka makes her his right hand man</i></div>
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<i>and re-names her Nutello</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>He sends Nutello on a mission to inform </i></div>
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<i>Yin and Yang to stop this nonsense</i></div>
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<i>because it makes for a crappy story plot</i></div>
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<i>and ain't nobody got no time for that.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>So of course Yin and Yang comply</i></div>
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<i>all in the land fall down and bow before<br />Tiggerpaka Emperor for Life</i></div>
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<i>And there was peace ever lasting</i></div>
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<i>The End</i></div>
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<i>**</i>The meerkat sits back and reads over his entry**</div>
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Well, now that's a story</div>
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the fans are gonna love.</div>
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**Picks up a grub and tosses into his mouth</div>
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crunching it as he leaves the stage**</div>
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<i>* * *</i></div>
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<i>**</i>doors open and author walks in**</div>
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Four months? </div>
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Wow.</div>
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Well uh, hey guys</div>
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In case you haven't noticed, this blog hasn't been entirely...active lately</div>
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Mainly because I've been busy with starting high school and trying to keep grades up (who decided school was a good idea anyway? I mean I've known what I want as a job since like 6th grade).</div>
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So yeah, unless I get a inspired to come back, I'm done with TFEOB until further notice - which either way is gonna be a while.</div>
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It's been a great run, and I still can't believe I've made it this far. I've loved all the people who've come along and read this story, and for all the characters I've had the privilege of writing about.</div>
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However, as I said, I'm just too busy to really stay dedicated to this anymore.</div>
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But one day, many years in the future, if you're out and see an advertisement for some story with a title along the lines of "The Four Elements Of Bending" that looks suspiciously like that story you used to read and make characters for online when you were younger,</div>
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that would be me getting the book published.</div>
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If that just so happens be sure to pick up a copy.</div>
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Also, if you're one of my friends though and wanna stay in touch with me, I'm not completely disappearing off the internet.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I use this site called tumblr a lot, and if you wanna follow me on there just <a href="http://thegreywriterr.tumblr.com/">click here</a>. Send me a message letting me know it's you if you do happen to follow me so I know you're not some random person.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Another thing, I post on this story called <i>The Powered Ones </i>whenever I write a chapter on there too; although I don't spend much time on the blog itself, I just paste the chapter in. <a href="http://urlofepicosity.blogspot.com/">Click here</a> to see that story.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So yeah, see you all around and possibly later.</div>
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**author exits stage**</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4199179457537265334.post-7475084644151558072015-07-07T17:26:00.007-04:002015-07-07T17:26:55.923-04:00Chapter 33: The Disease<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It had been decided that Starlight would stay at The Bending Tower and be kept alive in the end, but Liberty had focused on Twister's comments. No one really talked to the white wolf afterwards - Liberty had seen her being given strange looks, and anyone who asked for more information on what Starlight was always ended up leaving without knowing anything more. But Liberty did want to know how Twister knew about all of this. It bugged her, truly.<br />
That next morning Liberty was walking down the halls when Fake-Ash had rounded the corner. "Liberty," he said. "Come walk with me."<br />
Reluctantly, she nodded and went to pad alongside the opposite. What did he think about Twister's knowledge on Shadow Trackers? He hadn't given anything away, however, so Liberty was unsure of his feelings about it; although she could assume he wasn't happy.<br />
"I'd like to tell you about something," Fake-Ash said. Liberty perked up slightly; did this mean she was becoming closer to him? Would she get to learn more about the opposite's intentions?<br />
"What is it?" Liberty asked calmly.<br />
"There seems to be some sort of...problem," said the opposite, heading down a flight of stairs with Liberty padding after.<br />
"What kind of problem?" wondered Liberty. He hadn't found out about her knowing of Yin and Yang, had he?<br />
"I've found out of a disease," Fake-Ash continued, speaking as if not having had heard Liberty's question. "And I'm quite concerned about it, whether it may spread or how many members of the Tower it may infect..."<br />
Was he talking about the Shadow Tracker bite? No, he couldn't be; he wouldn't be so vague about it if he was, Liberty realized. She remained silent as she waited for him to continue. "The symptoms of it are pretty strange," he explained. "And I feel as though you should know them. That way if you experience them, you can come to me right away."<br />
He looked at Liberty, who gave a nod, wanting him to continue. The opposite took the invitation. "Animals who have experienced this tend to...hallucinate, I suppose. From what I've heard, they see...themselves."<br />"What do you mean?" Liberty asked, slightly annoyed at how little he was explaining.<br />
"It's the biggest symptom; they see themselves, but the animal they see acts nothing like them. They look the same, but it's like it's their opposite."<br />
She felt her heart lurch as she realized what he was talking about: Fake-Ash was trying to convince her she didn't see her opposite. That she was infected by a disease that didn't truly exist. "Really?" she said, trying not to sound doubtful.<br />
Fake-Ash nodded. "And I'm afraid it's already taken effect on some of the members of The Bending Tower. One wolf claimed she saw an opposite, but one of <i>you</i>." Liberty knew Fake-Ash was looking at her, but she was alarmed; who saw her opposite? "She said the opposite of you tried to <i>kill </i>her, but of course that's not true. You'd never kill one of your own friends."<br />
Liberty already knew the animal's name, but she was praying it wouldn't be who she thought it was. "Who is it?"<br />"Sirius," confirmed Fake-Ash. "And until she gets better, we're having her stay in the prison that Sparky, Nzuri and you cleaned out."<br />
Liberty wasn't sure what to feel. What did Sirius think of this? Did she blame Liberty for landing her in prison? Had she blown Liberty's cover as a spy? "May I visit her?" Liberty asked.<br />
Fake-Ash shook his head. "Not now. I have Eclipse and Nightgale checking Sirius and trying to determine a cure. Once that's done you may visit her. But I'd be cautious. We're still not sure what this disease does to animals..."<br />
<i>Because it doesn't exist, </i>Liberty told herself. She felt a twinge of doubt - what if Fake-Ash <i>was </i>telling the truth, at least to an extent? - but Liberty tried to push it away. <i>He's just trying to manipulate me.</i><br />
"But Liberty, I have to ask...have <i>you </i>been feeling any of the symptoms?" Fake-Ash asked, taking Liberty by surprise. "You're one of my best Benders, and I don't want you catching the disease."<br />Although she felt satisfaction that she was considered of high ranking, Liberty found herself hesitating. <i>What does he want me to say? </i>She hesitated before shaking her head. "No."<br />
Fake-Ash smiled. "Well that's good then. I--"<br />
Suddenly a shriek sounded, and Liberty flinched. "What was that?"<br />The opposite didn't reply; he bolted to the exit, and Liberty felt she had no choice but to run after him. She quickly headed for the yard, not too far away from Fake-Ash, curiosity filling her as she wondered what it was about.<br />
She made it outside, and there was a large crowd gathered. Fake-Ash was pushing his way through it, and Liberty quickly followed before the crowd could close back up. She managed to push her way to the front, standing at Fake-Ash's side as she looked at the scene before her.<br />
Slice stood above a body, shaking with fear. Liberty looked at the body and suppressed a gasp as she realized who it was: a bloody Mkia, who had obviously been bitten at the throat.<br />
"She...she's dead," Slice managed.<br />
<br />
<b>Author's Note:<br />So sorry I haven't posted much. Kinda lost my motivation. :/</b><br />
<b>But hope this makes up for it - and also, The Powered Ones has come back! Please check it out, I'd love for you guys to read the prologue and maybe sign up if you'd like. <a href="http://urlofepicosity.blogspot.com/">Click here to see it</a>.</b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4199179457537265334.post-6329671370468363502015-06-15T16:08:00.002-04:002015-06-15T16:08:36.868-04:00Chapter 32: Ricochet's Offer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The next day the boys were goofing off again over breakfast. They ate the meal but in between pushed and shoved each other, and sometimes Misty even saw food being flung across the camp. <i>How do they survive if they're so childish?</i> she asked herself. Ricochet seemed to be the most mature one, and even he was careless; as if he wanted to act immature but wasn't.<br />
"Can't they just eat their food?" Campbell muttered in annoyance as Tornado flung part of a rabbit at Colton.<br />
"Apparently not," sighed Lilypaka, shaking her head.<br />
Misty was about to speak up when Moonshadow came over, stopping at the fence, as if not knowing if he could cross or not. "Hey," he said in greeting.<br />
"You lost?" Campbell said with a slight chuckle.<br />
Moonshadow shook his head. "Just wanted to tell you guys something."<br />
"What is it?" Lilypaka asked curiously.<br />
The black wolf hesitated, but spoke up. "I wanted to stay here," he insisted.<br />
Misty blinked at him in surprise. "What?" she said after a little while of silence.<br />
"I have nowhere else to go," Moonshadow said. "The Tribe boys accept me. And Ricochet even extended an invitation to stay."<br />
"Don't you have anything you'd be leaving behind?" Lilypaka said confusedly.<br />
Moonshadow once again hesitated. "Well...my family's dead. I have nowhere to go."<br />
Misty nodded in understanding; that was why he had been alone when they found him.<br />
"Well it's not our decision. Stay if you'd like," Lilypaka nodded.<br />
"Wait," Campbell said. "Did Ricochet ask anyone <i>else </i>to stay?"<br />
"Well...he did invite the others..." Moonshadow said nervously.<br />
"And what did they say?" Campbell demanded.<br />
"...Nothing...but they seemed to be considering it," Moonshadow frowned.<br />
Misty heard Campbell curse under her breath. "<i>What</i>?" Misty said. "We can't stay here."<br />
"Of course they'd think we could!" growled Campbell in annoyance. "They think this place is a <i>paradise</i>, since they get to be so carefree."<br />
"They should know we can't stay," Lilypaka commented. "We have to go to that...place," she said warily, glancing at Moonshadow.<br />
"I'll talk to them," said Campbell, standing up with an annoyed look on her face.<br />
"No, I will," Misty insisted. <i>Campbell would lose her temper at them, </i>she told herself. And sure, Misty could get annoyed too sometimes, but she could control it better than her friend could.<br />
She expected Campbell to protest, but all the gray wolf uttered was "fine" and sat back down. Misty nodded and walked past the fence to head to the boys' side, and she could feel Moonshadow following close by.<br />
Bracken, Rhett, Koro and Ophir were with Zela and Ethan, all of them talking. Misty approached them but they didn't stop their conversation. "Hello," she said to them.<br />
They stopped and looked up upon her arrival, looking surprise. "Hey Misty!" exclaimed Bracken.<br />
"Why're you here?" Rhett asked in confusion. "You're usually on your side of the camp."<br />"I'll cross if I want to," said Misty defensively. "Now did Ricochet say something about letting you guys stay?"<br />The guys exchanged looks before Rhett said, "maybe."<br />"Did he or did he not?" Misty demanded.<br />
"Who told you tha--" Rhett began, and then he saw Moonshadow standing not too far away. The black wolf seemed to be listening in on the conversation, Rhett scowled at him. "Of course. Filthy snitch..."<br />
Moonshadow gave him a look and Misty turned back to the boys. "And we're <i>not </i>staying, right?"<br />"Of course we're not," Koro insisted.<br />
Misty glanced at him. He smiled slightly, but she didn't return it. "I'm not assured."<br />Rhett scoffed. "Why would we stay here? We have...other stuff to do."<br />"Aww c'mon!" Zela protested. "You guys are cool. Why not stay?"<br />"We're not here to join a new group. We have a home. And a mission," Koro added.<br />
"Mission, shmission," snorted Ethan in the beginning of laughter. "I think you'd like staying here."<br />"What about the girls?" Rhett said.<br />
Zela shrugged. "They can just keep doing what they're doing."<br />"I think they hate it here," Ophir chuckled.<br />
"You could ask if I do instead of pretending like I'm not here," Misty said in annoyance. "And it's okay here, but we can't stay."<br />
"I think Misty's right," Bracken said, but he sounded more like he was trying to convince himself.<br />
"I know I'm right," Misty insisted. "It's the selfless thing to do to leave."<br />
"Yeha, yeah, heroicness and all that," Rhett muttered.<br />
Misty sighed, pretty sure she couldn't make any further points. "Good. Thank you." She then turned and left the boys, who she could hear murmuring to each other as they left.<br />
She almost made it back to her side of the camp when she felt something jump onto her back. "Mistake! How nice to see my faithful minion."<br />"Hey Tiggerpaka," she said, fully knowing it was the meerkat even before he jumped down in front of her.<br />
"That black wolf, uh...Rickshy? He asked us to join his Tribe." Tiggerpaka snorted in the beginning of laughter. "He's obviously in need of a better leader, but you'll be happy to know I declined the offer. It's a shame, though. These poor Tribe boys need someone like me. But there <i>is </i>no one like me."<br />
Misty glanced over at Ricochet, and her stomach lurched in fear as she realized he was listening in on Tiggerpaka's words, eyes narrowed. How far would the Tribe leader be willing to go to prevent the meerkat from becoming a new leader figure to the boys?<br />
"Yeah..." Misty said hesitantly, prying her gaze off Ricochet and turning back to Tiggerpaka. "But, uh...right now, I have an important mission for you." She figured she needed the meerkat to do something to keep Ricochet from getting any madder at him.<br />
Tiggerpaka lit up. "You chose the right meerkat for the job then, minion!"<br />
"There are...<i>flowers </i>in the woods," Misty said darkly. "Yeah, they're this odd color, like no one has ever seen before. And they'll kill us all."<br />"I'll slay them!" Tiggerpaka declared, grabbing a stick that was laying nearby and holding it up.<br />
"Good! Once you see a flower that looks threatening, destroy it," she nodded. And just like that, Tiggerpaka scampered off, yelling some sort of a battle cry.<i> That'll keep him out of Ricochet's way, </i>she told herself. <i>And from getting us in trouble...</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>Author's Note:<br />First day of summer for me :D Dad let me take off the last two days lol.</b><br />
<b>So I decided to work on this TFEOB chapter, and for the first time in a while I'm watching Duck Dynasty while I work on it. :P</b><br />
<b>Hopefully since it's summer vacation I'll be working on TFEOB more, and on my new story, To Glory. The Powered Ones - which as been on hold for a while - is also due to start sometime this summer. Stay tuned!</b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4199179457537265334.post-57746623221676186512015-06-05T21:00:00.000-04:002015-06-05T21:00:54.296-04:00Chapter 31: The Opposite Meeting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Liberty made her way down the hallway, ignoring the other animals on either side of her. They seemed to stray away from her, giving her looks - they still were wary of her, after what she had done. <i>Good, </i>Liberty told herself. <i>Then I suppose I'm doing a good job. </i>She was supposed to separate her opposite from the rest of the Tower anyway; it had been Ash's orders. And, as he had said to her and others, it was all part of a bigger plan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">She made her way into Ash's den. He had called her in to talk to her. <i>Undoubtedly about how well I've been doing, </i>she thought, a small smirk on her face as she told herself this.</span><br />
Ash was examining himself in the pool that was in the leaders' den. He looked up upon her arrival. "Ah. Liberty," he said coldly.<br />
"You asked for me?" she asked with a smile.<br />
"Yes..." Ash murmured, and then next thing Liberty knew he was right in front of her, snarling. "What have you <i>done</i>, moron?!"<br />
Liberty flinched slightly, confused. "What do you mean?"<br />
"You know perfectly well what I mean," Ash hissed. "You let yourself be <i>seen</i>."<br />
Her heart skipped a beat in alarm as she realized what he was talking about. "H-How did you--"<br />
"Know that?" he said, scowling. "I have eyes <i>everywhere</i>, Liberty. They saw what they saw."<br />
She thought for a moment before cursing to herself. Sparky. <i>Traitor, </i>she thought to herself. He was also on duty at the time, and nearby where she was. Who else would've told Ash what happened? "I'm...sorry," Liberty said apologetically.<br />
Ash scoffed in the beginning of laughter - a dry laugh that wasn't at all good-hearted. "You think <i>sorry </i>can fix this?" he snarled. "Your opposite <i>saw </i>you. It could jeopardize the whole plan!"<br />
"Then what <i>can </i>I do to fix this?" Liberty asked calmly.<br />
"<i>Nothing</i>," Ash spat. "Nothing, Liberty. Your opposite <i>saw </i>you. And she's much too important to lose."<br />
Liberty nodded, recalling the plan Ash had explained to her and the others so many times. "I know, but maybe you can manipulate her somehow. Turn it in your favor."<br />
"Don't you think I would've if I could find a way?" Ash growled. "<i>You </i>messed this up, Liberty. You're worthless. I should've just left you in Yin!"<br />
A pang of hurt flashed in Liberty - and jealousy. "I-I'm not worthless," she stammered, unable to hide any nerves from her voice.<br />
"Yes you are," Ash snapped.<br />
Liberty was silent, not sure how to respond. "So how...?"<br />
"You have one more chance to prove yourself to me." He then brought his face slightly closer, and it took all of Liberty's will not to flinch away. "And if you don't succeed, you'll be <i>begging</i> me for death."<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Liberty hesitantly responded, "but if you harm me, my opposite will also--"</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"You don't know everything about opposites," he hissed. "Now--"</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Suddenly there was the sound of scampering pawsteps. Ash stiffened, then quickly darted out of the room, and Liberty realized what it meant.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Someone had been eavesdropping. </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There was a yelp and the sound of a mixture of scampering and slamming pawsteps, then Ash was wrestling someone into the room, forcing them onto the floor.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It was a female wolf, that Liberty had recognized as being named Mkia.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Author's Note:</b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>I'll be posting more in the summer, which is coming up soon; last day of school is June 16th. ^-^</b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Also, my grade and I are going on a field trip to an amusement park on Monday. :3</b></blockquote>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4199179457537265334.post-91286213523385873452015-05-30T19:51:00.001-04:002015-05-30T19:51:14.735-04:00Chapter 30: Vortex's Message<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
After another night of fighting with the Tribe boys, Ophir finally settled down by Bracken and Rhett later into the night. The stars were bright up in the sky, and the moon was past being in the middle of it; the girls on the other side of camp had been asleep for a while already.<br />
"Do you think they're okay?" Bracken asked, failing to stifle a huge yawn.<br />
"They're <i>fine</i>. Girls like hanging out in groups of their own gender anyway," Rhett chuckled.<br />
Bracken looked at Rhett and grew wide-eyed. "D-Do you have three ears...?"<br />There was silence between them before Rhett and Ophir burst into laughter. "And that's a sign that you can't handle staying up late," Ophir snickered.<br />
Bracken quickly shook his head. "Sorry..."<br />"Just get some rest," Rhett said, putting his own head on his paws.<br />
Ophir lay down on the ground as well, glancing over at the girls' camp. Misty was asleep with Lilypaka propped up against her side, and Adele was sleeping not too far from her sister, and Campbell was a bit further from the others, sound asleep as well. Ophir smiled. <i>The only time she isn't trying to kill me, </i>he said to himself in amusement, turning over and closing his eyes in attempts to fall asleep.<br />
<br />
<br />
Despite expecting to wake up in the morning, Ophir didn't; instead he found himself awake standing in a large, dark cave, on a short stone pillar. He frowned, confused, and tried to pry himself from it, but found he couldn't get off it. <i>What's going on? </i>he wondered.<br />
"Ophir," said a hissing voice. The gray wolf's head jerked up and he found Vortex standing not too far from him, and immediately his stomach churned with nerves, knowing what the dark wolf had contacted him for. <i>This pillar calls animals while they're dreaming, </i>he realized. That explained why he couldn't step off of it; he was still in a dream. Vortex was in the awakened world.<br />
"Hello, Vortex," Ophir said, attempting to keep cool. But it was becoming increasingly difficult, as Vortex's red eyes glowered and he looked outraged.<br />
"You <i>imbecile</i>," Vortex growled. <i>Guess he's cutting right to the chase, </i>Ophir remarked. "Do you know why I called you?"<br />"Becuase you missed me?" Ophir smiled.<br />
"Don't get in more trouble than you already are," Vortex snarled. "You know perfectly well why I contacted you. Why isn't the Earth Guardian dead yet?"<br />"How do you know she's not--?"<br />"I <i>have </i>my Shadow Trackers, Ophir. They're my eyes," Vortex said through narrowed eyes. "Her name's Adele, isn't it? Winged wolf, white fur with gray markings. And you know perfectly well what she is. So <i>why </i>isn't she <i>dead</i>?"<br />
For the first time in a while, Ophir was nervous, and it was all he could manage not to stammer as he spoke. "I...haven't found an opportunity."<br />As soon as he said it, he knew Vortex knew it was a complete lie. "Yes you have," Vortex spat, storming forward so his muzzle wasn't too far from Ophir. Ophir tried not to flinch or move away; despite Vortex was shorter than Ophir, he was still intimidating; in fact, the wolf was easily the most feared animal in Yin. "I want a real reason, Ophir. <i>Now</i>."<br />Ophir sighed. "I...It just keeps slipping from my mind, I guess--"<br />"I know the reason," Vortex growled, pacing back and forth angrily. "You're growing <i>attached </i>to these animals, aren't you?"<br />"N-No," Ophir insisted, but his voice betrayed his fear.<br />
"Yes you are," Vortex hissed. "You're supposed to <i>kill </i>one of them, and you're becoming attached to them. Take it from me, Ophir - other animals dig into your heart and plant themselves there. Once their roots are dug in, it can't be dug out." Vortex quickly shook his head, and then stared Ophir down, anger flashing in his eyes. "I want my Earth Guardian <i>dead</i>, Ophir. You can't let these animals you only <i>just </i>met come in between you and your job."<br />"I...won't. They're...not," Ophir insisted.<br />
Vortex quickly turned to look at Ophir again, glaring daggers. "Face it Ophir. You're soft enough to let them penetrate you and get to you. Especially that...that gray wolf. Campbell."<br />Ophir's heart skipped a beat in alarm. "She...she hates me."<br />"You don't hate her though. Much the opposite. And that gives you a <i>weakness</i>," Vortex spat. He took a few steps back, looking at Ophir. He was silent for a few moments in which Ophir's fear rose, but then spoke again. "I'm telling you all this for <i>your </i>sake, Ophir. You have much potential. Succeeding at this job can easily earn you a spot at my side for the rest of your days. But failing it? Failing limits them." He then gave a small, cold smile. "Have I made myself clear?"<br />"V-Very. Very clear," Ophir nodded rapidly.<br />
"Good, then. Don't disappoint me," Vortex said.<br />
<br />
<br />
Ophir woke up with a start. The sun was just on the horizon, casting shadows across the mountains and the river between them. It made for a pretty scene, but Ophir was worried.<br />
Not only was Adele's life on the line now, so was his.<br />
And only of them could make it out alive.<br />
<br />
<b>Author's Note:</b><br />
<b>Short-ish chapter, but I hope you guys liked it. :3</b><br />
<b>Also, Ophir's POV :D How do you like reading it from his perspective?</b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4199179457537265334.post-90298704517165209082015-05-24T15:01:00.002-04:002015-05-24T15:01:30.058-04:00Chapter 29: The Debate<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Liberty was pacing the halls of The Bending Tower when she glanced at the Healers' den and noticed Starlight's eyes were open, and she was laying down in the corner. Her heart lurched in joy and she ran into the den. "You're okay!" she said with relief.<br />
<div>
"Hey, back off," Comet growled.</div>
<div>
Liberty's joy left and was replaced by anger. "My best friend just woke up from being knocked out. Shut up."</div>
<div>
Comet narrowed his eyes. "I will have you leave if you violate her."</div>
<div>
Liberty growled in response and approached Starlight. "How are you?"</div>
<div>
Starlight was staring off, seeming dazed.</div>
<div>
Liberty sat down across from her. "Did you...hear rumors?" she murmured.</div>
<div>
"She hasn't spoken at all since she woke up," said a voice.</div>
<div>
Liberty turned to see Mistletoe there, with two pups nestled into her, both with white pelts, but one with a red and green stripe on its chest, much like Mistletoe's on her side.</div>
<div>
"Who's that?" Liberty asked. She want particularly interested in newborns, but was curious. They were her new kin after all.</div>
<div>
"Ridge and Rose," said Mistletoe warily. Liberty felt a pang of annoyance. <i>Does she not trust me? </i>she demanded to herself. </div>
<div>
Liberty just nodded and turned back to Starlight, examining her. <i>She seems okay</i>, she thought. <i>Is she? </i></div>
<div>
Starlight turned to look right back at Liberty, and then started shaking slightly.</div>
<div>
Liberty studied her, wondering what was going on, and then Starlight let out an ear-splitting screech, making Liberty flinch, and Ridge and Rose start wailing.</div>
<div>
"Hold her down hold her down hold her down!" Comet shouted, and Nightgale and him darted over and tackled Starlight down.<br />
"What's going on?!" Liberty yelled, taking a few steps back as Nightgale and Comet pinned Starlight to the ground, and the screeching continued.<br />
As if to answer her question, Starlight seemed to be changing and, if possible, the screeching became even louder. She suddenly began getting black and seemed to waver form, and her eyes began to grow white, her ears growing longer and getting sharper like horns, and a long purple tongue coming from her changing muzzle.<br />
She was turning into a Shadow Tracker.<br />
"She's been doing this on and off!" Nightgale shouted, struggling to keep Starlight down. "She transforms back but she turns into this <i>monster</i>!"<br />"Get out of here!" Comet snarled to Liberty. "We need to handle this ourselves!"<br />Liberty snarled back but left the den.<br />
<br />
<br />
As she was heading down the halls of The Bending Tower, Spot ran up to her. "Liberty!" he exclaimed.<br />
"What?" she muttered.<br />
"There's a meeting. Ash wanted me to make sure you were there," Spot explained.<br />
Liberty was puzzled. "Why?"<br />
"I don't know. He just asked me to get you," the Dalmatian shrugged.<br />
This just confused Liberty further, but she gave in. "Alright. Let's go then."<br />
She followed Spot down the hall, and a silence settled between the two as he took the lead and Liberty walked slightly behind him.<br />
Sure enough, in the yard the whole Bending Tower was gathered, all murmuring and talking among themselves. Fake-Ash wasn't currently present. "What's the meeting for?" Liberty asked Spot. No one in the crowd had taken notice of their arrival.<br />
"It's about Starlight, since she's been transforming," Spot explained.<br />
"You mean everyone knows about it?" Liberty said, fearful.<br />
"Of course they do. News travels quickly around here," he remarked matter-of-factly. "Now c'mon, Ash said we're to be at the front with him."<br />"Why?" Liberty frowned.<br />
Spot shrugged. "I didn't question it."<br />
She then followed Spot to the front where the leader would normally be. Up front was Eclipse - Liberty assumed she'd be speaking for what happened in the Healers' den - Raoul, the deputy, and Sparky, Wyki and Nzuri. <i>Why are they up here? </i>Liberty asked herself as she took a seat in between Spot and Nzuri.<br />
Not much longer, Fake-Ash came out into the yard, and made his way to the front, standing in between Liberty and Nzuri, and Liberty couldn't help but feel discomfort knowing she was next to the opposite. "Benders!" Fake-Ash shouted, and the animals all fell silent. "Thank you for joining us in this debate."<br />"'Debate'?" Liberty echoed in a whisper.<br />
"He's going to ask the Bending Tower members to help decide," Spot explained, also in a whisper.<br />
Liberty nodded, and she found herself catching Sirius's eye. The she-wolf glared at Liberty, and somehow Liberty could tell what was going through her mind: <i>you're right by the impostor Ash. The enemy. </i>She couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt, although it went away just as quickly. <i>I'm not on his side, </i>she told herself.<br />
Ripping her gaze from Sirius, she tuned back in to the debate. "...has been transforming into a strange creature, as was reported by Max and Slice," Fake-Ash was saying. "It was unlike anything ever seen before. The creature was described as being black as night, with white eyes, ears that were more like horns, long purple tongues and fire coming off the back rather than a tail."<br />This set off yells and gasps among the crowd, but they were silenced by Raoul, who let out a bark to quiet them down. Fake-Ash nodded at his deputy before continuing. "And we must decide on the fate of young Starlight. We have three options here: kill her, exile her, or keep her and try to save her."<br />
More yells and animals attempting to get word in, but it all overlapped so nothing was heard at all. "Silence!" Fake-Ash barked. Once again the crowd grew quiet. "Now, I would like to ask for opinions from my associates here: Eclipse, Nzuri, Sparky, Liberty, Spot and Raoul. Once they state what they believe, I will ask for what the rest of you think." He turned to Raoul. "My deputy shall start."<br />Raoul nodded at him in acknowledgement before speaking. "I know what it's like to lose a child," he said, and it became incredibly quiet at that remark. <i>Way to start it off, </i>thought Liberty in annoyance as the Collie continued. "I wouldn't wish that upon anyone, especially an animal I know. If we kill or exile Starlight, it would be like ripping the hearts out of the parents, Rusty adnd Crystal. And not only that, Starlight cannot help what has become of her. I say we try to heal her. And if we can't, and she <i>proves </i>to be a danger..." he hesitated before speaking again. "We exile her," he said hurriedly. This made some animals begin to murmur, but Raoul added, "only as a last resort."<br />Liberty expected more talking, but strangely, everyone was silent.<br />
"Nzuri goes next," Fake-Ash said.<br />
The she-cat took a few steps forward. "Slice explained what happened when Starlight underwent transformation. She explained that she witnessed it the first time it occurred. Once Starlight had turned, she had practically thrown herself at Mistletoe, who had only just given birth to her pups. In fact, Slice said it was almost as if Starlight was <i>trying </i>to kill them."<br />
Whispers rippled through the crowd as Nzuri continued. "She's already proven to be dangerous. I say we kill her."<br />
The whispers quickly escalated into yells, and Nzuri had to shout over it to continue. "If we exile her, she'll just come back! We need to kill her!"<br />
Now the yells turned into roars that Raoul silenced with a deafening bark. "Thank you Nzuri," Fake-Ash nodded. "Eclipse."<br />
"All animals in this Tower deserve to live," Eclipse said immediately, her blind eyes seeming to scan the crowd. "Especially an animal like Starlight, who has done nothing to deserve death, let alone what is happening to her. You can very well assume what I believe: Starlight lives."<br />
"Spot," Fake-Ash said after a while of silence from the crowd.<br />
"Like Eclipse said. Starlight shouldn't die," Spot said. Liberty looked at him as she talked. "But at the same time, she <i>has </i>proven to be dangerous. We exile her."<br />
Liberty looked at the crowd, and found her gaze landing on Ekaj. He was looking directly at her with a sadness in his eyes. Liberty held his gaze for a while before lifting her chin and turning back as Fake-Ash asked for Sparky to speak.<br />
"Starlight is my sister," he began, his voice shaky. Liberty began to grow worried that he may grow murderous - as he had when he found Liberty in the woods - but she shook it off. <i>That was his opposite, </i>she told herself.<br />
But she casted Sparky a nervous glance. Was this his opposite right now?<br />
"I've known her since we were born," he continued, his voice only slightly louder than a murmur - but what with the silence he was definitely able to be heard. "We did practically everything together. A lot of memories of mine have her in it. She was one of my best friends."<br />More silence in which Sparky began to tremble. "And it's not her fault she was turned into a <i>monster</i>!" he yelled. "She deserved nothing but good, and she only became a <i>freak</i>!" he was now practically roaring. "Starlight was a kind, loving animal! She's never done bad! We can't exile her. We can't kill her. She shouldn't get that."<br />He then slowly turned to look at Fake-Ash, pure anger in his eyes. "If she gets exiled or gets killed...so do I."<br />
There was a silence in the crowd, and Liberty couldn't help but feel fearful of Sparky's words. What would The Bending Tower say to that? She turned to look at the crowd, and everyone looked either shocked or confused. Liberty looked at Rusty and Crystal, who were sitting side-by-side, and they looked horrified.<br />
Fake-Ash merely gave a nod. "Liberty."<br />
All eyes were now trained on Liberty. She never liked speaking in front of animals, but now she was speaking for Starlight's life - so she had to make it good.<br />
"I've also known Starlight for a while," Liberty said. "We...were pretty close." She gathered her thoughts for a bit before continuing. "I'm with Sparky. She was a kind animal. And she's not fully a monster. I was in there with her. I know there's still some Starlight left. She's not the freak that you all are probably believing her to be right now." She scanned the crowd once more. "And because of this, I say we spare her of exile and killing."<br />
A few murmurs spread through the animals, and Fake-Ash spoke up again. "You've heard their thoughts. Now anyone may speak their opinion now, but in an orderly manner."<br />
"Don't kill her," spoke up Rusty right away. "She's my own daughter. And I don't want to lose both of my children because of something the one can't control. And I know my mate will say the same." He glanced at Crystal, who nodded solemnly in confirmation.<br />
"The majority wants Starlight spared and kept here," Eclipse remarked.<br />
"I'm with my brother. Starlight is kept here," Dust said.<br />
"I agree," said Leafy. "Starlight's a good pup."<br />
"I think she should be exiled," spoke up Crash. "She doesn't deserve to die, but for our own safety, she should leave. I'm thinking of the majority here."<br />With a feeling of annoyance, Liberty realized the tom was right.<br />
"I agree," Light said. "For all of our safety, we exile her."<br />
"She stays here, alive," demanded Malroy. "I'm in agreement with Sparky, Liberty, everyone else who said it: Starlight doesn't deserve exile or death."<br />
"I...also agree," said Audrey nervously.<br />
"We exile her," Stone insisted. "She may be good, and she may not be controlling what's happening to her, but she's still a threat. Exiling her balances out the point of each side."<br />
"I agree with Stone," nodded Darner.<br />
"So do I," Hazen said. "Death was often in the Fire Nation. I don't want to see it happen here, especially to an innocent."<br />
"Agreed," Slice nodded.<br />There was silence in the crowd. "Would anyone else like to add anything?" Fake-Ash asked calmly.<br />
More silence, but after a while Twister spoke up. "I would."<br />Everyone turned to face the white she-wolf, who looked at everyone with her usual cold look. "I have seen these monsters before," Twister said, and everyone looked at her in surprise. "They're ruthless killers. Nevermind that it's Starlight; once these creatures fully turn, the only thing on their mind is carrying out orders - and the only orders they're used for is killing. We can't risk everyone's life in The Bending Tower, just for the life of one animal."<br />She locked eyes with Fake-Ash. "For this reason, I say we kill her."<br />This set off a lot of yelling and gasps and murmurs, and Liberty couldn't help but notice Fake-Ash's calm expression waver.<br />
Twister had seen Shadow Trackers before - did this make Fake-Ash believe her to be a threat?<br />
<br />
<b>Author's Note:<br />Sorry for not posting; school. But luckily, summer break is soon. :D</b><br />
<b>Hope this makes up for it. :)</b><br />
<b>Also, tonight I'm going to a sleepover - I've never been to one before since when I was little, I didn't really have any girl friends. Wish me luck, since I'm not too sure how sleepovers work. ^^;</b><br />
<b>Oh, another announcement - I had this new story idea, called "To Glory". I made it into a story blog, and would appreciate if you guys gave the blog a follow! You'll learn more about the plot later, I promise~</b><br />
<b><a href="http://toglorynovel.blogspot.com/">Click here to see it!</a></b></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4199179457537265334.post-82673173708904820942015-05-02T17:52:00.000-04:002015-05-02T17:52:27.435-04:00Chapter 28: Shadow Trackers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
They made their way through the territory, heading in the direction of where the shriek was heard. It didn't sound again, but Misty kept walking with Lilypaka, Campbell and Adele towards it, walking a bit faster now. <i>What happened? </i>Misty kept wondering.<br />
"There!" Lilypaka exclaimed, scampering forward. Misty ran up as well and looked down the hill.<br />
Zela, Echo and Destin were there, all standing next to each other and facing something. Misty's heart lurched as she recognized what it was: a Shadow Tracker.<br />
The creature's long tongue flicked, silver saliva falling off the end, and it let out a hiss as it stared the boys down.<br />
"WHAT IN THE NAME OF MICE IS THAT?" Zela yelped.<br />
Destin snarled at it, taking a few steps forward. "Whatever it is, it won't be here long."<br />
"Is that what Achak was talking about?" Lilypaka whispered. "Those Shadow Trackers?"<br />"We saw those at The Bending Tower! I <i>knew </i>we weren't seeing things!" Campbell shouted, turning to Misty.<br />
Destin charged the Shadow Tracker, but in a black wisp it easily dodged, making Destin skid to a halt. "<i>Fight </i>me, you coward!" he challenged, leaping at it again, but this time the Shadow Tracker disappeared into a shadowy vortex and reappeared behind Zela and Echo, who jumped back in fear.<br />
"It's obviously not here to fight," Lilypaka commented. She then ran down the hill. "HEY! It's not gonna hur--!"<br />
The boys didn't listen, and Destin once again tried charging the Shadow Tracker. "Help me take it down!" he called to Echo and Zela, who quickly followed him in attacking the creature. It dodged yet again, however, away from them.<br />
"C'mon," Campbell said, trotting down the hill. Misty and Adele both followed.<br />
They made it down, and Lilypaka was trying to get the boys' attention, but they kept trying to catch the Shadow Tracker to no avail. Misty watched. "Come on, guys!" she shouted. "Listen to Lilypaka! It's not--!"<br />
Just then the Shadow Tracker appeared right in front of Misty and she let out a tiny gasp, but didn't dare speak. The Shadow Tracker didn't move either, staring at her, hissing and spitting, and then looked from Campbell, then to Adele.<br />
When it saw Adele it froze before letting out a deafening screech, then disappearing in another shadow vortex.<br />
There was silence before Destin laughed. "We scared it off!" he declared, and then Zela and Echo joined in his laughter, howling in victory.<br />
Lilypaka scampered over. "Well, it's gone," she remarked. "Not sure why."<br />
Misty frowned. "It looked at Adele," she said, turning to look at her sister. "Then ran away."<br />A look came upon Lilypaka, the look that normally came on her when she was thinking. "You said Achak told you that Shadow Trackers don't have minds of their own, right? That they're given orders by authority figures, and that's all they focus on?"<br />"Yeah..." Misty said.<br />
"Well obviously, the Shadow Tracker's being here wasn't mere coincidence," Lilypaka said matter-of-factly. "That means someone is controlling it, and they sent it here."<br />There was a silence in the group before Campbell broke it. "But why...why would they send it here?"<br />Lilypaka looked dead serious when she spoke.<br />
"Because someone is looking for us."<br />
<br />
<br />
At dinner, the girls stayed in their camp and watched the guys on their side. Misty had to admit, they were good for entertainment.<br />
As the boys were all fighting over and ripping into their food, Ricochet stood on a tree stump and gave a sharp bark that silenced the Tribe, and the boys from Misty's group.<br />
"There was a creature in the forest today!" Ricochet shouted. "A creature black as night and made of fire, as someone reported it."<br />Gasps and whispers coursed through them, except for Zela, Echo and Destin, who merely all glanced at each other.<br />
"And Destin, Echo and Zela chased it out!" Ricochet declared. "A howl for them!"<br />The boys all howled and broke into cheers and laugther.<br />
"Enjoy your meal!" Ricochet exclaimed, jumping down from the stump, and the dinner continued.<br />
"They're annoying sometimes, but they seem like a fun, carefree group," Lilypaka commented.<br />
"Yeah, except that that can result in being a little <i>cocky </i>or not caring about intruders," Campbell muttered.<br />
"It's worked for them so far," Misty pointed out.<br />
"But how long have they been here?" Campbell retorted.<br />
"It's a good thing for that creature that I wasn't there!" Misty heard Tiggerpaka say. She turned to see Tiggerpaka speaking to Colton, Snowdust, Mudaz and Dezren. "I would have slayed the beast and it'd never return!"<br />"Really?" said Colton in interest.<br />
"Of course! I am a warrior after all," Tiggerpaka smirked.<br />
"You are?" Dezren said.<br />
"Yeah, he is!" Mudaz exclaimed. "And he can talk to hornets!"<br />The boys gasped as Mudaz grinned, seeming proud to be the one to tell them that.<br />
"Where'd you learn to do that?" Snowdust asked.<br />
"Natural-born talent, my boy!" Tiggerpaka said, smiling. "Only some of us have that gift."<br />
"That's so cool," Dezren said eagerly.<br />
"Tell us another story!" Mudaz exclaimed, hopping up and down slightly. "Please? Please?"<br />"Okay," Tiggerpaka nodded. "So back in my home, we had a sworn enemy called the <i>Fire Nation</i>..."<br />Misty tuned out, having had heard the story enough as a pup to know all that the meerkat would say. She glanced around the camp and her eyes fell on Ricochet, who was glaring at someone. Misty followed his gaze to see it was locked on Tiggerpaka, who was making a lot of motions as he told the story.<br />
"What's up with Ricochet?" Misty wondered aloud.<br />
"What is it?" Campbell asked.<br />
Misty nodded at the Tribe leader. "He's glaring at Tiggerpaka."<br />Lilypaka hopped up, also studying the scene. "Maybe he thinks Tiggerpaka is stealing his boys from him."<br />Misty frowned. "That's actually a good point. They did seem to look up to Ricochet before."<br />"Yeah, and now Tiggerpaka's stealing the spot," Campbell commented. "I know what that's like. Except I never had that spot in the first placed."<br />"Oh, hush," Misty said dismissively.<br />
They returned to eating their meal, and Lilypaka spoke up. "Wonder what's gonna happen tonight with the boys."<br />"Probably more of that stupid fighting," Campbell snorted.<br />
"It's interesting to watch, though," Misty commented.<br />
"Sorry for the subject change," apologized Lilypaka, "but the Shadow Tracker...who do you think sent it?"<br />"I'm not sure," Campbell frowned.<br />
Misty hesitated before speaking up. "Aren't we like, 'destined' to save Yin and Yang?"<br />Lilypaka considered this. "I guess..."<br />
"What if someone doesn't want us to?" Misty wondered.<br />
"Why would they? Yin and Yang's fighting could end the world," Campbell pointed out.<br />
"Yeah, but...maybe there's someone behind it all," Misty murmured.<br />
This brought silence for a while before Campbell snorted. "Stupidest idea I've heard all day."<br />
<br />
<b>Author's Note:<br />Age of Ultron came out and I'm so excited for it. :D I'll be watching it tomorrow.</b><br />
<b>Pitch Perfect 2 also comes out May 15, and I'm definitely watching that as well. :3</b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4199179457537265334.post-66184219361023653692015-04-24T19:47:00.002-04:002015-04-24T19:47:41.271-04:00Chapter 27: The Chase<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As soon as Liberty realized what her opposite was doing, she bolted after her.<br />
Unfortunately, they both went at about the same speed, and Fake-Liberty had a head start. Liberty gritted her teeth and ran as fast as she possibly could, but it wasn't enough to catch the opposite.<br />
Liberty was extra careful not to trip over any stray tree roots or sticks or rocks, jumping and ducking under any obstacles that'd slow her down. Fake-Liberty ran with easy, cocky almost, seeming familiar with the territory. <i>Exactly how long has she been here? </i>Liberty asked herself with a slight growl as she pushed away the urge to stop running and rest.<br />
Fake-Liberty looked over her shoulder at Liberty and smirked before suddenly swerving and running to the right. Liberty tried to follow but tripped as she tried to turn, stumbling. With a fierce growl she collected herself and started up running again, but it became increasingly more difficult as pain shot in Liberty's sides, wheezing with effort.<br />
She found herself now trotting towards the place where she had left Lucky, but then she heard voices.<br />
"What are you doing?"<br />
Dread filled Liberty as she realized it was Lucky, who then let out a shriek of pain.<br />
Then came Liberty's own voice: "You're a <i>disgrace</i>!" she snarled. "<i>WEAK</i>!"<br />
"Stop hurting me!" Lucky cried.<br />
Anger surged through Liberty and she bolted towards the sounds. She could see Fake-Liberty ahead and didn't care that she'd get injured; she tackled Fake-Liberty, and Liberty found herself also screeching in pain as she felt claws dig into her shoulders as she did the same to her opposite, and something hitting her back at the same time she pinned Fake-Liberty down.<br />
Lucky jumped back. "What's going on?!"<br />
"Lucky, <i>run</i>!" Liberty yelled, struggling to keep Fake-Liberty down.<br />
The black kitten didn't hesitate to take off.<br />
<br />
<br />
Lucky ran back to The Bending Tower, through the yard and into the Tower, and back to the young den, where Airia and the others were. Alista and Cloudie were in conversation, giggling about something, whereas Rhonda and Okerro were talking in the corner, but not acting as giggly as the girls.<br />
Airia looked up as Lucky came in. "There are two Libertys!" he yelped as he ran in and up to the winged wolf. "There are two Libertys!"<br />
Airia studied him, looking rather exhausted, before sighing. "Yes, Lucky," she said. "Some animals can change and act differently."<br />
"But there are two Libertys!" Lucky protested.<br />
Airia nodded. "Most animals can act a certain way one day and another way the next."<br />
"But there are <i>two </i>of her!" Lucky shouted.<br />
"Two of what?" asked Alista.<br />
"Liberty!" Lucky exclaimed, turning to face the orange pup.<br />
"Ooh! Ooh!" Alista said, turning to Alista. "Let's play fight! I'll be two of Raoul!"<br />
"I'll be two of Ash!" Cloudie added.<br />
"I wanna play!" Rhonda exclaimed, bounding over as Okerro followed. "I'm two of Airia!"<br />
"There were two Libertys!" Lucky shouted desperately.<br />
"You wanna be Liberty?" Alista frowned, wrinkling her nose. "But she's a <i>girl</i>!"<br />
Lucky didn't know how to respond, so he didn't, as Okerro started saying who he wanted to be. <i>No one believes me! </i>he thought.<br />
"Are you gonna play with us, Lucky?" Cloudie asked.<br />
"Yeah," Lucky said. "I'm...two..." he frowned.<br />
"You can be two of Streak! He's a cat too!" Alista nodded.<br />
"Okay!" Lucky said, and the group began to play.<br />
<br />
<br />
Liberty struggled to hold her opposite down, both of them growling at each other. She knew she couldn't fight Fake-Liberty; it could result in her own injury. On the bright side, however, this assured that Fake-Liberty wouldn't try to fight her either.<br />
"Get <i>off </i>of me!" Fake-Liberty shrieked, struggling under Liberty's grasp. Her opposite clearly wasn't a good fighter; then again, Liberty was, so it'd make sense that her opposite wouldn't be.<br />
"I will if you promise not to go to The Bending Tower," Liberty growled. It was not likely the opposite would do so, but Liberty was prepared to keep her opposite there all night if it meant she wouldn't go to her home.<br />
"I can't make that promise," Fake-Liberty hissed. "I can't disobey orders."<br />"Well you will this time," Liberty retorted coldly.<br />
Fake-Liberty narrowed her eyes at her before growling. "Fine."<br />
Liberty then released her opposite, who took off in the other direction.<br />
<br />
<br />
She made her way back to The Bending Tower uneventfully, and as she came into the yard she realized the whole of the Tower was out there. <i>What just happened? </i>she asked.<br />
"Liberty!" exclaimed a voice. She turned to see Tiggerkat bouncing over happily. "Hi!"<br />"Uh...hi," Liberty replied cautiously.<br />
"You just missed it!" Tiggerkat said, her voice cheerful as usual. "Ekaj, Sparky, Ryker, Audrey, Malroy and Spot became full Benders."<br />
Liberty nodded. "Sounds nice."<br />"Yeah! It was great! I'm so proud of them. They worked hard," Tiggerkat said, talking in a fast and eager voice. "They should include reese cup lessons. I'd teach that. I'd be a great teacher. I'd make sure no one would fail. And I'd give out free reese cups. It'd be so fun! You should--"<br />"Aren't you like, scared of me?" Liberty blurted out. Tiggerkat blinked as she continued. "Everyone hates me, because--"<br />
Tiggerkat suddenly grew wide-eyed, staring at her intently. "Did you take my reese cups?" she asked slowly.<br />
Liberty frowned. "No, but--"<br />Tiggerkat then grinned and wrapped her arms around Liberty's neck in some kind of embrace. "Well just ask next time," she said, pulling away. "You can have my reese cups as long as you ask."<br />
Confusion filled Liberty, and she then sighed. "Nevermind. You don't understand what with all these opposites..." She didn't mind if Tiggerkat heard the word; she was quite forgetful, and it wasn't likely she'd be repeating it to anyone, and even if she did no one would believe her.<br />
She looked at Tiggerkat to see her face had lit up. "I know, right? Opposites are so <i>confusing</i>. I mean, one is Yin and one is Yang, one is dark and one is bright, one is on and one is off, one's left and one's right, one's up and the other is down..."<br />Tiggerkat walked off, naming more opposites to herself, and Liberty could hear it all the way until she was out of earshot.<br />
But Liberty was even more confused than before. <i>Wait, </i>she said to herself. <i>Tiggerkat just mentioned Yin and Yang...</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>Author's Note:<br />Dun dun dun...</b><br />
<b>(also yeah school got in the way again so i couldn't update sooner)</b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4199179457537265334.post-62409230575000566262015-04-13T19:08:00.003-04:002015-04-13T19:08:42.199-04:00Chapter 26: Walking Through the Forest<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
They decided to go into the woods. Misty always liked forests, probably because the territory she was born into was surrounded by foliage. "It's kind of nice here though," commented Lilypaka as they trotted through the Tribe's territory. "Despite their hating girls, it's better than being cooped up in jail and rarely fed."<br />
"Agreed," nodded Misty.<br />
"Well, it doesn't change the fact that the boys here are idiots," sighed Campbell.<br />
They walked along in a silence that was not awkward, but weren't in silence for long before they heard hooting and hollering.<br />
"Oh great," Campbell muttered. "Wonder who it is."<br />
Misty followed the noise, Campbell, Lilypaka and Adele walking after her. She looked down a hill to see some Tribe boys - Dezren and Razren, who were twin brothers, and Snowdust, running through the woods, not even sparing the girls a sideways glance. They passed through some sort of invisible finish line, as they skidded to a stop and began arguing.<br />
"I won!" Snowdust declared.<br />
"No you didn't!" Dezren and Razren shouted simultaneously.<br />
"You liar, you did not win! I did!" Razren snapped.<br />
"No, I did! My paws were at least a <i>mouse</i>-tail's length ahead of yours!" Dezren protested.<br />
"You're just upset that you're a squirrel," sneered Snowdust.<br />
"I'm not a squirrel! You're a squirrel!" Dezren snarled.<br />
"Bring it on, then! Prove it!" Snowdust said tauntingly.<br />
"<i>Fine</i>!" Dezren exclaimed, tackling Snowdust. Soon the two were in the midst of a big fight, clawing and barking and biting, while Razren took a few steps back to watch, cheering, "go Dez! Go Dez! Go Dez!"<br />
"Is this Tribe always so chaotic?" muttered Campbell.<br />
"Probably," sighed Lilypaka.<br />
"Glad I don't live here then," Misty spoke up.<br />
"You should be. If you did they'd shun you everyday," Campbell added.<br />
"How long will we be staying here anyway?" Lilypaka asked.<br />
"Depends. The boys probably love it here, so it may be a while," Misty said, making Campbell groan in annoyance.<br />
"Speaking of which, where are they?" Lilypaka ventured.<br />
"Probably still asleep. Or at camp," Misty replied.<br />
"Ah," Lilypaka nodded back.<br />
"What's with those boys calling each other 'squirrels'?" asked Campbell as they continued walking.<br />
"I'll bet it's an insult," Misty said.<br />
"You don't say," responded Campbell dryly.<br />
"Aren't you a little ray of--"<br />
Suddenly the earth began to shake, but right before Misty could ask what was going on, it stopped, and everything was, luckily, intact; no fallen trees or branches. She looked down below to see Dezren and Razren had stopped mid-fight, looking around curiously, Snowdust doing so as well.<br />
"What happened?" Misty asked.<br />
"Didn't that tortoise say something about earthquakes being the cause of Yin and Yang fighting?" Lilypaka suggested.<br />
Misty frowned before nodding. "He <i>did </i>say that...for like, every time Yin or Yang lands a blow on the other, an earthquake happens. The bigger the blow, the bigger the earthquake."<br />
"There <i>was </i>a few back at The Bending Tower," commented Campbell.<br />
"So the earthquakes must all happen in random places at different times..." said Lilypaka, her thinking face on, "which means that for all we know, Yin and Yang aren't taking breaks between fights. They could be fighting all day, every day, landing blows on each other; for all we know they could be dying!"<br />
There was silence in the group before Misty spoke up. "That's...reassuring."<br />
"What'd happen if they died?" Campbell asked. "I mean, I know the world ends and all, but does like, an earthquake happen so large the earth literally splits in half?"<br />"Perhaps," Lilypaka nodded slowly.<br />
Just then Ricochet walked into the area, followed by Colton and Ethan, He glanced at the girls. "I thought you would be at your side of the camp," he commented.<br />
"And I thought you didn't talk to girls," Campbell growled.<br />
"No, we merely just don't accept them into our Tribe," Ricochet replied calmly. "But we're making an exception in this case."<br />"Aren't we special," Campbell hissed.<br />
"Why are you out here, anyway?" Ricochet asked.<br />
"Well we're not staying in camp all day," said Misty, speaking before Campbell would say something to get them all kicked out. "It's kinda boring there."<br />Ricochet studied her before nodding. "Fair enough," he decided. "I suppose I'll see you around. You're with our Tribe for now, after all."<br />
"True enough," said Lilypaka in a dismissive manner before Ricochet walked off with the two Tribe boys, who glanced at the girls over their shoulders as they left. "But back to Yin and Yang stuff," the meerkat said as soon as the boys were out of earshot, "Achak also said something about seeking safety. Any thoughts on that?"<br />
<i>I've been trying not to, </i>thought Misty, fighting back a grimace. Tsovo somehow knew about that - as he was keen to let Misty know upon her leaving the Amorache Tribe - and whenever she heard the words "seek safety", it made her think of the Chief's son. "No," Misty replied.<br />
"Well we'd better figure it out soon. It sounds important," Lilypaka said.<br />
"It'd have to be, if the old guy used his dying breaths to say it," Campbell muttered.<br />
That was when a shriek split through the air, making Misty jump with alarm.<br />
"That sounded like a Tribe boy," Lilypaka gasped, running after the sound. Misty quickly followed, as it sounded like a shriek of pain.<br />
<br />
<b>Author's Note:</b><br />
<b>FINALLY got around to writing this hahaha.</b><br />
<b>Also, I made a TFEOB post on Megan's Musings that you guys may enjoy; <a href="http://greatshotmegan.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-four-elements-of-bending-hunger.html">click here</a> to view it.</b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4199179457537265334.post-24579508215377763512015-04-02T15:00:00.000-04:002015-04-02T15:00:02.953-04:00Chapter 25: Fake-Liberty<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Shock rippled through Liberty’s pelt; she looked exactly like her. The same scar on her muzzle, same eyes, same white fur and orange-and-blue markings by her nose. In fact, they both even studied each other the same way; they were so similar it made Liberty realize why animals believed it actually was Liberty who had made death threats and destroyed the herbs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fake-Liberty smirked. “Well, I know which one of us is the </span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">prettier one.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Liberty growled. “What are you doing here?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Oh, right. You know about opposites,” </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">chuckled Fake-Liberty. She smiled. “I’m here on orders from my leader, of </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">course.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“And you’re gonna tell me what those orders are <i>now </i>or--”</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Or you’ll </span><i style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">what</i><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">?” Fake-Liberty laughed. “Rip my throat out? Tear </span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">my tail off? You can’t do that.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“What makes you think I can’t?” Liberty </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">snarled.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Because,” smirked Fake-Liberty. Already Liberty hated that </span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">smirk on her opposite. “Whatever happens to me, also happens to you.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">This took Liberty aback and she hesitated. Was her opposite </span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">just bluffing? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">She decided to test it out and slashed her claws on </span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fake-Liberty’s shoulder.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">Her opposite screeched in pain and Liberty found herself </span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">doing the same as pain shot across her shoulder. Just as she saw blood trickle </span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">down her opposite’s shoulder, she felt blood coming down her own as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">“You </span><i style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">idiot</i><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">!” Fake-Liberty snarled. “I </span><i style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">told </i><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">you </span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">that’d happen! I’d shred your ears if it wouldn’t hurt me too for that!”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“You could’ve been bluffing,” Liberty hissed.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Well con</span><i style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">grat</i><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">ulations, now you got yourself a bloody shoulder,” </span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fake-Liberty snapped. “If you weren’t so stupid you could’ve just noticed that </span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">we </span><i style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">both </i><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">had scars on our muzzles. Who even </span><i style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">did </i><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">that?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Doesn’t matter,” Liberty growled. “What’re you doing here? </span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">What are these ‘orders’?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“You can’t make me tell you,” Fake-Liberty </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">smirked again. “There’s nothing you can do to stop me.”</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">Anger coursed through Liberty; she could feel herself </span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">getting madder every heartbeat. Not only was she powerless in this situation, </span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">her opposite also made her become the least popular animal in the Tower, made </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">her friends hate her, and was the reason Liberty had to serve punishment for</span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">supposedly destroying the herbs in the Healers’ den. She so badly wanted to</span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">take the anger out on her opposite, but she couldn’t. And seeing as how her </span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">opposite was smirking, Fake-Liberty knew this too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">“At least tell me all you had done,” Liberty growled. “What </span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">made everyone hate me.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Oh, that,” Fake-Liberty smiled. “Well, I </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">had gone into the Healers’ den. Those animals in there are pretty dorky,” she </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">added with a chuckle. “I knew about the situation with your friend, how a </span>Shadow Tracker bit her. Unfortunate,” she said in a voice dripping with false <span style="font-family: inherit;">sympathy, effectively making Liberty even madder. “So I destroyed the herbs and </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">since, y’know, they’re Healers, they couldn’t do much to stop me. That orange </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">wolf - Comet, was it? - asked me what I was doing, so I told him I did this in </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">hopes that Starlight would die, just to top it off,” Fake-Liberty grinned.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">The anger was becoming unbearable, but Liberty gritted her </span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">teeth. “Continue.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">“So then I ran out of the Tower and into your territory and </span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">I ran into that wolf - Sirius - and her friend Ryker. I know you’ve been </span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">becoming close to them. Right? Anyways, so I figured it’d be good for me if I </span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">could get some of your friends to hate you. So I tried to kill her.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">“What good for </span><i style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">you </i><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">would come out of my friends </span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">hating me?” Liberty retorted.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Well, what if that was my orders?” suggested Fake-Liberty </span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">with a smile, but before Liberty could ask what that meant the opposite </span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">continued. “So as you probably already know, Sirius believed it was you trying </span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">to kill her. I ran away before she could fight back. I thought by then I </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">wouldn’t run into anyone else you knew, but that’s when your friend Ekaj came</span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">along.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dread filled Liberty at the mention of his name. “What did </span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">you do to him?” she growled.</span></div>
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</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fake-Liberty gave a slight smile. “De</span><i style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">fensive</i><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">are we? </span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">Oh, it was nothing </span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">really. He tried to talk to me, but I think I did you a </span><i style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">favor</i><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">,” she said, wrinkling her nose. “That boy is </span><i style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">ugly</i><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and it’s quite obvious he likes </span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">you. I told him to get away from me.”</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Liberty had never been more furious in her life. She howled her anger out, and slashed her claws onto the nearest tree, pretending it was her opposite’s throat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Wow, you are really angry!” exclaimed Fake-Liberty, as if fascinated. “I wonder what <i>else </i>I can do?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It took Liberty a while to process what her opposite was saying. “</span><i style="font-family: inherit;">What</i><span style="font-family: inherit;">?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“I guess I’ll go find out!” Fake-Liberty grinned. She then took off and dread filled Liberty.</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Her opposite was running for The Bending Tower.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
</div>
<div>
<b style="font-family: inherit;">Author’s Note:</b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-family: inherit;">I wrote this in school while I was supposed to be taking a test. Probably shouldn't have; it's making this post have weird spacing. =n=</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">So sorry this is kinda short. D:<br />Also, if you're still curious about what Fake-Liberty's personality is like, think about those mean-girl cheerleaders who gossip and care deeply about their appearance and are very girly.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>That's basically Fake-Liberty in a nutshell.</b></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4199179457537265334.post-42191612202611815972015-03-27T16:00:00.000-04:002015-03-27T16:00:01.871-04:00Chapter 24: Morning at the Tribe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Misty woke
up the next morning to see the sun shining brightly in the bright blue sky. She
could hear the waves lapping at the nearby shore. Misty blinked several times
to wake herself up and glanced out at the distance. It was a beautiful view;
mountains in the distance and the river running in between them as far as the
eye could see. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">She turned
and looked at the boys’ side of the camp. Most of the boys were knocked out,
seeming exhausted, all sprawled across the ground. Misty could only see a few
were actually in the dens that were up in the trees. Even the boys from her own
group were on the ground spread apart, looking deep in sleep. <i>They must’ve stayed up all night, </i>she
realized.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Mornin’,”
said a voice. Misty turned to see Campbell with a rabbit in front of her that
was half-eaten. She tossed a fox to Misty. “There ya go. Eat up.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Thanks,”
Misty returned, taking a bite of fox. “Where’s Lilypaka?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“By the
lake,” Campbell said, pointing with a tail to the meerkat. She had a stick with
woven vines attached to the end. “She calls it a ‘net’,” explained Campbell, as
if noticing Misty was looking at the object. “She’s trying to catch little fish
gathered at the shore.”<br />
“Smart,” Misty remarked. She gave a sideways glance at her sister, who was fast
asleep. “The boys seem exhausted,” she said to Campbell.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Tell me
about it. For once Ophir’s actually quiet,” Campbell muttered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“He seems
beat-up after that fight,” Misty said, looking at Ophir, who had several cuts
on his body from being scratched at by other boys’ claws. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Mm,”
nodded Campbell, taking a bite of rabbit before adding, “well, that’s his own
fault. I don’t think messing with Tribe boys is smart.”<br />
Misty didn’t respond, but she couldn’t help to agree. The Tribe boys had fights
like these every night. Ophir was new to it, so taking them on the first night
they were there probably wasn’t the best idea the gray wolf possibly ever had.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lilypaka
came back just then, and Misty could see tiny fish in her net. “I caught some!”
she exclaimed. She then noticed Misty awake. “Oh. Good morning, Misty.”<br />
Misty nodded back in greeting. “So what’re you gonna do with those?”<br />
“It’s my breakfast,” Lilypaka said. “When I was little mom would get me fish
every now and then as a treat. For old times’ sake I decided to have some.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Misty felt
a pang of homesickness as she thought about her own mother. “I wonder what my
mom is doing right now,” she murmured.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lilypaka
gave Misty a sympathetic look. “I’ll bet she misses you a lot.”<br />
“I hope she does,” Misty nodded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“I don’t
think a whole lot of animals miss me,” Campbell muttered. “But if there’s one
who <i>definitely </i>doesn’t, it’s
Liberty.”<br />
“Oh, hush,” Misty insisted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Don’t act
like you don’t believe me. Liberty never liked me,” Campbell retorted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Yeah, well
maybe she didn’t like the fact that you were always so rude towards her,” Misty
shot back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Whoa,
whoa, whoa,” Lilypaka spoke up. “Who’s Liberty?”<br />
“My sister,” Campbell said. “White fur, blue eyes…everyone <i>loved </i>her because she was <i>such
</i>a good fighter,” she growled in a sarcastic-sounding tone. “And guess who
everyone ignored? Me.”<br />
“I’m sure not <i>everyone</i>…” Lilypaka
said hesitantly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“My parents
wouldn’t. But that was it,” Campbell grumbled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“I didn’t!”
Misty protested.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Fine. And
Misty.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“What’s
your home called?” Lilypaka asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“The
Bending Tower,” answered Campbell.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Ah. What’s
it like there?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Lot of
forest,” Misty said, feeling more homesick as she recalled the place where her
family and friends all lived. “We live in a big Tower, and next to it is a
stone yard where we mostly hang out. There’s also tree-fall place, where a
bunch of fallen trees are, and Ice River, which separates us from other
territories…”<br />
Lilypaka nodded. “Can’t wait to see it someday,” she said with a smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“We might
not,” Campbell sighed. “It feels like we’re never going home…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“You will,”
Lilypaka insisted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“What makes
you so sure?” Misty asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Well,”
Lilypaka began, “if you train your mind to believe you’ll never return home,
you’ll start to truly think it. And how will that help you with this whole ‘stopping-Yin-and-Yang-thing’?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“True,”
Misty said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They
finished up their breakfasts, talking occasionally but not as much as they had
been when discussing their homes. Misty glanced at Adele, who was still asleep,
but as she looked at her winged sister, her eyes fluttered open. Misty smiled
as if to say “<i>good morning</i>”. Adele
flicked her ear in return.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Campbell
also took notice and nudged the last piece of prey – a beaver – in Adele’s
direction. Adele took it and began to eat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Mornin’,”
said a voice. Misty turned to see Koro standing at the barrier, and she smiled
upon seeing him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Hi,” she
returned. “How’s it been going with the Tribe boys?”<br />
Koro turned to Misty and she found it difficult to hold his gaze without
looking away. “Well…it’s been going,” he said in response. He then glanced down
at Adele. “How’s she been going?”<br />
A bit of confusion flashed in Misty, but it left just as quickly. “As good as
she’s ever been…why?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“I like to
make sure she’s doing well,” Koro insisted. “Y’know, since she’s…” he didn’t
finish his sentence, as if hesitant to say the word “deaf”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">At this
Misty felt a pang of jealousy, and annoyance at her sister being treated
differently. “I’m watching after her, Koro,” she said, attempting to keep any
anger out of her voice. “She’s fine with me; always has been.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Koro
hesitated, before nodding. “Alright then.” He then headed back to the boys’
side of camp, over to Rhett, who looked as though he’d just woken up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Misty
growled as soon as her mentor was out of earshot. “He’s being awfully inconsiderate.”<br />
“Why? Because he was concerned for your <i>sister</i>?
And not <i>you</i>?” Campbell chuckled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Well, he
acts as though I can’t take care of my own sister, and all he did was ask about
her then leave,” Misty muttered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“I honestly
think you’re overreacting. Your judgment’s clouded,” Campbell insisted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Don’t talk
to <i>me </i>about overreacting or clouded
judgment,” Misty retorted. “You’re the one who always rants about your sister.”<br />
“<i>Fine</i>,” growled Campbell. “Sorr-<i>ee</i>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“D’you
think we’re staying on this side of camp all day?” Lilypaka asked. “Or can we
see what the guys are up to at all?”<br />
“Probably not the Tribe boys,” Misty sighed. “They want nothing to do with us.”<br />
“Yeah. They’re annoying,” Campbell agreed.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Well let’s
go over and at least look. Besides, what can they do to us?” Lilypaka said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Misty and
Campbell murmured in agreement and the three of them stood up, and Adele did as
well. They walked through the barrier between the camps and they walked through
the boys’ camp. It almost seemed like they all were dead, as they were all
asleep and scattered everywhere, like someone had raided the place and left
behind the bodies. The thought made Misty shiver.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“I was
surrounded,” said a familiar voice. Misty turned to see Tiggerpaka with Ronais,
Dozzi and Mudaz. The three Tribe boys looked very interested in what the
meerkat was saying. “Nowhere to run. My nemesis Tiredblade had cornered me, and
I thought it was surely the end! He let out a menacing laugh and pulled his
claws back, prepared to strike me. But that was when I called upon the hornets
to help me!”<br />
“Whoa!” exclaimed Ronais. “You can talk to hornets?”<br />
“I can talk to all sorts of creatures,” smirked Tiggerpaka.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Oh
brother,” Campbell grumbled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Do it now!
Do it now!” said Mudaz excitedly, jumping up and down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“No, I must
finish my story!” declared Tiggerpaka. “Anyways, so the hornets swooped in and
confused poor Tiredblade and stung him in the eyes, blinding him! He howled out
in pain! That was when I jumped at him with my stick weapon and stabbed him,
and he ran off crying for his mommy!” Tiggerpaka then leaned back with a smirk
on his face again. “And that is how I defended the Meerkat Clan.”<br />
“Whoa,” murmured the three boys, intrigued by the meerkat’s words.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“That is so
cool!” Dozzi exclaimed. He then turned to the two others. “Guys, we should play
‘Defend the Clan’!”<br />
“I call being Tiggerpaka!” Mudaz
shouted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“No fair!
You <i>always </i>take the best role!”
whined Ronais.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Now, now,”
Tiggerpaka said. “I know how much you three want to be me, but there’s only
enough for one of me to go around!”<br />
“He’s right,” commented Dozzi. “Maybe you could play with us!” he insisted,
beaming at Tiggerpaka.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A flash of
uncertainty came upon the meerkat’s face, but it left just as quickly, being
replaced with his usual arrogant look. “I’m very sorry, boys, but I’ve done
enough fighting for this land. I shall instead give you tips while you play
your game.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Yeah!” the
boys all agreed simultaneously.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“I get to
be Tiggerpaka then!” Mudaz said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“I wanna be
him!” Dozzi protested.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“I’ll fight
you for it!” Mudaz exclaimed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Whenever
you lose a fight you get mad and <i>leave</i>,”
Ronais retorted. He then turned to Dozzi. “Look, this time he can be
Tiggerpaka.”<br />
“Yeah!” Mudaz grinned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“I’m gonna
be Tiredblade then,” Dozzi insisted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“I’m the <i>hornets</i>!” Ronais declared.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“We should
get moving,” spoke up Lilypaka to the girls. “I don’t wanna be around when this
fight happens between those three…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Author’s Note:<br />
Kinda pointless chapter. ^^; And yeah, I know I say it a lot, but again I’m
sorry for not posting. The usual excuse (school). I may not get to post chapters
as much anymore, anyway. High school is right around the corner for me, so
during that time I won’t get to be on a whole lot. :/</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4199179457537265334.post-46400871794761000382015-03-22T15:25:00.003-04:002015-03-22T15:25:33.759-04:00Chapter 23: Herb Hunting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The next morning Liberty didn't quite make it to the yard before she was stopped by her father, Dust.<br />
"Look, Nightgale still has herbs to find," he explained. "Your mother thinks you should go look for them."<br />
Liberty growled. "I'm telling you, I didn't do it."<br />Dust shrugged. "I don't blame you for denying it. Herb hunting <i>sucks</i>," he chuckled.<br />
"That's what it's called?" Liberty said, giving him a look.<br />
"Well...that's what Rusty and I call it anyway. But look, if you don't go Charlotte's gonna be <i>mad</i>. At both of us," Dust said nervously. "So I'd hop to it if I were you."<br />
Liberty sighed, cursing under her breath as she left The Bending Tower, growling to herself when she was far away enough that her father couldn't hear. <i>This is unfair,</i> she kept repeating to herself. <i>I didn't do anything, and </i>I <i>have to go herb hunting. </i>I <i>have to become the most hated animal in this place. Stupid opposite...</i><br />
She went out into the yard, ignoring other animals' glares and whispering as she walked past. As she walked, she noticed the snow had melted a bit and it wasn't so deep now. Currently, the sky was bright blue and the sun was up in the sky, and there were only a few clouds here and there. It was still pretty cold out, however.<br />
Liberty almost got to the exit before she felt some latch onto her back right leg.<br />
"Hey!" she exclaimed, whipping around, only to find it was Lucky. "Oh." She relaxed. "It's you."<br />
"Hi!" Lucky greeted her before batting at her tail with his claws extended. Liberty turned around to stop him from doing so. "Whatcha doing?" he asked.<br />
"I'm about to head out," Liberty said.<br />
"Out? Outside?" Lucky said, head tilted.<br />
Liberty nodded.<br />
"Can I come? Please?" Lucky asked eagerly.<br />
"You don't like snow," Liberty pointed out.<br />
"There's not as much now! And I like exploring! <i>Pleeeeaaaasssee</i>?" he begged.<br />
Liberty gave an irritated sigh. "Fine."<br />"Yay!" Lucky exclaimed eagerly.<br />
"But you're walking this time. You need to learn to walk in the snow," Liberty insisted.<br />
"Okay," Lucky nodded.<br />
Lucky followed her out of the yard and to the forest. Liberty looked around, wondering where she might find herbs. <i>Maybe just anywhere in the forest, </i>Liberty suggested to herself. <i>But how do you tell an herb from a regular plant...?</i><br />
"What're we doing out here?" Lucky asked, snapping Liberty back to reality.<br />
"Herb hunting," she replied.<br />
"What's that?"<br />
"It's when you look for plants that can help cure sickness and injuries."<br />
Lucky frowned. "Huh?"<br />
"It's <i>medicine</i>," Liberty translated, "that helps you when you get sick or heals places that hurt. Okay?"<br />
"Ohhhh," murmured Lucky in understanding.<br />
Liberty stopped as she realized they were by the tree-fall place. There were surprisingly no animals there; normally apprentices always came here for training. "Maybe there are herbs around here," suggested Liberty, mainly to herself.<br />
"I'll look for some!" exclaimed Lucky, beaming.<br />
"No, I don't think you'd recognize one," Liberty insisted with a dismissive wave of her tail.<br />
"Then what do I do?" Lucky asked, batting playfully at Liberty's tail.<br />
Liberty snatched her tail away. "Don't do that."<br />
"Sorry," Lucky apologized.<br />
"Anyways, I want you to practice tree climbing. That almost got you in trouble yesterday in tag. If you practice more, you won't end up like that again," Liberty said.<br />
"Why do I have to?" Lucky asked. His tail-tip twitched and as he spotted it he began to bat at it.<br />
"Not only it will help you in tag, it also will in a real fight one day. So think of this as battle training," Liberty suggested.<br />
Lucky nodded eagerly. "I'll do it!" He ran over to the nearest tree.<br />
Liberty sighed. "That should keep him occupied," she muttered to herself before examining some of the bushes.<br />
She examined the bushes, looking first for any type of herb she'd recognize. There were several dead flowers but nothing that seemed like would help. Liberty growled in annoyance. <i>Yeah, send </i>me <i>to find some stupid herbs. Because I know </i>all <i>about healing, right?</i><br />
"Liberty! Look at me!" exclaimed Lucky's voice.<br />
Liberty turned to see Lucky was in the first branch of the tree. "Good!" she shouted over to him. "Keep practicing!"<br />
"Okay!" he said back.<br />
Liberty turned to keep looking for herbs and then she noticed some other Benders not too far away, ones she recognized; Leafy, Malroy, Twig, Ryker, Nyla, Sparky, Max, Spot, Crash, Audrey, Stone and Ekaj. Immediately she was confused. <i>What's with the big patrol? </i>she asked. Normally they were never this big.<br />
Stone stepped forward. "Liberty, I'm gonna have to ask you and that kit to leave," she growled. "We're doing assessments."<br />
"I have to look for herbs," Liberty insisted, glaring at the raccoon.<br />
"Oh yeah. You destroyed a bunch of them," Leafy remarked. "Why?"<br />
"'Cause she's a jerk, that's why," Ryker growled, taking a few steps forward.<br />
Anger rushed through Liberty. "I di--" she began, but stopped herself. <i>It's pointless to keep saying you didn't do it, </i>she realized. <i>No one believes you. </i><br />
"You didn't do it?" Ryker sneered. "Is that the lie you're trying to convince us of? You're innocent of all the things you <i>did</i>?"<br />
There was more meaning to the words, and Liberty realized Ryker was talking about how her opposite had tried to kill Sirius, supposedly on Fake-Ash's orders. Dread filled Liberty; if Ryker told others about it, there was no way they'd keep her in The Bending Tower. And they definitely wouldn't believe the whole "Fake-Ash's-orders-thing". The whole Tower thought he was a hero, still the same Ash who'd been there before Yin and Yang started their fight.<br />
Liberty gritted her teeth but didn't reply.<br />
"Ryker, hush," Nyla scolded her son. She then looked at Liberty. "You're going to have to leave though."<br />Despite the fact that Liberty had been framed of all these things, she knew she could trust Nyla to be kind. "Can you tell me where I can find some herbs?"<br />"Why <i>should </i>we--" Ryker began, but Crash cut him off.<br />
"By Ice River. Herbs tend to grow there," Crash said.<br />
"Thank you," Liberty mumbled.<br />
"And take your cat with you," Stone said through narrowed eyes. "He'll just get in the way."<br />
Liberty sighed and turned to look at Lucky, who was still climbing, ignoring the situation. "C'mon, Lucky," Liberty called. "We have to go."<br />"Aww!" Lucky protested. "I was doing good!"<br />"Let's go," Liberty insisted.<br />
She began to walk off for Ice River, knowing Lucky would catch up, but before she got past the patrol she was stopped by Sparky. He had anger in his eyes as he looked at her, but - despite him being taller and bigger than Liberty - it didn't intimidate her, and she looked back at him. "I don't want you going near my sister again," he hissed.<br />
"What do you mean?" Liberty retorted calmly.<br />
"I <i>mean</i>...don't go <i>near </i>her!" he roared before slashing his claws across Liberty's shoulder, much stronger than Liberty would've anticipated. This made her yelp out and she fell to the ground, and only just had time to see Sparky jump for her again, but Max and Nyla pulled him back. Liberty scrambled back to her paws, blood running down her shoulder as Sparky screamed out. "She's the reason my sister's gonna die! She's responsible for it! Let me kill her! <i>Let me kill her</i>!"<br />
"<i>Sparky</i>!" Nyla snarled, and Liberty briefly saw the look she'd have when Lephos and Sidew did something bad - but the look was much stronger. The Border Collie threw Sparky onto the ground and put her paws down on him to keep him there. "Don't hurt Liberty for this! <i>Stop</i>!"<br />
"Get off me!" Sparky barked, struggling under Nyla's grasp.<br />
"<i>Go</i>!" exclaimed a voice, and Liberty realized it was Spot. "Get out of here! Run!"<br />
Liberty nodded and darted off, not bothering to wait for Lucky as Sparky's screams filled the air; the black kitten would be okay. She kept running further and further into Bending Tower territory until Sparky's yells became nothing more than a faint echo.<br />
She stopped in a clearing, panting, and looked back at where she had come from. <i>That was his opposite, </i>she realized. <i>It had to be. </i>Liberty doubted the real Sparky would be that violent or crazy-sounding. But what did this mean for the orange wolf? Would he be shunned by The Bending Tower because of this?<br />
And why was Spot all of the sudden concerned? Liberty decided to brush that thought off; it didn't seem like anything to be suspicious about.<br />
After she caught her breath Liberty kept running, this time in the direction of Ice River. Whether Sparky threatened her or not, she still was on an herb hunt. She ran through the territory, trying to focus on the sounds of the birds singing rather than the thought of Sparky screaming at the top his lungs. Liberty closed her eyes in attempts to calm herself down, then slowly opened them.<br />
And that's when Liberty ran into herself.<br />
<br />
<b>Author's Note:<br />Sorry for the late chapter. School. ^^; That's been getting in the way a lot lately, huh?<br />But anyway, have you guys listened to Imagine Dragons's new album? It is SO good. Check it out, especially the songs "Gold", "Friction" and "Shots". :D</b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4199179457537265334.post-36575831142290780672015-03-15T16:56:00.002-04:002015-03-15T16:56:29.259-04:00Chapter 22: The Two Camps<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When nighttime approached Misty learned that the sticks in the center of camp was for lighting fires. Around dinnertime the sticks were lit up by the Tribe boys and they all cheered as it was. Music was also started up by a simple kind of object made of tree wood that was assembled together to hit a "drum" as Lilypaka called it, on its own, and other music-playing things were nearby it like "pipes", "bells", and others (Lilypaka had told them all about the different instruments). Overall it produced a rather fun melody that seemed appropriate for any celebration.<br />
The girls had given up trying to stay by the boys and had retreated to a small camp by the lake. Lilypaka and Misty had gathered sticks and Lilypaka managed to make their own fire, and not much long after that Campbell and Misty had gone hunting and brought back several rabbits so the four of them - Adele, Lilypaka, Campbell and Misty - could eat.<br />
The boys in the group - Sidew, Lephos, Rhett, Ophir, Koro, Moonshadow, Tiggerpaka and Bracken - had all joined the Tribe boys in their party, whatever the occasion was for (Misty suspected there was none). Not much long after the fire had been lighted the boys all began running around and laughing, playing chasing and fighting games and overall just goofing off.<br />
"Boys are stupid," remarked Campbell as she took a bite of rabbit, eyeing the boys.<br />
"That's why they make for good entertainment," laughed Lilypaka.<br />
"I heard once back at The Bending Tower that girls tend to live longer than boys," Misty said, watching as two Tribe boys - Destin and Zela, Misty had learned - rolled around and bit and clawed at each other, while everyone else was chanting them on, "I'm starting to believe it's true."<br />"No duh," Campbell snorted.<br />
They watched in silence as Destin clawed at Zela's face and Zela shrieked, "surrender! Surrender!" and the boys all cheered and started laughing. Zela retreated into the crowd.<br />
"Who's gonna take me on next?!" Destin yelled.<br />
"I will," Ophir spoke up, stepping forward.<br />
There were "ooooh"s and laughter from the boys as Ophir came into the makeshift ring that was made for the event.<br />
"Y'know the rules, twiggie," Destin said. Misty figured he was referring to Ophir's skinny physique. "First to surrender's out."<br />
"So I gathered," Ophir smirked.<br />
"Oh, brother," Campbell muttered. "I don't think this'll end well."<br />
"Alright, twiggie! Let's start then!" Destin laughed, and the rest of the boys did as well.<br />
Everyone watched as Destin was the first to attack. He lunged forward at Ophir and dove towards the ground, quickly going under Ophir and kicking at his belly, easily unbalancing him. All of this was done before Ophir even had time to react, and Ophir fell towards the crowd, which pushed him back into the fight. Ophir attempted to get to his paws but Destin was already there, and he bit down on Ophir's ear and Misty gasped in alarm as he pulled part of it off.<br />
Ophir yelped in pain and blood began pouring down the side of his head. Misty expected everyone to be shocked, but the boys merely cheered and laughed and Ophir angrily got to his paws, growling at Destin, who just smirked at him.<br />
"Aren't you like, not allowed to do that?" Misty heard Bracken say over the laughter.<br />
"Of course you are!" insisted a gray wolf who Misty recognized as Razern. "We're the Tribe of Awesomeness. We can do anything we want."<br />
Misty was unable to look away as Ophir charged Destin and clawed at his shoulders and attempted to bite at Destin's neck. Destin snarled back and sliced his claws at Ophir's chest and his eyes, effectively blinding him, and then slamming into Ophir to knock him off balance, before hitting his side to make him fall to the ground.<br />
Destin now had Ophir pinned and began clawing at Ophir's face, and Ophir yelped at each strike, obviously weakening. The boys were all shouting and cheering at this, some chanting "<i>Destin</i>! <i>Destin</i>! <i>Destin</i>!"<br />
"<i>Get </i>'im, Ophir!" Campbell hollered, but the Tribe boys acted as though they hadn't heard this. In fact, only Ophir seemed to as he turned and looked at Campbell, before gritting his teeth and striking Destin's chest with his claws, and then biting into Destin's leg, sinking his teeth in.<br />
Destin howled with pain as Ophir then kicked at his stomach and bashed into his chest, clawing at his muzzle. "Oh boy," Lilypaka was saying as the fight carried on. "Ophir and Destin both seem exceedingly arrogant. One of them will pretty much have to almost <i>die </i>before they surrender."<br />
As Misty watched while Ophir bit on Destin's tail and Destin kicked at Ophir, she realized the meerkat was right.<br />
With a great amount of force Ophir yanked Destin's tail and forced the boy to fall to the ground. Before Destin could get up Ophir had his jaws clamped around Destin's neck, but didn't bite down. Misty knew what Ophir was doing: threatening to kill him if he didn't surrender.<br />
"I surrender!" Destin shrieked. "I surrender!"<br />
Ophir let go of Destin, who scampered away from him as the boys all cheered and laughed, chanting, "<i>Ophir</i>! <i>Ophir</i>! <i>Ophir</i>!"<br />
Destin growled at Ophir but retreated into the crowd. Misty looked at Ophir: he had claw marks on him and was bleeding from several places - especially his ear - but he seemed fine.<br />
"That was <i>intense</i>," laughed Ricochet, who was in the middle of the crowd. "Who's up next?"<br />
Misty didn't see who else was going because she turned back to the girls. "How long are we staying here?"<br />Lilypaka shrugged. "Who knows?" she said, eating a pill bug.<br />
"Hopefully not longer," Campbell sighed. "Already this place is getting on my nerves..."<br />"Everything gets on your nerves," Misty pointed out.<br />
"Not <i>everything</i>..." Campbell insisted.<br />
Misty glanced at Adele. She was watching the boys, laying down by the fire next to Misty. She had finished eating her rabbit. Adele glanced at Misty and looked at the boys then brushed her left paw on her right one. Misty somehow got what she was saying: <i>they're stupid. </i>Misty nodded back in agreement, chuckling.<br />
Suddenly Tornado came crashing towards the girls' camp, hitting Campbell, who immediately shoved Tornado away. He stumbled to his paws, blood spilling from his shoulder, and Misty could hear the boys laugh and howl as Tornado darted back to the ring and jumped at Ophir.<br />
"You know what we need?" Lilypaka said.<br />
"To kill a boy?" Campbell growled, glaring at Tornado despite his being occupied with fighting Ophir.<br />
"A barrier. To separate us from them," Lilypaka insisted.<br />
Misty nodded. "That's actually a good idea."<br />
<br />
<br />
They came back from the woods to see the fighting was over and the boys were back to hanging out around he campfire, all talking and laughing and some howling to the music. Misty carried several sticks and some vines in her mouth, and so did Campbell and Adele. Lilypaka also had some sticks and vines with her. They threw them all to the ground. "I say we get to building," Lilypaka insisted. "We'll dig the sticks into the ground and encircle a little wall around us, putting several sticks in a same place to make it sturdy, and we can use those vines to tie them together. We'll leave a space for us to go out of. If we need more sticks we can head back into the woods."<br />The girls nodded in agreement and set to work.<br />
<br />
<br />
Much later into the night - when the moon was almost in the middle of the dark sky - the barrier was completed. It was short enough they could see what the boys were up to, and it'd keep any of them from going to their camp again like Tornado had.<br />
"There we go," said Lilypaka, looking impressed. "Let's seem 'em try and get through <i>that</i>."<br />
"I don't know what'd we do without you, Lily," Misty chuckled.<br />
"We should try and get some sleep," Campbell remarked. "And thankfully, we won't need to take turns watching. If there's trouble, I have a feeling the boys'll be loud enough."<br />
Misty and Lilypaka laughed in agreement and not long after they all settled in to sleep.<br />
<br />
<b>Author's Note:</b><br />
<b>The Lost Boys from Peter Pan and Once Upon a Time inspire me for what to write about the Tribe of Awesomeness. :3 I loved Peter Pan in OUAT, he was amazing. :D</b><br />
<b>I got school tomorrow, ugh. We also have standardized testing this week, which is gonna take two whole days to do. :/ On the bright side, we're allowed to read when we're done our tests, so I might get Allegiant finished. </b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4199179457537265334.post-66456526945033984642015-03-14T17:31:00.002-04:002015-03-14T17:31:50.778-04:00Chapter 21: Cleaning the Prison<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Not much
later Liberty heading into The Bending Tower looking for a room she didn’t know
existed: the prison room. <i>Do we have a
prison room, </i>she wondered, <i>or is
Fake-Ash pulling my leg? </i>She pushed the thought away; what would Fake-Ash
gain out of her looking for a room that didn’t exist? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He had said
the room could be found hidden by the elders’ room. Liberty figured it was
hidden so when enemies invaded, they couldn’t get their prisoners. <i>If it’s there, </i>she added to herself. She
didn’t know if the room existed or not yet. Something told her it did, but
Liberty wasn’t sure why it was never mentioned before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">She was now
outside the elders’ den. She could hear conversation happening in there, but
Liberty didn’t care enough to try and listen to what it was about. The hallway
was at a dead end, so Liberty looked around for any signs of a prison room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Liberty
noticed a slight shift in the wall, as if a patch of it was broken. Instinct
told her that might’ve been the hidden entrance. She pushed it with her muzzle,
and sure enough, the shift moved backwards, enabling her to push through. Dust
fell around as she did, as if the entrance hadn’t been used in a while, and she
made her way in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As she entered
she took in the room. There was dust everywhere, and the cells that were there
were all rusty and looked very old. Next to the cells was a water tank, which
must’ve been for animals who lived in the water, although Liberty wasn’t sure
what’d they’d be doing out of the water in the first place. The walls of the
room were gray, and Liberty could see cobwebs here and there. She wrinkled her
nose. <i>This place is disgusting.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fake-Ash had
ordered her to clean the place, but Liberty wasn’t sure why. The thought
actually scared her; if she was to clean the room, that meant it might be being
used soon. And there wasn’t anything she could do about it; one, who could she
tell – that’d believe her – about “Ash” using the prison room again? And two,
if she did, Fake-Ash would consider her a traitor, and her plan to spy on the
opposite would fail, or she’d get killed. Maybe even become the first prisoner
in the room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Liberty
sighed, deciding maybe she’d start tearing cobwebs down. She approached one in the corner, when
suddenly she heard pawsteps coming towards her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">She whipped
around, only to see who was coming in: Nzuri, a light brown tabby she-cat
Liberty had seen around The Bending Tower, and Sparky, an orange wolf who was
Starlight’s sister.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“What’re you
guys doing here?” Liberty demanded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nzuri
blinked. “Same as you. Cleaning the prison.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A feeling of
dread washed over Liberty. “Did…Ash tell you to?”<br />
“Yeah,” Sparky nodded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Liberty
glanced at him. “I thought you’d be with Starlight.”<br />
“I was. But Ash said I should clean this room to keep my mind off it,” Sparky
sighed. He then looked at her. “What even bit her…? That black gunk on her
shoulder is spreading around her body…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sparky was
getting choked up thinking about it – Liberty could tell – and she didn’t want
to get sad about it either, so she spoke up. “Let’s not think about that.
She’ll get better.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“What even
got her?” Sparky asked, looking Liberty in the eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Liberty held
his gaze for a few heartbeats but looked away and sighed, trying to decide
whether to tell him the truth. <i>Malroy and
Ekaj saw it, </i>she told herself. <i>And
I’d get mad if someone didn’t tell me what got her. </i>“This shadow-like
creature,” Liberty said, looking back at Sparky, who immediately looked
confused. “It had a long purple tongue, bright white eyes and horn-like ears,
with fire coming off its back, and black drool. That’s what got her shoulder
when it bit her.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sparky and
Nzuri both looked confused, and Liberty gritted her teeth, realizing how absurd
her description of the Shadow Tracker sounded. “If you didn’t want to tell me
the truth, you could’ve just said so,” Sparky growled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“I am,” said
Liberty evenly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“I got a
feeling the rumors going around about you are true, then,” Nzuri said coldly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Liberty
could feel the hair on her neck rising and she fought back the urge to snarl.
“They <i>are </i>rumors. And that <i>is </i>what I saw. Ask Ekaj. Ask Malroy. Ask
Starlight when she gets better.”<br />
“What if she doesn’t?!” Sparky demanded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“She will!”
Liberty yelled. “I helped find the cure for her. Now let’s get started. Ash may
not appreciate it if we’re just socializing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“He’s not <i>that </i>strict,” Nzuri frowned. “He’d
understand our reason for talking.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Not this version of Ash, </i>Liberty told
herself. “Let’s get started, anyway.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On some kind
of unspoken command they split up to get to different parts of the prison.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A while
later the prison looked a lot better than it was when they started. Most of the
time they had been silent – Liberty suspected Nzuri and Sparky thought she was
still acting as her opposite had – and the few conversations they did have
tended to be awkward, and with Sparky it was filled with tension, as he
probably was still mad about Liberty supposedly not telling the truth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“I think
we’re done,” remarked Nzuri. “Good thing, too. I’m exhausted.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Liberty
nodded in agreement. “I just hope Ash approves it.”<br />
“You act like he’s some kind of dictator. Ash won’t be harsh about our job,”
Nzuri insisted. “I’ve known him since before he was leader. Deputy, even.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Good for you, </i>thought Liberty
sarcastically. “Let’s just go find him. He—”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The wall
creaked and Fake-Ash stepped in. He glanced around. “Good job, you three,” he
said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“See?” Nzuri
whispered to Liberty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Thought
this place was looking a bit bad. It’s good to keep things looking nice,” he
said with such a nice, genuine smile Liberty actually was having a hard time
remembering Fake-Ash was an evil opposite.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“What now?”
Sparky asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Well, it’s
evening now, sun’ll be setting soon. Guess you guys can grab dinner,” he
suggested.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Good, I’m
starving,” Nzuri remarked, leaving the prison. Liberty followed, heading out of
the room, but stopped as she heard Fake-Ash speaking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“I’m sorry
about your sister,” Fake-Ash was saying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There was
hesitation before someone replied – Sparky. “I-It’s fine.”<br />
“No, it’s not,” Fake-Ash insisted. “Your sister may very well be near death.”
He sighed before saying, “but look, anything you need me to do to help you get
through it, let me know.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Thanks…but
I think I’ll be fine. Starlight’ll wake up,” Sparky insisted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There was
silence for not too long before Fake-Ash spoke up. “I don’t mean to drain you
of any hope, but I just want to say that you shouldn’t keep them up. It’ll only
make the grief worse if she dies.” He said it so matter-of-factly that Liberty
herself began to feel sad, as if she really was not going to wake up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“I…I got to
tell myself she will. If I start thinking she will die…then I’ll get sad,”
Sparky replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Well…good
job today, anyway. I hope the best for your sister.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Not much
longer Sparky left the room and glanced at Liberty. “Were you listening in?” he
demanded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Immediately
Liberty shook her head. “No. I was just lost in thought.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Luckily
Sparky wasn’t always the greenest blade of grass, and he just nodded before
padding off.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Liberty was
about to get up when Fake-Ash came out of the room. “Hello Liberty,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Hello,”
Liberty returned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“I have a
feeling you were the leader in that operation, huh?” Fake-Ash said. Before
Liberty could answer he continued. “You have good leader qualities, Liberty. Qualities
this Tower needs.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Thank you,”
Liberty nodded. “May I go now?”<br />
“Of course.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Liberty
headed out to the yard to get dinner, but in the back of her mind she kept
thinking about Fake-Ash’s words to Sparky. <i>He’s
trying to convince Sparky he’s a good guy, to win him over for his side, </i>she
realized. <i>He must be doing that to the
whole Bending Tower…<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Author’s Note:<br />
Hehe, sorry that I haven’t posted. School. :/</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4199179457537265334.post-49295900744278366272015-03-05T17:15:00.001-05:002015-03-05T17:15:05.160-05:00Chapter 20: Tribe of Awesomeness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The Tribe of Awesomeness must not have gotten prisoners often, because they'd keep debating about how to chain the group up. In the end though, Misty found herself linked to Ophir with the ivy from the nets that'd been used to capture her and her friends. They were arranged in a line, so Misty's tied paws were linked to Lephos's tail in front of her, and Ophir's were linked to Rhett's. Behind Misty and Ophir was Moonshadow and Tiggerpaka.<br />
They didn't bother trying to fight because the Tribe of Awesomeness outnumbered them, and Koro had also said that maybe they could try to reason with the leader for trespassing. But if their leader - Ricochet, Misty heard him being called - was anything like the wolves he lead, they probably would be stuck with this Tribe for a while.<br />
The boys had all gathered around on each side of the group to act as guards and started to escort them back. Misty found herself silently praying to the Peacebenders that no one would fall, because if one animal did they'd all be going down.<br />
"Unhand us, fiends!" Tiggerpaka shouted. Misty looked back to see him struggling to get the ivy off. "I am the great Emperor of the Land! A--"<br />"Shut up!" hissed Lilypaka from behind Moonshadow.<br />
"Don't tell me what to do, sister! I am a <i>warrior</i>!"<br />
Misty looked at the Tribe boys. They all seemed in conversation among themselves, all wearing excited expressions, and weren't paying much attention to the group. <i>They don't really have to, </i>realized Misty. <i>If we try to get away, we can't; we're tired up. And if we </i>did <i>try, they could easily stop us...</i><br />
They kept moving through the forest, the Tribe boys still talking to each other, and Misty noticed the animals in her own group murmuring to each other, but also casting wary glances around the area. They all seemed a bit nervous, and Misty was herself, wondering what this Tribe wanted with them.<br />
Misty glanced up at Ophir, who had his eyes fixed on the horizon. She decided to ask the questions that had been prying at her earlier. "Why are you even with us?"<br />Ophir seemed startled, as if he hadn't been expecting Misty to talk to him. But his startled expression went away almost as fast as it had shown up, and he merely glanced at her before focusing back on whatever he had been looking at before. "I told you, I came from Yin and Yang. And what with the borders having had faded, I ran away. Ended up around that Meerkat Clan, and that's when your friend Campbell found me."<br />
"Why did you run?" Misty asked.<br />
"I lived in Yin," Ophir said. "Me and my whole family. Yin was terrible. Why wouldn't I want to run?"<br />
Misty wasn't convinced. "You had to have had more reason than that."<br />"Do I?"<br />
Misty sighed but said nothing more. Ophir obviously wasn't going to crack.<br />
"We're here," Misty heard one of the Tribe boys say.<br />
Misty leaned her head to the side to see what was in front of her.<br />
They were out of the forest and were now on the top of a hill. Down below Misty could see two mountains that stretched into the distance, with a large lake running in between them for as far as the eye could see. Down below was a long stretch of grass with a pile of stick in the middle - Misty wasn't sure what it was for - and there were trees on either side of the stretch of grass with wooden steps leading up to dens that were built on the trees under the shelter of the thick leaves. There were more Tribe boys here and there at the camp. It looked like any little boy's dream home.<br />
"Wow," Lephos said.<br />
"Yeah, it's awesome!" exclaimed one of the Tribe boys, the dusty brown wolf Misty had seen earlier. "Best place to live."<br />
"C'mon!" exclaimed the small black wolf boy next to the brown one. "Ricochet's down there somewhere. Maybe in his down den."<br />
They lead the group down the hill, which thankfully wasn't too steep - Misty didn't want to be a part of some kind of falling accident. She looked at the Tribe boys surrounding them, and it appeared as though they were trying not to eagerly rush down the hill to the camp.<br />
The group made it to the bottom of the hill, and the Tribe boys around them all stared in wonder at the prisoners, then murmuring and talking to each other.<br />
"Awesomeness members!" exclaimed the light brown wolf who had been one of the escorts, "we have prisoners!"<br />They all cheered and Misty heard Campbell grumble, "oh boy", from somewhere nearby.<br />
"We're taking them to Ricochet," the dusty brown explained.<br />
"All of you are going?" frowned a dark brown wolf.<br />
"Only a few of us will escort these guys, Echo," the dusty brown replied. "And I say Ethan and I go." He glanced at the light brown wolf, signifying that had to be Ethan.<br />
There were a lot of protests among the boys.<br />
"You guys do <i>everything</i>!"<br />"Of course he'd go with <i>Ethan</i>."<br />
"I wanna go!"<br />
"Quiet."<br />
The new voice made everyone fall silent and look to a black wolf, who was obviously older than the other Tribe boys. This wolf had yellow eyes with a silver chest and tail-tip, and he studied the scene in silence. Misty glanced around, and noticed everyone seemed to have a respectful gleam in their eyes upon seeing the wolf. <i>That must be Ricochet, </i>she realized.<br />
Ricochet walked forward and examined the prisoners more closely. "Colton. What's this?"<br />
"Prisoners, Ricochet!" responded the dusty brown wolf eagerly. "We caught 'em in our nets!"<br />
"Well, that's better than the usual squirrel or fox," Ricochet commented. "Who are they?"<br />"We didn't ask," replied Ethan.<br />
"Hmm." Ricochet examined them, his yellow eyes sweeping across as if trying to get in every detail of the group.<br />
"Hello," spoke up Koro. "You're Ricochet, right?"<br />
Ricochet looked at Koro and took a few steps forward so they were eye-to-eye. Despite Koro was a fairly big wolf, Ricochet was a lot bigger, and Misty couldn't help but respect how Koro managed to look back at Ricochet without seeming intimidated. "Yes," Ricochet said.<br />
"I'm Koro," Koro nodded. "Leader of this group."<br />
"I see," Ricochet responded. He turned his back to the group, taking a few steps away from them, then glanced back at them. "What is your group's name?" He fully turned to face them again.<br />
"Name?" echoed Rhett.<br />
"Duh. The name of your group," scoffed Ethan.<br />
"We don't have a group name," said Misty. "We...never decided on one."<br />
Ricochet seemed to ignore Misty, and so did the other Tribe boys, as if she hadn't spoken at all. Misty scowled in annoyance as Ricochet looked to Koro. "Do you have a group name?"<br />"Like Misty said. We don't," Koro said.<br />
"I see," Ricochet gave a small nod.<br />
"<i>I'll </i>come up with a name!" declared Tiggerpaka. "I say you guys are the Minions of Tiggerpaka!"<br />
"Tiggerpaka, shush," Lilypaka scolded.<br />
"'Minions of Tiggerpaka', huh?" Ricochet said, a small smile appearing on his face.<br />
"No," Lephos insisted. "That's just Tiggerpaka. He's the not-so-sane member of the group."<br />
Tiggerpaka scoffed. "'Not-so-sane'? I am <i>very </i>sane, I assure you! Ever since I defeated that--"<br />
"Quiet," Lilypaka insisted.<br />
Ricochet looked at Koro. "I notice you have some...girls in your group."<br />
At this the Tribe boys gasped and started whispering to each other, and Misty began to feel annoyed at this. <i>What do they have against girls? </i>Misty wondered. <i>Other than the fact that we can kick boys' tails, of course.</i><br />
"Of course," Koro responded evenly.<br />
"Why is that?" Ricochet asked him.<br />
"They're equals. Without them, this group wouldn't be much," Koro insisted.<br />
"Ah. But as you can see, Koro, our Tribe here doesn't have any girl members, much less do we tolerate them," Ricochet said, scanning the prisoners. "So what shall you do with yours?"<br />"<i>Yours</i>?" growled Campbell. "What, like we're <i>owned</i>?"<br />
Ricochet glanced at Campbell but said nothing more in response. Whether the Tribe leader had intended it like that or not, Misty wasn't sure.<br />
"Well, we're your prisoners," Koro pointed out. "What's the plan for us?"<br />Ricochet's eyes narrowed in thought, then he raised his muzzle as if to address everyone in the camp. "Although I am proud of my boys for catching so many of you in those ivy nets of theirs, I don't find any of you rather intimidating or that you may hurt us."<br />
"Hey!" protested Lephos, Tiggerpaka, Campbell and Rhett, and at the same time the Tribe boys shouted "<i>what</i>?!"<br />"But we went to all that work to haul them here!" protested the small black wolf boy. "Now you're just letting them <i>go</i>?"<br />"Calm down, Tornado," Ricochet insisted. "I can sense these animals are rather weary. Perhaps they can stay here a while."<br />
"Stay here?" echoed Lephos. "We just got away from the last place..."<br />
"What <i>was </i>the 'last place'?" asked Moonshadow confusedly.<br />
"We're not as strong as we have been," said Koro, addressing the group instead of Ricochet. "After being put in that jail, our strength went down and we got hungrier. If we stay with this Tribe for a while - gain our strength - then we can carry on."<br />
They seemed to consider Koro's words. Personally Misty thought it was a good idea, and she wasn't just going with his words because she liked him.<br />
"That's not too bad an idea," Sidew remarked.<br />
"We'll stay with you guys," Koro nodded at Ricochet. "For a few days."<br />Ricochet nodded back. "Then my Tribe welcomes you."<br />
<br />
<b>Author's Note:<br />Guess whose birthday it is...?</b><br />
<b>ITS MINE</b><br />
<b>IM 14 TODAY</b><br />
<b>YEEEEEEEEE</b><br />
<b>and i got the day off school bc it's snowing here :D</b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4199179457537265334.post-18552545901420783162015-03-02T14:23:00.002-05:002015-03-02T14:23:49.919-05:00Chapter 19: Tag in the Snow<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When Liberty woke up the next day she could feel something nestled into her. She opened her eyes to see that a black kitten had his eyes shut and was pressed against her, fast asleep. After looking at the kitten for a bit she realized it was Lucky.<br />
She pushed the kitten away, causing him to wake up. "Why are you here?" she asked, attempting to make her tone sound as nice as possible.<br />
"I had a nightmare," he murmured.<br />
Liberty sighed. "About what?"<br />
"My mom," Lucky said. "She tried to take me away from here."<br />
"Well, she won't," Liberty said. "Don't come in here again, I don't want you waking me up."<br />
"Okay," nodded Lucky, with such a sadness in his voice Liberty almost regretted scolding him.<br />
"Go back to the young, then," she said.<br />
"I want you to take me out into the snow," Lucky insisted.<br />
"Snow?" echoed Liberty.<br />
"Yeah, it snowed last night!" Lucky said eagerly, seeming to have forgotten his bad dream. "Cloudie was telling me about it. They all went out and I wanted you to come with me."<br />
"Why?" Liberty asked.<br />
"So we can play!" Lucky exclaimed, beaming at her.<br />
Liberty hesitated, then sighed. "Fine. Let's go."<br />
Lucky bounced out of the den excitedly, and Liberty picked her way through the sleeping Waterbenders, following. "Slow down!" she snapped as she headed into the hallway. Lucky stopped in his tracks, waiting for her to catch up, and once she did he trotted along her side.<br />
They walked out into the yard to see everything was covered in snow. The sky was gray, covered in clouds, but it had stopped snowing. As Liberty stepped out, half her front leg sunk into it. She turned to Lucky. "You're gonna have to get on my back, kid. It's way too deep for you."<br />
Lucky nodded and bunched his legs together, before jumping onto Liberty's back. "Don't dig your claws in," insisted Liberty.<br />
"I won't!" Lucky exclaimed.<br />
There were several animals out in the yard, but not many. Liberty figured most were either training inside, or out in the territory, as finding prey would be essential on these conditions. Also, snow training was something apprentices needed, so the current weather would be good for that.<br />
As Liberty looked at the few animals in the yard, they'd look back at her, but not for long before looking away, sometimes glaring at her first. Annoyance pricked at Liberty's pelt. <i>Why are they so mad at me? </i>she demanded to herself.<br />
Overnight Liberty realized it was her opposite who had caused all of this trouble. It had to be; it definitely wasn't a big prank of some sort, and Liberty knew she never said she wanted Starlight to die, or destroyed the herb supplies. She hoped that was the only thing her opposite had done, or else she was in more trouble.<br />
"Liberty," said a voice. Liberty turned and realized it was her mother, Charlotte; and she didn't look happy.<br />
Hesitantly, Liberty approached her mother. "What?"<br />
"Liberty, you were being very rude yesterday," said Charlotte.<br />
"What did I do?" Liberty demanded.<br />
"I think you know," Charlotte retorted.<br />
"Well, I don't," Liberty shot back through gritted teeth.<br />
"I don't have time for lies," growled Charlotte, making Liberty shift her jaw in annoyance. "I want to know why you did what you did."<br />
"How am I supposed to give a reason to something I don't even know about?" Liberty snapped.<br />
"You <i>do </i>know about it!" Charlotte yelled, making Liberty flinch. "Stop trying to pretend like you don't!"<br />
"Well I--"<br />
"Quit talking back to me. Now, for the rest of the moon I don't want you leaving the yard or The Bending Tower unless told otherwise by a senior Bender or Ash himself. Got it?"<br />
"Bu--!"<br />
"<i>Got it</i>?"<br />
"<i>Got it</i>," growled Liberty. "I've got to go take Lucky out now." She then trudged through the snow, frustration raging through her at her mother. Liberty wanted to yell at her, scream at her that it wasn't her fault and she didn't understand any of this, but there was no way Charlotte would believe her.<br />
"What's wrong?" Lucky asked, and for a while Liberty had forgotten the kit was on her back.<br />
"Nothing, I'm fine," Liberty muttered.<br />
"Oh. Okay."<br />
They arrived in the forest. "Cloudie and the others should be around here," Lucky commented.<br />
Liberty smelled the air. "I can scent them nearby," she said.<br />
"I wish I knew how to scent," Lucky murmured.<br />
"It'll develop as you grow older. Your mentor will probably teach you," Liberty added.<br />
"What's a ment...or?" Lucky asked.<br />
"An animal who teaches you."<br />
"Who'll teach me?"<br />
"I don't know."<br />
They made it to the hole in the ground, with the log serving as a bridge in front of them. "Now you're allowed to dig your claws in," Liberty said.<br />
She could feel Lucky do so, but it didn't hurt. Liberty slowly crossed the log, digging her claws in as a precaution, and made it across, then kept going through the forest, Lucky now loosening his grip on her as they continued on through the territory.<br />
Finally they made it to tree-fall place, where the young were chasing each other around, playing a game. Airia was there also, much to Liberty's annoyance. She didn't feel like talking to the winged wolf after being accused of messing up the herbs.<br />
"There. Go play," Liberty said, lowering down.<br />
Lucky set a paw into the snow, but yelped and drew back. "It's cold!"<br />"Yep. Snow's cold," Liberty said.<br />
"And it feels weird," Lucky said, and Liberty could picture the kitten wrinkling his small nose in disgust. "How can they be playing in it?"<br />
"Snow can be fun when you get used to it," Liberty replied.<br />
"But I don't like it," Lucky insisted.<br />
"You barely set your paw in the snow. Try it."<br />
The black kitten then reluctantly got off Liberty's back. Luckily the snow here didn't sink as much, so Lucky's paws didn't go too far under the blanket of snow. A gust of wind blew through the area, making some of the snow flow against their pelts. Lucky shivered. "It's cold."<br />"You said that before," Liberty said.<br />
Lucky picked his way over to the young. "Can I play?" he asked.<br />
They stopped to look at him. "Of course!" Cloudie insisted.<br />
"But he can't play!" Alista protested. "He always trips over his own paws."<br />
"That's mean, Alista," Rhonda insisted.<br />
"It's true though," Alista remarked.<br />
Lucky's ears drooped. "Sorry," he murmured.<br />
Somehow Liberty felt a protective instinct towards the kitten and she stepped forward. "Hey," she growled, and the rest of the young flinched. "You tripped over your own paws too Alista. You have no room to talk."<br />
"I'm sorry!" Alista squeaked. "Just don't be mean, like you were yesterday."<br />
This made Liberty madder. Now even the young were thinking she behaved just as her opposite apparently had. "I won't," she replied. "Now be nice to Lucky."<br />"We are!" Rhonda protested. "Except <i>Alista </i>isn't."<br />"I said I was sorry!" Alista yelped.<br />
"Sorry you ever got so close to me. You're 'it'!" Cloudie exclaimed, tapping Alista with her paw before taking off.<br />
"Hey! That's not fair!" Alista shouted. She chased after Cloudie, but the amount of snow slowed both her and Cloudie down.<br />
Liberty sat down in the snow to watch the young, making sure to keep a safe distance from Airia. Alista seemed to have her mind set on chasing Cloudie, who kept running from Alista. At first Liberty wondered if this was unfair due to Cloudie's blindness, but surprisingly the wolf pup seemed to be a good navigator despite this. The silver pup managed to jump over tree logs in her way and avoid rocks in the ground. Liberty was impressed by it.<br />
Lucky was standing by Okerro, who were both keeping at a safe distance. "One of those two always end up arguing or trying to chase each other," Okerro was explaining. "You just need to avoid 'em."<br />
"You need to pay <i>attention</i>, too!" Rhonda exclaimed, tackling Okerro and pinning him to the ground. "I got tagged, and guess what? You're it!" she laughed and got off him before taking off, surprisingly fast for having her paws sinking into the snow with every step.<br />
Okerro got to his paws and gave a hungry look at Lucky, who took off as soon as the winged pup had gotten up. Okerro gave chase, using his wings to help him speed up. Lucky ran though - about as fast as Rhonda, which was impressive given Lucky's size - and he ran right up a tree, getting pretty far up but then stopping in the middle. He gave a wary glance at the ground. "Help!" he yelped, dangling.<br />
"Just climb up the rest of the way!" Liberty insisted.<br />
"I can't!" Lucky cried.<br />
"Okerro, maybe I should teach you how to fly soon," Airia chuckled. "It'd help you in situations like this."<br />"Yeah!" Okerro said, beaming at his mother.<br />
"That won't be fair!" Alista protested.<br />
"Stupid wolf gets born with wings and all the sudden he'll be able to win every game of tag!" Rhonda exclaimed.<br />
"Rhonda, don't call others 'stupid'," Airia insisted.<br />
Meanwhile Liberty headed over to the tree and helped Lucky down. "You would've been fine if you just fell," she insisted.<br />
"The ground was far away," Lucky whimpered.<br />
"'Ey guys!"<br />Liberty turned around to see Ryker, Sirius, Ekaj and Spot all there.<br />
"Hi!" Rhonda exclaimed.<br />
"Why're you guys out here?" Liberty asked.<br />
She couldn't help but notice Ryker, Sirius and Ekaj - especially Ekaj - giving her uneasy glances. But Spot spoke up. "Our mentors told us to take the morning off, use the opportunity to get some exercise. We could smell you all out here. Decided to join you."<br />"Yeah," Sirius echoed, eyeing Liberty.<br />
A feeling of dread washed over Liberty. <i>Great, </i>she thought. <i>What'd my opposite do to them?</i><br />
"Wanna play tag?" Okerro asked. "It'd be cool to have more players."<br />"Sure," Spot shrugged. "But I'm warning you, I'm pretty fast."<br />"Not as fast as me!" insisted Rhonda, puffing out her chest.<br />
Liberty looked at Lucky. "Are you okay playing with big animals?"<br />Lucky gave a shy nod.<br />
"They'll go easy on you," Liberty added. "Go play."<br />
Liberty turned to watch from a distance - determined not to join in on the game - but when she turned around she was face-to-face with Sirius and Ryker.<br />
"Out of the way," Sirius growled, gritting her teeth, shouldering past Liberty.<br />
Liberty pushed down on Sirius's tail, forcing her to stop. "I want to know why you're mad at me," she said calmly.<br />
A flash of fear sparked in Sirius's eyes - Liberty wondered if she was recalling her fight with Sirius's brother Wyki - but it left not soon after being there. "Why wouldn't I be?"<br />"Sirius, I don't know what 'I' did to you, but that was my opposite. I have no memory of it," Liberty insisted.<br />
Sirius rolled her eyes. "Right. And I suppose Ryker over here has two heads." She gave a sideways nod to the Border Collie.<br />
"It had to have been! You saw--" Liberty lowered her voice before continuing, "--you saw Bracken and Ash in that cave. Remember?"<br />Sirius seemed to consider Liberty's words, but just growled. "I don't believe you."<br />"Why don't you?" Liberty demanded, anger bubbling up inside her chest.<br />
"The memory is still fresh in my mind. You took part of my <i>ear</i>," Sirius growled.<br />
Liberty only just now noticed the nick in Sirius's left ear. The silver wolf continued. "You took in while you were attempting to <i>kill </i>me!"<br />
"Wha--?" Liberty began.<br />
"Don't play <i>dumb</i>," Sirius snarled, lips curled. "You said Fake-Ash gave you orders to kill me. And you obeyed him," she whispered. "How could your loyalties lie with <i>him</i>?"<br />
"But I didn't--!"<br />"Save it, traitor. I don't want you to talk me to ever again."<br />
Sirius then yanked her tail from Liberty's paw and walked over to join in on tag. Ryker gave Liberty a look. "You try to come close to Sirius again, I'll tear you apart."<br />
Liberty was coming closer and closer to snapping, to screaming in anger and confusion. "Let you <i>try </i>to do that," she hissed to the dog. It made it sound like she <i>was </i>guilty of trying to kill Sirius, but at that point Liberty didn't care; and she knew that if Ryker <i>did </i>try to come after her, he'd lose the fight.<br />
At that point, Liberty's anger was beginning to take over her. She turned to leave, deciding Airia could bring Lucky back, but once she turned around again this time she was looking at Ekaj.<br />
He flinched as he looked at her. "Liberty..." he began.<br />
She was too angered to let him speak. "Save it. I don't want anymore accusations thrown at me." She then walked past Ekaj, heading back towards The Bending Tower without looking back.<br />
Liberty kept trudging through the snow, wallowing in her own anger. She knew she wasn't too far from The Bending Tower, but then Fake-Ash came into the clearing.<br />
"Hello Liberty," he said calmly.<br />
Liberty gritted her teeth. Just what she needed. "Hello," she returned.<br />
"I have something I'd like you to do for me," Fake-Ash insisted, his dark blue eyes looking at her and a cold smile forming onto his face, as if he had a horrible plan in his mind.<br />
<br />
<b>Author's Note:</b><br />
<b>What do you think it is? o:</b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4199179457537265334.post-84169591332769354502015-02-20T19:22:00.002-05:002015-02-20T19:22:29.839-05:00Chapter 18: The Ambush<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Misty awoke the next day, feeling quite rested after all that she had been through the other day. She scanned the camp; Tiggerpaka was leaned against a log, sleeping, with his stick laid across his chest. Lilypaka was curled up on the ground nearby, also asleep. Sidew and Lephos were resting side-by-side, eyes closed and their sides heaving with each breath - the only time they weren't exchanging stupid jokes. Bracken was curled up, a few feet away from Koro, who wasn't too far from Campbell. Next to Misty, she saw Adele was awake with her muzzle rested on her paws.<br />
Ophir was sleeping by himself by some bushes, and Rhett was awake, standing guard over him, looking lost in thought. <i>Is Ophir still even considered a prisoner? </i>Misty wondered. It felt like a lifetime ago since Ophir had joined them. She remembered Campbell's suspicions about him. <i>But what is he still here for? </i>she asked herself. Was he not brave enough to try and escape? Or did he have purpose here? Misty pushed the thought away. <i>Of course not. He barely knows us. </i>Misty made herself a mental note to find more about Ophir later. Now that she gave it more thought, the gray wolf made her curious.<br />
Nearby the loner Moonshadow was sitting up, scanning the area. He glanced at Misty as he saw her looking at him. "Oh. Hi," he said in a shy tone. "Who're you?"<br />
"Misty," she responded.<br />
"Nice. I'm Moonshadow. But, uh...you probably already know my name," he admitted.<br />
"Where're you from?" Misty asked.<br />
"Oh...nowhere in particular," said Moonshadow. "I just lived with my parents. We set up a home in the forest, far from here."<br />
"Why aren't you with them anymore?"<br />
Moonshadow tensed up, as if it were a touchy subject. "...I don't like to talk about it."<br />
Curiosity filled Misty and she was tempted to press, but decided not to; she didn't like talking about her home much either, it made her homesick. "Oh. Okay. I respect that."<br />
There was an awkward silence for quite a while in which Misty attempted to fill by pretending to be really interested in a bug crawling along the grass.<br />
A while later the bug was suddenly snatched up and Misty looked to see Tiggerpaka had eaten it. "Morning, Mistake!" he greeted her as he chewed the bug. Misty fully sat up as the meerkat continued. "Another day to kick some tail, eh? Who're we going to fight today?"<br />
"No one, hopefully," Misty said.<br />
"'Hopefully'?" Tiggerpaka echoed. "Mistake, we must go forth and <i>conquer</i>! We cannot just sit here!"<br />
"I think we might be," Misty nodded. "We need to rest."<br />
"Bah! Morons, the lot of you," said Tiggerpaka, rolling his eyes. "I am the true warrior here."<br />
"You're small though," frowned Moonshadow.<br />
"Size does not <i>matter</i>, it's the heart that counts," sniffed Tiggerpaka. "And identify yourself, minion!"<br />
"I'm, uh, not a minion," Moonshadow insisted.<br />
"Well you are now! You shall be my grub-retriever. Now go find me some!" Tiggerpaka ordered.<br />
Moonshadow shuffled his paws nervously. "I, uh..."<br />
"Now means <i>now</i>, minion! Go!" Tiggerpaka exclaimed.<br />
"Be quiet," said Lilypaka, coming over to her brother. "Moonshadow's just got here and you're pushing him around. You don't even know him."<br />
"I know <i>everyone</i>! So of course I knew Mooch-oh over here," Tiggerpaka snorted.<br />
"It's Moonshadow," Moonshadow said, giving the meerkat a look.<br />
"That's what I said, Mooch-oh!"<br />
"Uh, no, you didn't."<br />
"Are you <i>deaf</i>, minion! No wonder you're a mere grub-retriever. You'd be horrible in the front--"<br />
"Tiggerpaka," Lilypaka scolded. "Stop."<br />
"Sheesh, you're starting to sound like our mother," Tiggerpaka muttered.<br />
Moonshadow looked at Misty. "Is he always like that?"<br />
"Yep," Misty said.<br />
"So is he like...your leader?"<br />
"<i>Heck </i>no," spoke up Sidew, who was just now sitting up next to Lephos, who was also awake. "If he was we'd be dead by now."<br />
"Shut up, Sidew the Wimp! I'm the whole reason this journey of ours started!" Tiggerpaka exclaimed.<br />
"Yeah, and we never wanted it to," glared Lephos.<br />
Not long later - after a lot of conversation and a few arguments breaking out - everyone was awake and eventually were having breakfast together after Koro had sent Campbell, Rhett and Lephos hunting, who had come back with a good amount of game. Misty was eating a rabbit, sitting with Adele and Bracken.<br />
"I wonder what we're doing today," ventured Bracken as he took a bite of the mole he was eating.<br />
"Hopefully resting here," insisted Misty, looking up at the cloud-covered sky. It looked like it might rain soon; but it was awfully cold, so perhaps it'd be snow instead. "I think we all need it."<br />
"But that'd be kinda boring. And besides, we need to get to Yin and Yang. Who knows how much longer we got," Bracken said.<br />
"Speaking of which, we haven't had an earthquake in a while," Misty noted. "Does that mean their fight is stopping?"<br />
"I doubt it. If it was stopping, the Peacebenders would probably tell us," Bracken nodded. "Maybe the earthquakes only happen in specific areas."<br />
"Maybe," echoed Misty in agreement.<br />
That was when Koro spoke up. "We need to get moving soon," he remarked.<br />
Various groans rose from the group.<br />
"Why?" Rhett asked. "I mean c'mon, we need some rest."<br />
"The sooner we get moving, the better," Koro said. "Who knows if the Amorache Tribe is looking for us?"<br />
"The what?" Moonshadow said.<br />
"It's nothing," insisted Lephos.<br />
"Also, the place we're looking for," Koro added with a wary glance at Moonshadow, "may still be very far away."<br />
"It is," said Ophir. "Still quite a while of walking."<br />
"What if you're still taking us the wrong way?" Campbell demanded.<br />
"I'm all you got," Ophir smirked. "I'm the only one in this group who's been there before, aren't I? Plus, I'm not stupid enough to try and betray your trust. You guys all outnumber me."<br />
"I'm confused," Moonshadow announced.<br />
"Again, it's nothing," Lephos said.<br />
"I hope you're not," Koro said to Ophir. "But let's get moving."<br />
"Yes," Tiggerpaka said. "And I say we go <i>this </i>way." He pointed in a direction.<br />
"Tiggerpaka, that's the way back to the Amorache Tribe," Sidew said.<br />
"<i>Duh</i>! That's why I pointed this way!" Tiggerpaka snorted, pointing the opposite way.<br />
They all got up - leaving any uneaten prey behind - and began walking again, heading where Ophir lead them towards, Misty walking by Adele and Bracken/<br />
"I still don't trust him," commented Campbell from next to Misty, eyeing Ophir.<br />
"Why not?" Misty asked.<br />
"Well duh, he just <i>showed up</i>. Plus, why is he sticking around? He seems like the type who wouldn't help out unless it was to his advantage," Campbell muttered.<br />
"Maybe he's just being nice," offered Bracken.<br />
"Ha!" laughed Campbell. "Right. And I suppose Misty's gonna grow two heads."<br />
"So Ophir was born in Yin and Yang," Misty commented. "Why is he here now I wonder...?"<br />
"Exactly," Campbell nodded.<br />
For once, Misty thought Campbell might be onto something.<br />
"And while we're on the topic of odd things, what's this whole 'seek safety' thing?" Campbell wondered.<br />
Misty tried not to stiffen at the thought. "Seek safety". She knew she'd think of Tsovo every time she heard the words, which wasn't something she was looking forward to. Misty had decided not to share with the group that Tsovo knew about that. "I don't know," Misty said, looking at Campbell.<br />
"If we're supposed to stop Yin and Yang or something, why does it sound like that old tortoise was asking us to hide from them?" Campbell wondered.<br />
"You think that's what it means?" Misty said.<br />
"What else? If you 'seek safety', you're looking for a place to be safe. He must mean we're supposed to be safe from Yin and Yang, but we're going <i>towards </i>them to stop them," Campbell pointed out.<br />
"This is messing up my head," Bracken blurted out. "Everything's so confusing."<br />
"We'll figure it out," Misty insisted. "Besides, we've got Lilypaka. If anyone in this group will figure this all out eventually, it's her."<br />
"Hopefully," added Campbell. "All of this is just a big <i>mess</i>..."<br />
Misty sighed, silently agreeing with Campbell's words. She kept walking along but suddenly, she felt her right paw step on something and then a net was engulfed around her and she - along with Campbell, Bracken, Adele, Lephos and Lilypaka - who were both unfortunate enough to be standing nearby - were yanked into the air, all of them yelling in alarm as they were pulled.<br />
"What the--?!" yelped Lephos.<br />
"LEPH!" Sidew yelled.<br />
"Who set <i>this</i>?!" Campbell demanded with a growl.<br />
"What's going on?" Lilypaka wondered aloud.<br />
Annoyance pricked at Misty. Obviously they must've been in someone's territory. <i>Great, </i>she thought bitterly. <i>We can't even go a full day without wandering into trouble!</i><br />
"What happened?" asked Koro.<br />
"How are we supposed to know? We didn't set this!" Campbell snarled at him.<br />
Ophir chuckled. "Someone's in a bad mood."<br />
"You'd be <i>too</i> if you were--"<br />
"Never fear!" Tiggerpaka declared, running forward with a new stick. "I shall--"<br />
Tiggerpaka then stepped on a smooth rock and then he, Ophir, Koro, Rhett, Moonshadow and Sidew were all caught in another net and were yanked into the air next to Misty, Campbell, Bracken and Lilypaka.<br />
"Way to <i>go</i>, Tiggerpaka!" Sidew growled.<br />
Tiggerpaka snorted. "This is obviously a part of my <i>plan</i>, Wimp! I shall get us free."<br />
That was when there were victorious yells and laughs, and then a bunch of boy wolves - all of which obviously weren't full-grown yet - ran into the clearing, revealing to be the ones who were hollering.<br />
"We got 'em!" laughed one who looked to be around Misty's age, who had a dusty brown pelt. "<i>We got 'em</i>!"<br />
"Ha!" sneered a light brown boy from nearby the dusty one. "You guys had that one <i>coming</i>!"<br />
"It worked!" exclaimed a gray wolf. "<i>It worked</i>!"<br />
"What's going on?" growled Sidew.<br />
"Yeah? Who are you guys?" Lephos demanded.<br />
"The prisoners are trying to order us around!" snickered a smaller black wolf, and the boys burst into laughter as if it was the funniest thing they'd heard all day.<br />
"I'm asking politely," Misty spoke up. "Who are you guys?"<br />
"It's a <i>girl</i>!" shouted the dusty brown wolf, and all the others gasped.<br />
"Ew! <i>Girls</i>!" yelped the light brown.<br />
"We don't talk to <i>girls</i>!" added the gray wolf.<br />
"Oh, you're <i>so </i>above another <i>gender</i>, huh?" growled Campbell. "You guys are all <i>very </i>mature."<br />
"Who are you guys, though?" Bracken asked.<br />
"<i>We</i>," said the dusty wolf, "are the Tribe of Awesomeness!"<br />
"The Tribe of <i>Awesomeness</i>?" said Campbell, nose wrinkled in disgust.<br />
"Yep! We're really awesome!" grinned the light brown.<br />
"We need to take them to Ricochet!" exclaimed the smaller wolf.<br />
All the others began murmuring to each other in agreement.<br />
"Wait," Koro said. "Who's Ricochet?"<br />"Our leader!" said the white wolf. "He'd be happy to know we got some prisoners!"<br />
<br />
<b>Author's Note:<br />I've been wanting to write about these guys for a while now actually. OuO</b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4199179457537265334.post-41381579086014488702015-02-16T17:58:00.001-05:002015-02-16T17:58:23.083-05:00Chapter 17: Redmoon Flowers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Liberty ran further and further into the forest until she saw the old lioness sitting by her stream, looking at the flowing water in a rather content matter. Liberty slowed to a stop as she looked at Shell, who was quiet and umoving, laying down by her stream with her head raised up, the only sound breaking the silence of the area being the stream itself flowing. <i>How could she just sit there? </i>Liberty wondered as she padded towards the elder.<br />
"Shell," she said loudly, knowing the lioness's hearing wasn't at its best these days.<br />
Upon hearing her name Shell turned and looked at Liberty, a smile spreading onto her face. "Oh, hello! How nice it is to receive a young visitor. What is your name?"<br />
"Liberty," Liberty responded. <i>She must be </i>really <i>old, if she can't remember names. </i>Liberty then had to remind herself of why Shell was this way: she talked about her life as a Protector in her youth, how she used to live and train at the Land of Yin and Yang. Shell's punishment for that was to slowly begin to forget everything she knew until she was near death, and at that point to have completely forgotten anything - like time was going backwards for the old lioness. The thought was actually kind of sad. "Shell, I need your help."<br />
"You have such a lovely name," Shell smiled.<br />
"Thank you. Now look, Starlight was bitten by a Shadow Tracker. I don't know what's happening to her. But I need your help," Liberty insisted. "She keeps screaming and I'm worried she might d--"<br />
"The sun's been covered by clouds," Shell murmured.<br />
Immediately Liberty was confused and taken by surprise at Shell's remark. "Wha--?" she began, looking up at the sky. It was nighttime, the stars were dotting the sky and there was definitely no sun or clouds. In fact it was pretty dark out. "Shell, there is no sun ou--"<br />
"You can't let the clouds cover the sun," Shell said in a very serious and worried tone, enough to make Liberty believe that it was somehow important to take the clouds off of the sun somehow. But she snapped out of it. <i>That's ridiculous. </i>This <i>is ridiculous. </i>"Don't let the clouds cover the sun," she said, looking Liberty in the eyes.<br />
"Shell, there are no clouds. There is no sun. Calm down," Liberty said, but deep inside she was beginning to worry.<br />
"The sun will fade if the clouds don't go away!" Shell exclaimed, with so much worry in her voice that Liberty took a few steps back, wondering if Shell was truly beginning to lose it. If the lioness was going crazy, that couldn't be good; not only was Shell a well-known member of The Bending Tower and an honored veteran Bender, she was also Liberty's only good source to inside information of all of this Yin and Yang business. "The only way to get the clouds away is to find a redmoon. The redmoon can cure it..." Shell continued.<br />
"What in Lifebreeze's name is a redmoon?" Liberty demanded.<br />
"It's a flower," Shell said, actually replying to Liberty this time. "A red flower. And you need it to take the clouds away. Don't let the sun get covered up!"<br />"The sun <i>isn't </i>covered up!" Liberty shouted, a mixture of fear and anger taking over. "Stop talking about the sun and clouds! They're <i>fine</i>! Neither of them are in the sky right now! And I don't know <i>what </i>a stupid <i>flower </i>has to do with taking clouds away! That's freakin'..."<br />
"Please. Don't let the sun get covered," Shell said pleadingly. "Find the redmoon!"<br />"I'm <i>not </i>finding any redmoons!" Liberty growled. "Because I don't <i>need </i>that, I need to find a cure for Starlight's injury!"<br />"Find the redmoon!" Shell repeated.<br />
"For the <i>last </i>time, I don't--!" Liberty began, but she stopped mid-sentence as realization clicked, and she understood what Shell was trying to say. What with the lioness's dementia she probably couldn't say it outright, but all this time Shell had actually been trying to tell Liberty the cure to Starlight's bite. "Oh..."<br />
"Take away the clouds," Shell murmured.<br />
"I will," said Liberty, and Shell's face seemed to light up with relief. "I'll, uh...take the clouds off of the sun, Shell. The sun will be okay."<br />
The lioness gave a weak smile. "Save the sun, Liberty."<br />
Liberty nodded before turning and running off deeper into The Bending Tower territory.<br />
<br />
<br />
Charlotte had told stories about the rebellion that Ash had lead, moons before Liberty was born. She told Liberty about how, when they set off, after going through the woods of The Bending Tower their first stop was in a field of flowers. If there was any place nearby that might have that 'redmoon' Shell was talking about, Liberty figured it had to be the flower field. <i>But how am I supposed to know which flower is the redmoon? </i>Liberty realized. <i>There's probably tons of red flowers! </i>She considered going back for Shell but then decided against it almost as quickly. <i>Who knows how much time Starlight has left. And in Shell's state...she may not be able to tell me. Or at least not in a way that could save Starlight's life quickly.</i><br />
By that time Liberty had approached Ice River. She looked at the cold waters that moved rapidly through the area. She figured it wasn't named "Ice River" for nothing, because it looked <i>very</i> cold; it was probably one of the last things Liberty wanted to fall into.<br />
All the time when she was little, older Benders would always tell Liberty to not ever, under any circumstance, cross Ice River. That if for some reason someone had to, the senior Benders would take care of it, and Liberty was not to go.<br />
But this time the rules were out of the question. This was Starlight's life on the line, and Liberty wasn't going to risk her friend's life by running all the way back to The Bending Tower to tell a senior Bender to do something for her.<br />
Besides, that sounded cowardly. Liberty didn't ever wanted to be known as a coward. A coward would run back and get someone else to cross out of Bending Tower territory. Taking the risk of the consequences of breaking that rule was obviously the better choice.<br />
After telling herself that, Liberty took a few steps back and then leaped across Ice River, and only just made it to the other side. She got to her paws and looked back at The Bending Tower territory as she realized this was the furthest from home she'd ever been.<br />
Liberty turned to look forward and kept running through the woods, jumping over logs and clearing through bushes, veering out of the way of briars. She kept telling herself not to slow down, not to start walking. She didn't know how much time Starlight had left, but it was best to assume there was little, as that would keep Liberty going. Starlight was one of the only animals Liberty cared for, and she didn't want to lose her.<br />
After a while the woods finally began to get thinner, and up ahead Liberty saw a field. She ran faster despite the pain that jabbed at her ribs, until she came crashing into the field, only to find that the few flowers there were dead.<br />
She took in what she saw before collapsing to the ground in a defeated way. She felt like clawing herself for being such an idiot. It was white-earth. The coldest season. No way flowers could be growing during this; in fact, there was already little prey out to hunt. Why would there be <i>flowers</i>?<br />
For the first time, Liberty actually felt a lump in her throat and tears beginning to well up in her eyes, and she didn't realize how much sadness and fear for Starlight she'd been keeping locked up inside her. But now that her friend may as well be dead, Liberty let the tears flow, glad no one was around to see as sobs choked her.<br />
Starlight was <i>dead</i>.<br />
Soon she'd be nothing more than a memory.<br />
Liberty squeezed her eyes tight, ashamed of letting such emotions grip her, but deep down she wanted to let it all out. She began to recall memories of her and Starlight; their first time going into the forest together, as Liberty commented on how boring it was, Starlight chuckling and telling her to quit being so negative.<br />
Then she was remembering Starlight taking her to visit the elders, Liberty a pup and Starlight an apprentice. Creature had told them the story of the beginning of Bending. That was the day Liberty had decided to be a Waterbender, after Creature had told Liberty about the first Waterbender and how he was one as well.<br />
She also recalled Starlight and Liberty sharing a meal together, talking about the unfairness of them not being allowed to have night training yet because they were too young to stay up late. Starlight had told Liberty about how interesting night training seemed, and it made Liberty wanting more to go out during the night.<br />
Then her memories were shattered by the one of Starlight screaming in pain with the black liquid oozing from where she had been bitten from the Shadow Tracker, and Liberty gritted her teeth at the memory.<br />
"Hell-oooo!"<br />
Liberty's eyes shot open as she saw Tiggerkat hopping over to her, wearing a crown around her head made of flowers, a necklace as well. Liberty blinked the remnants of tears from her eyes and swallowed down any more that could've been coming, determined not to let her sadness show; especially to Tiggerkat, who'd probably talk about it to the whole Tower. "What're you doing out here?" Liberty asked, forcing her voice to sound strong.<br />
"Picking the last of the flowers!" hummed Tiggerkat, a smile on her face. Did she know about Starlight being bitten? Liberty doubted it. And even if Tiggerkat had, she'd probably forgotten about it by now. In some ways the reese-cup loving animal was as bad as Shell. "They're so pretty. Most of them are dying though. I came to get some of the last alive ones so I could make these." She looked at her crown and necklace.<br />
"Mm-hmm," Liberty nodded, looking at the flowers. "Why'd you leave Bending Tower territory?"<br />"Because there's flowers out here!" Tiggerkat exclaimed. "This is my favorite place to be. I love flowers."<br />"I can tell," Liberty muttered.<br />
"It's a shame they're dying though," Tiggerkat sighed. "But luckily they'll be back one day! Nature always grows back. 'Circle of life', I hear they call it. Not sure why though. Why a circle? Why isn't it a square? Or a rectangle! Ooh! Perhaps a hexago--"<br />"A <i>what</i>?" Liberty frowned.<br />
"Anyway, so like I was saying, the flowers'll be back. Then I'll pick some more. Maybe I'll make <i>you </i>a flower necklace!" Tiggerkat grinned.<br />
Liberty began to think. Tiggerkat picked the only alive flowers...realization dawned on Liberty that if there was a redmoon anywhere, Tiggerkat had it.<br />
"Tiggerkat!" Liberty said. "Do you know types of flowers?"<br />"Of course!" Tiggerkat smiled. "I'm an expert! On that, and reese cups."<br />
"Do you have a 'redmoon'?" Liberty asked.<br />
Tiggerkat looked up at the sky. "No, the moon's pretty bright tonight. White-ish color. Definitely not red."<br />
"<i>No</i>!" Liberty snapped. "A <i>type </i>of <i>flower</i>! It's called a redmoon!"<br />Tiggerkat took the crown off her head and examined it. "Sure do! Two of 'em!" Tiggerkat grinned. She placed the crown on Liberty's head. "I'll let <i>you </i>have it!"<br />"Thanks," Liberty responded before zipping off into the woods again.<br />
As she ran back through the trees and back towards her familiar territory, she considered stopping to hold the crown in her jaws. <i>No, </i>she realized. <i>It may rip the flowers. Better safe than sorry.</i><br />
Then Liberty realized she'd be wearing a flower crown back into The Bending Tower and embarrassment spread over her. <i>Oh, great...</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
She scurried back into The Bending Tower yard, which was actually quite busy. Liberty wondered if it was because of what had happened to Starlight; maybe animals couldn't sleep over it or they were anxious to know what'd be going on. Liberty ignored the animals of The Bending Tower as she raced towards the building, mind set on going to find Nightgale.<br />
"Liberty!" a voice exclaimed.<br />
Liberty turned to see Bracken coming up. Or Fake-Bracken, actually. After seeing what this new Bracken was like, Liberty knew there was no way it was the actual one. "What?" she said through gritted teeth.<br />
"Nice crown," he sneered.<br />
"Thanks," Liberty growled.<br />
"Where'd you get it?" he asked with a smirk.<br />
"From Tiggerkat," replied Liberty, feeling no need to hide the information. "Now is that all you needed to say or do you have more stupid remarks?"<br />Fake-Bracken scowled. "Do <i>not </i>call me stupid. I could have you kicked out of here, y'know."<br />"Ooh, I'm so <i>scared</i>," Liberty growled. "You can't be more than the size of a fox, and you're going to get me kicked out of my own home."<br />
"Say that again," Fake-Bracken growled.<br />
"Hate to say it, but I don't have the time. Got places to be," Liberty retorted, running inside The Bending Tower before Fake-Bracken could object.<br />
She raced up the stairs and headed down the hallway, a loud scream reaching her ears. Nausea entered her stomach as she recognized it as Starlight's. <i>Oh, Lifebreeze...</i><br />
Liberty entered the Healers' den to see Airia and Max holding Starlight down, who was screaming at the top of her lungs. Liberty looked at Starlight to see that somehow the liquid on her shoulder had spread to half of her chest and some of her right flank. She could also see herbs scattered across the room, and Liberty assumed it was from Starlight.<br />
"Oh great," Comet growled, glaring at Liberty. "What do <i>you </i>want?"<br />Confusion swept over Liberty. "What do you mean?"<br />"Don't play dumb," Comet retorted. "Glad to see you finally came back to face the consequences. Why'd you do this?"<br />
"I don't know what you're talking about," Liberty said, a growl rising in her throat.<br />
"What's with the crown?" Max asked.<br />
"That doesn't matter," Airia retorted. "Liberty, what you did was very rude."<br />"What did I do?!" Liberty demanded. "That's what I'd like to know?"<br />"How could you <i>not</i>?" Comet demanded. "You destroyed our herb storage! And what with white-earth getting colder, we're not going to find more! In fact Nightgale's out right now, trying to find herbs, but there's obviously not going to be any. You've pretty much doomed us to illness and injury!"<br />"'Doomed' is a strong word, Comet," Airia pointed out. She then gave Liberty a harsh look. "But he's right. What you did was unacceptable."<br />Anger was filling Liberty's chest, as well as confusion and desperation to know what everyone was talking about. "I didn't <i>do </i>anything! I've been out with Shell the whole time!" She decided to leave out the part about leaving The Bending Tower's territory.<br />
"And now you're lying!" Comet snarled. "What makes you think we could believe you when you <i>clearly </i>came in here and destroyed our remaining supply of herbs?"<br />
"But I <i>didn't</i>!" Liberty yelled. What with all the arguing, for a while she was actually able to block out Starlight's screaming, but it didn't fail to fill her ears again.<br />
"Yes you did!" Airia exclaimed.<br />
"Why're you trying to act like you didn't? I mean, it was pretty obvious..." said Max, trailing off. But he obviously didn't want to be part of the conversation. In fact, he was absent in most discussions, always as if he was lost in thought. What he was lost in, Liberty didn't know, nor cared to find out.<br />
"I don't know what you guys are talking about!" Liberty growled. "I'm here to try and help with Starlight."<br />"You've 'helped' enough," Comet retorted.<br />
"Shut up about that!" Liberty snarled. "Whatever 'that' is. But I found out what can cure Starlight. It's something called a redmoon." She shook the crown off her head and looked at the only two red flowers in the crown, with yellow centers and thin - but many - petals.<br />
"Why should we accept your help after you destroying our herbs!?" Comet growled.<br />
"Oh, let's not forget what else she <i>said</i>," Airia snarled. "Why do you all of a sudden want to <i>help </i>Starlight?"<br />"What do you mean?!" Liberty demanded.<br />
"So now you didn't <i>say </i>anything?" Airia growled. She hit Starlight in the head with a rock, effectively stopping the screaming and Starlight's struggling. Airia let go of the wolf and turned to face Liberty. "We heard you, Liberty. You said you hoped Starlight would <i>die</i>."<br />
Liberty took a few steps back in shock. "Why would I...?"<br />"That's what I'd like to know," said Comet through narrowed eyes.<br />
Shock was filling Liberty, but she quickly replaced it with anger, growling. "<i>Fine</i>, if you don't want me in here. But keep the stupid flower crown. The red flowers there can heal Starlight."<br />"How?" Comet demanded. "You don't know anything about medicine! If you did you wouldn't have--"<br />"It's not like you have anything else!" Liberty snarled. "And besides, you'll find a way. If you wanna heal Starlight, you will." She then spun around and stormed out of the healers' den, full of confusion, anger and shock.<br />
What was Comet and Airia <i>talking </i>about?<br />
<br />
<b>Author's Note:<br />Sorry for the lack of posts! Hopefully this makes up for it. ouo</b><br />
<b>For some reason now I'm expecting Comet to be shipped with his medical supply <span style="font-size: x-small;">oh dear lord</span></b><br />
<b>But yeah, for valentines' day I had made some TFEOB cards. <a href="http://the-devious-wolf.deviantart.com/gallery/53174635/Valentines-Cards">Click here</a> to see 'em. :P</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>QOTD: Would you date any character in TFEOB? <span style="font-size: x-small;">(im asking this bc the question was quite popular for some stories on deviantART)</span></b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4199179457537265334.post-21363170822333090402015-02-07T16:52:00.003-05:002015-02-07T19:12:20.171-05:00Chapter 16: Setting up Camp<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
They kept waking along, as Koro insisted putting as much distance between them and the Amorache Tribe as possible. Luckily it was only the early evening, so they wouldn't have to stop and set up camp for a while.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Misty was still a bit in shock. She hadn't told the others - and they hadn't heard - but Tsovo had told Misty the same thing Achak had told her before the tortoise's death.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"Seek safety."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
How did Tsovo know? Did he spy during Achak and Misty's conversation? That had to be the only way he could find out. Misty decided not to think on it too much; she was never going to see Tsovo again. <i>Or Adonael</i>, she added. <i>Or Ferrum, or Ebony...or any of those Tribe members</i>. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
She pushed the thoughts away. No; those were the animals who tried to have her imprisoned. She couldn't feel sad about never seeing them again. <i>We're going to run into plenty more animals, </i>she told herself, <i>and you won't see them again, either. You can't grow attached to anyone not in The Bending Tower.</i><br />
The thought of home made her nearly stop in her tracks. <i>Home. </i>The Bending Tower felt like lifetimes ago. In fact, it seemed to distant that Misty was beginning to think they'd never come home. Would they? <i>We've got to</i>, she insisted to herself. But she knew she was clinging onto false hope.<br />
"Why do you look so depressed?" asked Campbell, falling back to walk beside Misty.<br />
Misty sighed. "We're never gonna go home."<br />
Campbell looked at the distance - which was still a bunch of trees, as they weren't out of the woods yet - and seemed to be considering Misty's words. "Maybe. Maybe not."<br />
"How can you be so laid-back about it? Our family, our old friends..." Misty murmured. "Gone."<br />
"Because there's a lot of things I'm <i>not </i>laid-back about," Campbell muttered. "Like the fact that I feel like I'm not appreciated."<br />
"You are. You're my best friend," Misty insisted.<br />
"I know. I <i>feel </i>like I'm not, though. It always seems like..." she then sighed. "All my life, Misty, whenever something needed to be done, animals always seemed to want to turn to my sister rather than me. And in this group, no one seems to want to turn to me either...I mean, Koro's a leader who keeps everyone together, Rhett's a good fighter, Lilypaka's a genius, Ophir's fast, Bracken's always super-happy, everyone loves Adele, you tend to keep everyone straight when we get confused...and heck, Lephos and Sidew break any tension we ever have with their jokes. And then there's me," she added, head drooped slightly. "I'm useless, and I'm positive you're the only one in this group who may actually like me."<br />
Misty felt taken aback, not too sure how to respond. "Yeah but...you're someone. I honestly think that's all that matters." She looked up at the night sky. "Before we...left...my mother used to tell me that all animals were put on this world for a reason. She said that we all have purposes, no matter how small or insignificant we may seem." She studied stars sparkling in the sky, the moon that was illuminating the area. "Come to think of it...I think my mother just was trying to keep me from ever thinking the opposite. Because there are a lot of great animals at The Bending Tower. It's easy to feel alone and worthless when you're there."<br />
There was silence between the two before Campbell spoke up again. "Do you think they miss us?"<br />
"Who? The Bending Tower?" Misty said.<br />
Campbell glanced at Misty and gave a slight nod in confirmation.<br />
"Of course they are," Misty insisted. "Everyone at The Bending Tower probably does. They're all family."<br />
"I...always like to think," Campbell began, "that they're still searching for me...for us. That they haven't moved on, hadn't lost hope. It's one of the only things that keep me going. And if we do manage to get back, I think they'd be really happy. Like, crying-level happy. Or at least...I hope so," she sighed. "Maybe they've been too busy training Liberty to be an amazing Bender to even think about me. Or us."<br />
"I want to go back," said Misty in agreement. "I can't stand to think that we may never return." She considered her own words. What if they never would? How far away was Yin and Yang? Would Misty be old and dying by the time they got there? It seemed so distant.<br />
"There are some animals I miss," Campbell admitted, "but they never seemed to care for me anyway. I hope they do. But maybe not returning won't be so bad. I mean, for me, anyway. I don't think I'd fit in if I'd stay there. What with having an <i>amazing </i>sister like Liberty..."<br />
"I've never heard you so willing to talk about problems like this before," remarked Misty.<br />
"Well, I'm tired. You act all weird when you're tired," Campbell pointed out.<br />
They were quiet for not much more longer before Koro spoke up. "We'll rest here."<br />
"Oh, thank <i>Lifebreeze</i>! I thought we'd be walking forever!" shouted Rhett.<br />
"Who's Lifebreeze?" Ophir frowned.<br />
"Leader of the Peacebenders," Rhett explained.<br />
"The what?" Ophir frowned.<br />
Tiggerpaka chuckled. "There there, naive Offer. I shall inform you of what these <i>Peacebenders </i>are that my minion Rat speaks of."<br />
"No, you won't," Lilypaka insisted.<br />
"Look, the Peacebenders are what's believed to be the spirits of dead animals," said Koro to Ophir. "Where animals - Benders, anyway - go when they die. It's what most of our place where we came from believes in."<br />
"Benders. What's that?" Ophir asked.<br />
"You have got to be the <i>slowest </i>animal I've ever met," snorted Campbell, back to her cranky self.<br />
"That's not what you said...'Ophir's fast. I'm just useless'," he said in a high-pitched voice.<br />
"You were <i>eavesdropping</i>?" Campbell snarled, about to storm up to him, but Misty bit lightly on her tail.<br />
"Don't attack him. Not worth it," Misty insisted when Campbell turned to look at her.<br />
"He was <i>listening in </i>on our--!"<br />
"<i>Anyway</i>, Benders are animals who can control either the earth, air, fire or water," spoke up Koro, casting wary glances at Campbell. "All of us are Benders."<br />
"Lemme see," Ophir insisted.<br />
"I'll demonstrate," Sidew said. He started to move his paw but when he did, he collapsed.<br />
"Sidew!" Lephos yelped, running over to his brother.<br />
"What happened?" Lilypaka demanded.<br />
"Starvation, thirst, who knows?" snorted Tiggerpaka as he grabbed a grub out of a hole in a nearby tree, obviously not at all worried about the situation. "Or cares?"<br />
"<i>I </i>do!" snarled Lephos.<br />
"Lephos-and-nothing, I do believe you need to calm down. You mustn't be yelling at your leader, or you'll get demoted to 'basic minion'," Tiggerpaka said, popping the grub in his mouth.<br />
Lephos jumped at Tiggerpaka but was quickly knocked aside by Rhett. "Calm down!" he exclaimed.<br />
"Get off of me!" Lephos yelled, kicking Rhett off. "My brother might be <i>dead</i>!"<br />
"Hey!" Lilypaka spoke up. "He still has a pulse! He's fine."<br />
"Ya <i>happy </i>now?" Rhett growled.<br />
"See? <i>This </i>is why we get nothing accomplished! We fight among ourselves <i>every day</i>!" Bracken protested. "We need to stop!"<br />
"What do <i>you </i>know? You're one of the tiniest ones here!" Campbell growled.<br />
"And you're very mean!" Bracken exclaimed. "Why do you hate me?"<br />
"She hates everyone Bracken," Ophir snorted. "Don't feel like you're the only one."<br />
"Someone wake my brother up!" Lephos insisted. "Get him up, do <i>something</i>!"<br />
"He's <i>alive</i>! That's all you need!" Rhett growled.<br />
"I don't wanna see him looking like he's <i>dead</i>!" Lephos snarled.<br />
"He has to wake up in his own time!" Lilypaka protested. "I learned that in--"<br />
"Oh, Lilypaka, thinking you're so smart," Tiggerpaka said with the roll of his eyes. He grabbed a stick. "I say we <i>stab </i>him until he wakes up!" He started towards the knocked out Collie.<br />
"No!" Lilypaka yelped, pushing on her brother.<br />
Practically everyone in the group was bickering and growling at each other, the tension getting higher and higher. Misty glanced at her sister, Adele, who was laying down among the fallen leaves. She brushed her ear with her left paw, and Misty understood right away.<br />
<i>Get them to stop fighting.</i><br />
She didn't even have time to feel excited about the fact that her sister had - kind of - spoken to her for the first time. "Hey!" Misty shouted. "STOP IT!"<br />
Everyone fell silent. "Thank you! You're upsetting my sister," Misty glared.<br />
"How can we upset <i>her</i>? She's <i>deaf</i>!" Rhett pointed out.<br />
Misty growled. "She can still have <i>feelings</i>, bug-brain!"<br />
"How could you tell if she can't speak?" Koro asked.<br />
Misty turned to look at her mentor. "Siblings can sometimes feel things about each other if they're close enough. I can feel things about my sister. And she was asking me to get you guys to shut up." She glanced at Adele, who merely blinked back in response.<br />
"Wha' happ'ned?" asked a voice.<br />
Sidew was awake.<br />
"You fainted, that's what!" Lephos exclaimed. "Are you okay?"<br />
Sidew got to his paws. "Of course I'm okay. What happened?" he repeated.<br />
"You tried to do this 'Bending', and fainted," Lilypaka explained, "before you got the chance to."<br />
"I could try again," Sidew said. Before anyone could stop him, he tried to do the same motion as before but collapsed again.<br />
"<i>Idiot</i>!" Lephos shouted, despite Sidew definitely couldn't hear him.<br />
"Does it happen to everyone?" Rhett wondered aloud. He tried moving his own paws in attempts to do Bending but collapsed as well.<br />
There was silence in the group for a bit.<br />
"What's going on then?" Bracken asked.<br />
"I don't know," spoke up Koro, "but I don't think we should try Bending again anytime soon. Just in case, and at least until we figure out what's going on."<br />
More silence. Misty kept expecting for Rhett to make a sarcastic remark - as he always seemed to do when his brother carried out orders - but she had to remind herself that he was passed out on the ground.<br />
"Alright then...so let's set up camp for the night. Lephos, Bracken and Campbell, I want you guys hunting," Koro ordered.<br />
"Not without Si," growled Lephos.<br />
"He'll be fine here," Koro insisted. "You can leave him for a little bit. The rest of us can get settled, but we're not going to sleep until the prey comes back and we have something to eat."<br />
The hunting patrol left the area, and Misty sat down next to Adele and looked down at her. <i>Can you say anything else to me? </i>Misty wondered.<br />
Adele looked at Misty but didn't do anything more. <i>She must not have anything to say,</i> Misty concluded.<br />
"Wake up, minions!" Tiggerpaka shouted to Rhett and Sidew, who were still passed out with Lilypaka sitting in between them.<br />
"Tiggerpaka! You can't force them awake!" Lilypaka protested.<br />
"Ha! Watch me," Tiggerpaka insisted, grabbing a stick and poking Sidew in the eye.<br />
Immediately Sidew shot up. "Dang it, it happened again!" he exclaimed, knocking Tiggerpaka away as he stood up, making the meerkat go tumbling.<br />
Misty couldn't help but chuckle and she glanced at Adele, who smiled and brushed her paw against her muzzle.<br />
Excitement filled Misty and she grinned at her sister. "Yeah, it <i>is</i> pretty funny," she said aloud, but then immediately felt stupid for trying to respond to her.<br />
"Where's Leph?" Sidew asked.<br />
"Went hunting," Koro replied. "We're setting up camp for the night."<br />
"Ah. Okay," Sidew said.<br />
Rhett then got up. "Bending's not working," he commented.<br />
"We figured that out, genius," Sidew snorted.<br />
Campbell sat next to Misty. "So you can somehow communicate with your sister."<br />
"Yeah," Misty nodded.<br />
"Ophir's gotten to be really annoying," commented Campbell. "He's an arrogant jerk."<br />
"Yeah," Misty repeated. "I don't even know why he's with us."<br />
"Agreed," Campbell snorted.<br />
She kept talking, but Misty was looking at Koro. He was sitting with Rhett, who was talking and Koro was nodding every once in a while, listening to him. From what Misty could hear, Rhett was telling something about the Amorache Tribe.<br />
"You like Koro, don't you?"<br />
Misty turned to see Campbell had spoken up. "No," he said right away.<br />
"Oh yeah. And rabbits fly," Campbell sneered.<br />
"You tell anyone and I'll start spreading rumors about you liking Lephos," Misty retorted.<br />
"Don't do <i>that</i>!" Campbell protested.<br />
"Then don't tell anyone," Misty insisted.<br />
"I won't," Campbell promised.<br />
"Someone's coming!" exclaimed Sidew.<br />
Misty looked around and sniffed the air. Indeed, a new scent was heading in their direction. "But who is it?" she wondered aloud.<br />
"Ha! I shall take care of them!" Tiggerpaka declared, grabbing his stick.<br />
That was when a dark wolf came into their camp. "Oh! Sorry. I wasn't aware this was someone's territory," he apologized. "I'll...I'll leave--"<br />
"Who are you?" Koro asked.<br />
Misty looked at the newcomer. He had dark fur with sky blue eyes, and white paws. "I'm Moonshadow. I'm a loner, I just kinda...y'know...wander...around. Yeah. But...I'll leave, I don't wanna--"<br />
"We're loners too," Rhett spoke up. "Well...kind of. I guess."<br />
"Oh," Moonshadow echoed.<br />
"You look pretty beat up. You can stay here if you'd like," said Koro.<br />
"Thank you," Moonshadow said, sounding grateful.<br />
"Um...we don't know this guy. Should we let him stay here?" Rhett asked.<br />
"What's he gonna do? We outnumber him," Koro pointed out.<br />
"Oh boy. Wonder if he's gonna end up coming along with us too," Campbell muttered. "By the time this journey ends we'll have the equivalent of the Firebender army..."<br />
<br />
<b>Author's Note:<br />Sorry for not posting all week! D: Stuff happened and...yeah.</b><br />
<b>Have a long chapter to make up for it. :^)</b><br />
<b>Moonshadow was made by A01315. Thanks for the character!</b></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4199179457537265334.post-38732151759855149322015-01-31T15:29:00.003-05:002015-01-31T15:30:18.482-05:00Chapter 15: Returning to The Bending Tower<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Just knock her out!" Liberty snarled as she struggled to keep Starlight down. They had been guiding her back to The Bending Tower but she had began resisting and screeching even louder, filling Liberty's ears to the point when she wanted to hit her own head against a rock and knock herself out.<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
After trying practically everything to get Starlight to stop resisting, Liberty decided knocking her out would be the best thing.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"I...I can't," Malroy insisted. "I don't wanna hurt her."</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"You idiot, she looks to be in pain enough!" Ekaj grunted, attempting to help Liberty keep Starlight down.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"But--"</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Would you <i>stop</i> making lovey-dovey eyes?! You're gonna get her killed if you don't stop acting so lovesick!" Liberty snarled.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Malroy flinched, and everything was silent except for Starlight's screeching. He hesitated, then shifted his jaw in annoyance before heading over to the nearest rock and slamming it into Starlight's skull, immediately knocking her out.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Finally," growled Liberty, picking Starlight up with the help of Ekaj.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
They then started guiding Starlight back towards The Bending Tower, Malroy padding along but at a distance, as if not wanting to get close to Starlight. <i>What a coward</i>, growled Liberty to herself. Anger was bubbling up in her already after seeing her best friend get attacked. Malroy's hesitation to be useful was making Liberty madder.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
They finally approached the shortcut to the yard. "You go first," ordered Liberty to Ekaj. "Take her with you."</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Ekaj gave a curt nod before taking Starlight with him through the tunnel.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Liberty then rounded on Malroy. "Why are you so useless?" she growled.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"What?" Malroy murmured.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"You're reluctance to help out is what's going to be the <i>death</i> of her," Liberty snarled, allowing her teeth to show. "And although Starlight seems oblivious, it's the most obvious thing in the world; you like her. Why let her <i>die</i>?"</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Malroy hesitated before sighing. "I <i>care</i> for her, let's just leave it at that. And I can't stand to see her like that. It scares me. And I want her to stay alive as much as you do."</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Then <i>help</i>," Liberty growled before walking through the entrance to the yard.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As soon as she came in, there was a crowd gathered around, and it didn't take Liberty too long to guess what for. She could hear yells and some sobs, mainly shouts of confusion.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Liberty walked up to the closest animal, who just so happened to be Streak. "Where's Shell?" she demanded.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"What time is there for that? Starlight a got black <i>gunk</i> on her shoulder!" Streak exclaimed.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"I am <i>well</i> aware," hissed Liberty in annoyance. "And I want to know where Shell is."</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Around this time of day, by her stream," explained Streak. "You know she has a schedule."<br />
"Thank you," Liberty said. She then turned around to head back out, only to find Fake-Ash standing there.<br />
"Hello Liberty," he acknowledged in his usual cold tone.<br />
Annoyance pricked at Liberty's chest. "Hello," she returned reluctantly, forcing kindness into her voice. If her plan was going to work, she'd have to be respectful.<br />
"I see your friend has gotten an injury. It's quite strange," he commented.<br />
<i>Don't you think I noticed</i>? Liberty thought frustratedly. "Yes. I helped to bring her back."<br />
Fake-Ash smiled, but once again, his smile wasn't full of happiness. "Ah. It's good I gave you the full Bender rank then. I knew it'd benefit you - and the Tower as well."<br />
"Thank you," Liberty replied.<br />
"Starlight's injury is rather...strange, however. I wonder what it is," Fake-Ash pondered.<br />
<i>He's lying, </i>Liberty told herself. Fake-Ash came from Yin, same place as the creature who had bitten Starlight; Liberty had concluded the creature was a Shadow Tracker, just as Shell had talked about. So Fake-Ash <i>would </i>know what the injury was from, and maybe how to cure it. <i>I can't let him know that I know about this, </i>Liberty decided. <i>So I can't ask him about a cure...</i><br />
"May I go find Shell?" Liberty asked.<br />
"Why?" Fake-Ash asked curiously.<br />
"I want to speak to her," Liberty insisted.<br />
Fake-Ash seemed to consider this, and then he spoke. "Very well. Go ahead."<br />
Relief washed over Liberty and she headed back out. <i>Shell better know the cure, </i>she thought, <i>or Starlight is dead already...</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>Author's Note:<br />My family is getting on my nerves</b><br />
<b>someone please come take me away to go live in Camp Half-Blood or Hogwarts instead</b><br />
<b>and sorry for the short chapter but it seemed like an appropriate place to stop</b></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4199179457537265334.post-68942543670072299642015-01-24T21:35:00.000-05:002015-01-25T12:49:00.596-05:00Chapter 14: The Tunnels<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There was silence in the room until Lilypaka's brother spoke up. "What do you mean?" he asked, leaning against the wall of his cage and munching on the grub he had.<br />
"Your grubs," Lilypaka said. "Where do you get them from?"<br />
Tiggerpaka snorted. "Uh, a rotting tree. Duh."<br />
"No, like, <i>where</i>?" Lilypaka pressed.<br />
"The rotting tree!" Tiggerpaka yelled, throwing his arms up as he gulped down the rest of his grub. "You find one, stick your arm in and pull out a grub!"<br />
"Where is the tree you idiot?!" Campbell snarled.<br />
"You <i>imbeciles</i>!" Tiggerpaka exclaimed. "You pups don't know <i>nothin</i>'! A rotting tree is <i>outside</i>! Duh!"<br />
"Where outside?" Lilypaka demanded.<br />
"The <i>woods</i>!" Tiggerpaka shouted.<br />
"No, Tiggerpaka!" Bracken exclaimed. "She means like, <i>where</i>? Like, which woods!"<br />
"Okay," Lilypaka said. "Let's try this again." She breathed in, then let it out. "Tiggerpaka. To go to this rotting tree to get the grubs, in the woods, how do you get there?"<br />
"Through the tunnel," Tiggerpaka snorted, grabbing another grub from the pile he had created and beginning to eat it.<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"...What tunnel?" Lilypaka demanded.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Under there," Tiggerpaka said, pointing to his stick hut.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Everyone was silent again until Campbell spoke up. "A <i>tunnel</i>?!" she said in disbelief. "You mean we could've escaped this WHOLE TIME?!"</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"If you don't pipe down we never will!" Sidew snapped.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Lilypaka quickly ran over to Tiggerpaka's hut and kicked it over. Misty sat up a bit, and could see the tunnel Tiggerpaka had apparently dug.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Hey!" Tiggerpaka yelled. "That's my hut!" He went to charge his sister but Lephos put his paw on the meerkat's tail, preventing him from getting to her. "How else am I supposed to seek safety?!"</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"You realize...we can get out of here!" Bracken exclaimed, beaming.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Tiggerpaka, by you digging this hold, you've given us an escape!" Lilypaka gasped.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Of course," snorted Tiggerpaka. "You pups are just too dumb to know earlier."</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Sure," muttered Rhett.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Then we gotta escape," Koro insisted.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"You think, Koro?" Rhett snorted. "What would we do without ya?"</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Surely we'd be lost," chuckled Ophir.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Koro looked slightly annoyed. "Any ideas as to how we can get over there?"</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Seems quite simple. We just need tunnels dug between the cells," Lilypaka explained. "I did tunneling back a the Meer--"</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"And were <i>terrible</i> at it!" Tiggerpaka exclaimed. "Allow <i>me</i>.<i> I </i>am the best tunneler in the land!"</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Ha, right," chuckled Rhett. "And Campbell will say something positive for once, Sidew will become skinny, and Adele will start speaking."</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Hey!" Sidew protested, while Campbell growled; and Adele, as usual, said nothing, obviously not having had heard Rhett's comment.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Okay, we'll both go then," Lilypaka nodded, "if you're so eager."</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"I shall break us all out," Tiggerpaka declared, chest puffed out. He then started digging and in no time he was tunneling underground.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Lilypaka sighed and went underground as well.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There was silence in the room until Lilypaka popped up in Bracken's cage. "Get through the tunnel," she ordered. Bracken nodded and Lilypaka popped back underground, and Bracken squeezed himself into the tunnel.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Lilypaka then popped up in Lephos's and he began to come through. Lilypaka had continued to dig others out but Tiggerpaka had failed to come up. "Where's Tiggerpaka?" Misty asked.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Who cares?" snorted Rhett.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"But what's going on with him?" Misty said. "Tiggerpaka!"</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
She then heard a bump and a muffled "ow". Then Tiggerpaka pushed up from under the ground, back in his cage. He rubbed his head, and Misty assumed it had been knocked on one of the walls of the cages. "Yes, my dear Mistake?" he said.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Just wanted to make sure you were okay," Misty replied.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Tiggerpaka chuckled. "Although I thank you for your concern, I am a warrior. I can handle myself well enough."</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"'Handle yourself well enough', my tail," snorted Campbell from behind Tiggerpaka, having had dug up from the tunnels.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"What about your tail, Crabbell?" Tiggerpaka demanded.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Lilypaka then popped up in Misty's cage. "Let's go," she insisted, digging back under.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Misty then crawled into the tunnel, keeping her eyes closed to prevent dirt from getting in. She followed the scent of Lilypaka that lead in what she hoped to be the direction of the meerkats' den, and then popped up where she had wanted to end up.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"You got dirt on your head," remarked Campbell, brushing it off with her paw.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Soon after everyone - even Adele - was in the meerkats' den.<br />
"You're all <i>very </i>welcome," insisted Tiggerpaka. "If it hadn't been for <i>me</i>, you'd all still be stuck in your cages."<br />
"<i>Right</i>," growled Campbell.<br />
"He has a point, actually," Misty insisted. "If he hadn't dug that tunnel we'd still be in jail."<br />
"See? <i>Mistake </i>is smart!" Tiggerpaka said. "Unlike the rest of you--"<br />
"We should get going," interrupted Lilypaka, with a wary glance at her brother.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Yeah, let's go," agreed Koro. "I'll go first."</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"And here we see the grand, selfless leader, going forward for the sake of the group," Rhett chuckled. </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Koro shot his brother a look before heading out the tunnel.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Ladies first," smirked Sidew, beckoning with his tail to the tunnel as he looked at Lephos.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Yes, so go first, Sidew," Lephos retorted.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"<i>I'll</i> go," spoke up Campbell. "If you two will shut up that way..." she then headed into the tunnel.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Poor girl will probably get stuck," chuckled Ophir, heading in after. </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"I'll go next!" Bracken exclaimed, diving in.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"I'm going now," announced Lephos, glancing at his brother. "And don't you say a <i>word</i>." He then headed through the tunnel.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Lady," sang Sidew, heading through the tunnel as well.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"<i>Hmph</i>. Dumb pups are probably dead by now. I shall go see if they're safe," declared Tiggerpaka, dashing into the tunnel.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Now all that remained was Adele, Rhett, Lilypaka and Misty. </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"You go," Rhett insisted to Misty.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"I'll be going with Adele," Misty said stubbornly.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"You need to quit guiding her paws," Rhett replied. "How else is she going to learn on her own?"</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Me not guiding her paws would result in her death," Misty retorted. </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Rhett shook his head. "Suit yourself." He then went through the tunnel.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"I'm going last," announced Lilypaka.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Alright," nodded Misty. She then turned to her sister, and looked at the tunnel.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Adele did as well, then headed through. Misty quickly followed her.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The tunnel was dark, like the one she has crawled through before. Again she kept her eyes closed and followed the scents of those before her. </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When she emerged from the dirt the darkness of the night greeted her. The rest of the group was waiting for her. "Misty's here," announced Koro, helping her up out of the tunnel and making Misty smile shyly.<br />
Not too much later Lilypaka came out. "Let's hurry!" she exclaimed. "Who knows when someone'll check on the jail?"<br />"Agreed, we need to get moving," Koro nodded.<br />
They started walking along in the forest, everyone silent like the rest of the area. Nerves were beginning to build up in Misty and with every step she became increasingly paranoid, concerned they were going to get caught somehow. What if a Tribe member was checking the jail right now? Maybe some of them were outside right now and they'd come across them. <i>You're being paranoid, </i>she told herself. <i>You'll be fine.</i><br />
The group continued to walk, and that was when Misty spotted something.<br />
A brown wolf was standing there, his eyes locked on the group.<br />It was Tsovo.<br />
If possible, everyone was even more silent than before. This lasted for a while before Koro spoke up. "We're leaving."<br />There was silence again as Chief's son scrutinized them. Misty found herself holding her breath. How was he going to respond?<br />
"You're going the wrong way," said Tsovo finally.<br />
This took Misty by such surprise that her jaw dropped. "<i>What</i>?" she found herself saying in disbelief.<br />
Campbell growled. "If that's some sarcastic remark about you bringing us <i>back</i>--"<br />"I don't do sarcasm," insisted Tsovo in his bored tone. "You're actually going the wrong way. Follow me."<br />
<br />
<br />
Misty couldn't believe that Koro actually trusted the Tribe member. <i>He got us put in jail in the first place, </i>she told herself, fighting back a growl of annoyance. And Misty knew Tsovo well enough to know that he wouldn't help the group out unless it was somehow to his own advantage. <i>This won't end well, </i>she told herself.<br />
After a while of walking Tsovo stopped. "This is as far as I'm gonna go. Just keep walking."<br />Koro nodded at him. "Thank you."<br />Tsovo gave a stiff nod back that seemed rather reluctant.<br />
"Let's get going then," Koro said to the group, and he kept walking along, the rest of the group following.<br />
"Ha! We didn't need So-so to show us the way. I can navigate my way through <i>any </i>place! Like that one time--"<br />"<i>Shush</i>," hissed Lilypaka to her brother.<br />
Misty followed the others but then heard Tsovo's voice. "Misty?"<br />She turned around to look at him. <i>What does he want? </i>she wondered nervously. "Yeah?"<br />Tsovo gave a small nod. "Seek safety."<br />
<br />
<b>Author's Note:<br />There was an error and the whole chapter hadn't been posted. Sorry! D:</b><br />
<b>And yes...Tsovo knows >:D</b></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4199179457537265334.post-900906459301812022015-01-18T22:00:00.000-05:002015-01-25T15:10:25.464-05:00Chapter 13: The Dark Intruder<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Kinda chilly," Starlight remarked. She glanced up at the sky. Liberty noticed it was darkening, and it was covered in clouds, like it was going to rain.<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Yeah," said Malroy in agreement. Wind blew through the area, giving Liberty chills. "We can't be out here too long. Or else we'll get really cold."</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"You don't say," Ekaj chuckled.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"What will be out here though?" Starlight commented. "It seems way too cold..."</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"There's bound to be something," Malroy assured her.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"We'd better hurry up. I'm getting cold," Liberty muttered.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"And then we have our little sunshine over here," Malroy chuckled. Ekaj joined in, and Liberty shot Malroy a glare.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Sense anything?" Starlight asked.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Malroy smelled the air. "Rabbit nearby," he said. "And a few other things."</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Then let's head for it," Starlight said. "Malroy, you lead."</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Malroy nodded and started walking a bit more to the left, Starlight following quickly and Ekaj and Liberty walking close behind.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Hopefully you can hunt as good as you fight," Ekaj chuckled to Liberty.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Liberty gave Ekaj a small nod but nothing else.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"How do you think Lucky's doing?" Ekaj ventured.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"As good as any member of the young," Liberty muttered.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"But Alista didn't seem to like him all that much. I'm worried he may not fit in," Ekaj pointed out.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"He'll be fine. And even if he doesn't, he can live. You don't need friends to survive," Liberty insisted.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Liberty," Ekaj said, suddenly sounding full-out serious. "Lucky has only had his mother his entire life, and his mom abused him. He needs at least <i>someone</i>."</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Liberty glanced at him but didn't respond.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"It's up ahead," murmured Malroy. "I'll let you get it, Starlight."</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Starlight flashed him a smile. <i>Oh, Lifebreeze</i>, Liberty thought with a scowl.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sure enough though, a rabbit was not too far ahead. It was among the fallen trees, where Liberty had found Lucky before.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Starlight began to sneak forward towards the rabbit, who wasn't at all aware that its life was in danger. She kept making her way forward stealthily.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Suddenly, something leaped out from the trees. It screeched out and darted past the rabbit and tackled Starlight pinning her, screeching and making all sorts of strange sounds.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The creature was pure black, black as a shadow. It had a canine-like body and a long tongue that flicked around as it hung out of its mouth, and had bits of fire-like stuff coming off of its back.<br />
Starlight screamed out in fear and Malroy crashed into the clearing. "Starlight!"<br />
"What is that?!" Ekaj yelped as he ran after his brother, Liberty following to inspect what was going on.<br />
Liberty watched as Malroy stood in front of the creature. "Get off her!" he snarled. He lunged at the creature and slashed his claws across its flank, but strangely it did no damage at all. In fact, the creature only turned and looked at Malroy, and made a deeper hissing-spitting sound as its bright eyes locked on him.<br />
"Get it off me!" Starlight yelped, kicking at the creature but to no effect.<br />
"It doesn't seem to get hurt by anything!" exclaimed Ekaj. "What do we do?"</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The creature then released Starlight and she quickly got to her paws, shaking in fear as she looked at it. The creature's long tongue licked under its eye and hissed-spat once more. "G-Get away!" Starlight yelped.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The creature then shrieked and darted at Starlight with incredible speed, almost moving at a blur. It seemed that as soon as it had moved, it had bitten down on Starlight's shoulder.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Liberty looked, and for what felt like the first time she was full of fear. Where the creature had bitten, there was black liquid oozing from her body. Starlight screamed out, her scream almost sounding like that of the creature's.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"STARLIGHT!" yelled Malroy, running forward to her as the creature darted off at a great speed.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"What's happening to her?!" Liberty demanded, running forward to look at the injury. </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"We gotta get her back!" Malroy cried. "Starlight? Are you okay?!"</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
All that came out of Starlight's mouth was a maddening screech of pain that filled Liberty's ears. <i>Make stop</i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">! She yelled in her head to anyone who could hear.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Malroy quickly supported Starlight from one side with his shoulder. "Ekaj! Get the other side!" he said.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Ekaj supported Starlight's other side and they began to guide her back, as fast as they could. As Liberty followed, she started putting things together. <i>Campbell told us about shadow creatures before she died</i>, she realized. <i>Campbell was right all along</i>...</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b>Author's Note:</b></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b>Whatcha think is gonna happen to Starlight?</b></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b>Also, please check out my blogs, "The Benders Speak" and "Megan's Musings", and give them a follow! I need more viewers on both of them. I can't link it right now bc I'm on mobile, but it's on my Blogger profile which you can access on the sidebar of this blog.</b></span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4199179457537265334.post-66909508304820558212015-01-11T15:30:00.000-05:002015-01-11T15:30:07.262-05:00Chapter 12: Wooden Cages<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Tsovo escorted Misty back to the prison den, Misty ignoring him the whole way. She didn't speak a word and neither did he, which was fine with her; she didn't want to hear what he had to say.<br />
<div>
The words from Majaka still rang in her ears: "the way out is right in front of you." What did he mean by that? <i>Is he implying that it's obvious</i>? she thought. <i>Because it certainly isn't</i>...</div>
<div>
"Well, here you are," Tsovo spoke up as they stopped in front of the jail.<br />
Misty didn't say anything else in response as she headed towards the den, chin held up and completely ignoring the Chief's son, not even giving him a "goodbye" or a "thanks".<br />
As soon as she walked in though, she noticed how different things looked.<br />
Everyone was separated. There were box-like objects - like cages - all linked together in the den. They were big enough to hold one animal each. One had Campbell, another held Rhett...each cage had one member of the group, except for Tiggerpaka, who shared a cage with Lilypaka at the back. Tiggerpaka didn't appear happy with this, as he kept muttering and pacing.<br />
There was an empty one in between Adele and Koro, which Misty figured had to be hers. "You're in cages now," spoke up Tsovo, coming in behind Misty. "Head in yours."<br />"Why are we?" Misty demanded, turning on him.<br />
Tsovo once again gave an emotionless look. "Harder for you to plan something while separated."<br />Misty scowled and reluctantly got into her cage and Tsovo swung the door shut behind her. "You can't open it from inside," he explained.<br />
"Wonderful," Misty muttered.<br />
After that Tsovo left, and as soon as he did Campbell spoke up, not too far from Misty. "Where <i>were </i>you?"<br />
"Chief's den apparently," Misty replied.<br />
"Why were you in <i>there</i>?" Rhett's voice asked.<br />
"Got beat-up. Tsovo took me to Nahuel," Misty responded.<br />
"Okay, why would he take you to get your injuries patched up?" Lephos wondered aloud. "I mean, we're technically enemies of--"<br />"Because he <i>likes </i>Misty," replied Sidew. "And you wonder why I think you're slow."<br />
Misty felt embarrassed and slunk back in her cage, retreating into the shadows in hopes that it may somehow erase her from the conversation.<br />
"The whole thing is <i>gross</i>," said Campbell in disgust.<br />
"You're <i>really </i>sensitive," came Ophir's sarcastic voice.<br />
"You don't <i>get </i>an opinion," Campbell growled back.<br />
"And why's that, dear?" Ophir asked.<br />
"Because your opinions are <i>wrong</i>."<br />
"Hate to break it to you, but--"<br />"Shut up, both of you," snapped Rhett.<br />
"Right, because you're the boss of me, <i>how</i>?" Campbell said dryly.<br />
Misty was relieved that the attention had been lifted off of her. "Rhett's right. You two <i>do </i>need to quit arguing," Koro spoke up from next to Misty.<br />
"You don't have the right to talk either," Campbell snapped.<br />
"I'm the leader," Koro said, a hint of annoyance in his voice.<br />
"Guys, just stop fighting!" Bracken protested.<br />
"What do you know about <i>stopping </i>fights? Your fath--" Campbell began, but came to a halt, seeming to realize what she said, and silence fell over them. Even Misty was taken by surprise; no one seemed to talk about Bracken's father to him, as everyone was worried about how he'd react to it. His father, Ironfang, had been a murderer. And Misty knew Ironfang was the total opposite of his son.<br />
"I barely <i>knew </i>my father," Bracken murmured. "In fact, <i>none </i>of you knew him!" he cried out. It was the first time Misty had heard Bracken raise his voice; let alone start to cry over something. He was always too happy to be negative about anything. "So you can't talk about him either!"<br />
But Misty knew Campbell was one of those animals who could never admit she was wrong, even when she herself knew she was. "But we heard stories, didn't we?" Campbell insisted.<br />
"Dad is <i>dead </i>now. Put it behind us," Bracken insisted, voice shaking with emotion. "They killed him. He's dead..." He seemed to be trying to assure himself more than the others.<br />
"Who's Ironfang?" Lilypaka's voice asked.<br />
"A weakling," Tiggerpaka snorted. "He was easy to defeat. It just took one swift kick to the--"<br />
"We need to talk about something else," Misty spoke up. "Bracken's right. Ironfang is in the past; and Bracken doesn't deserve to be remembered for the things his father did."<br />"Misty's right," Koro agreed immediately, making satisfaction fill Misty. "This is irrelevant to what's happening now."<br />
"So how <i>do </i>we get out of here?" Lephos wondered.<br />
"It's <i>simple</i>," Tiggerpaka snorted. "But of course, you minions aren't <i>smart </i>enough to hear my plan to get us out of here."<br />
"Of course," Campbell muttered.<br />
"Hold on," Lilypaka spoke up.<br />
"Oh Lilypaka. Do not speak, you may make a fool of yourself again," said Tiggerpaka.<br />
Lilypaka ignored her brother. "Tiggerpaka, where do you keep getting your grubs?"<br />
<br />
<b>Author's Note:<br />Cliffhanger...</b><br />
<b>Also, check out my new pages I have. Especially the "survey" one. Barely anyone's been on that.</b><br />
<b>I linked some new story blogs also~</b><br />
<b>And be sure to check my other blogs. Go to my Blogger profile.</b><br />
<b>Sorry this chapter is kinda short. And pointless.</b></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4199179457537265334.post-45592237044686822192015-01-03T15:16:00.000-05:002015-01-03T15:16:58.883-05:00Chapter 11: New Member of the Young<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There was silence in the room for a few heartbeats before Starlight spoke up. "Why does your mother do that to you?" she asked, face twisted with sympathy.<br />
<div>
"I don't know," Lucky whimpered. "I never did anything bad to her! I...I..." Tears slid down his cheeks and a sob escaped him.<br />
Liberty always felt uncomfortable around animals who were crying or injured or sick, so this wasn't her idea of a good time. She gritted her teeth. <i>The poor guy has an abusive mother, </i>she told herself. <i>You gotta stick around for him.</i><br />
"We won't take you back to your mother," Sun promised.<br />
"You won't?" Lucky murmured.<br />
"Of course not," Diamond spoke up with a growl. "I would <i>never </i>hand a child over to an abusive parent."<br />
"We'll keep you here," Creature agreed with a nod. "You'll get to stay with the young."<br />
"What's the young?" Lucky asked.<br />
"Animals around your age," Ekaj replied.<br />
"Will they hurt me?" Lucky murmured as Starlight picked him up by his scruff.<br />
"No, they're nice," Starlight insisted.<br />
"Lucky, you'll stay there at the young den," Sun said. "But Liberty." She looked at her. "You'll be Lucky's main caretaker."<br />
Liberty wanted to recoil at the idea but kept herself from doing so. "No, no," she insisted. "I'm not good with young." <i>And I don't like being around them, no matter </i>what <i>their backstory, </i>she thought.<br />
"There's a rule," Sun insisted. "If you find a life, you're responsible for that life."<br />
"What if I don't <i>want </i>to be?" Liberty growled, but it came out more harsh than she had intended.<br />
"You are, and that's final," growled Diamond.<br />
Liberty locked eyes with her grandmother and bit back a growl but said nothing more. She knew where that strictness came from; raising two pups like Rusty and Dust could really change your personality, for better or for worse.<br />
"Fine," Liberty muttered.<br />
"What?" Lucky said confusedly.<br />
"Liberty here is going to take care of you," said Creature, giving Liberty a look.<br />
"Really?" said Lucky eagerly.<br />
"Yeah," Liberty muttered.<br />
"Like a new mom?" Lucky asked.<br />
Liberty stiffened at the word "mom". The thought of any animal <i>ever </i>calling her "mom" caused her a lot of discomfort and made her feel awkward. In fact, being a mother was one of the last things she wanted to do. She'd heard - and on one occasion seen - animals give birth. It did not look like a walk through the field. Plus, afterwards Liberty would have to put up with all the squealing and questions being shot at her every day. The thought annoyed her.<br />
"...Not exactly," Liberty said hesitantly.<br />
"We'll all be your new family," spoke up Starlight, obviously sensing Liberty's discomfort. "We'll be nice to you and treat you well. You'll never have to go back to your mother again."<br />
"Thank you thank you thank you!" Lucky squealed, running up to Liberty and hugging her paw. Liberty stood there awkwardly before gently pushing the kitten off.<br />
"Uh, right. Let's take you to Airia. She'll also be looking after you," Liberty said, picking Lucky up by the scruff.<br />
"The young den isn't far from here," Ekaj promised, and the three of them left the den.<br />
Once a while away from the elders, Starlight spoke up. "You seemed happy to take up on that offer," Starlight chuckled.<br />
"Didn't have much of a choice, did I?" Liberty said through Lucky's fur.<br />
"Will I make any friends?" spoke up Lucky, obviously not understanding the current conversation.<br />
"I bet you will," Starlight smiled. "You're so adorable, the others will <i>love </i>you."<br />
They made it to the young den, where Rhonda was chasing Okerro around, and Alista and Cloudie were keeping their distance. By the looks of things, they were playing another game of tag.<br />
Airia was laying down with her head on her paws watching them, but lifted her head up upon Liberty, Starlight and Ekaj's entrance. "What do you need?" she asked in a tired voice.<br />
As Liberty set Lucky down Starlight explained to Airia what was going on, occasionally having to speak up because of the loud noises the young were making, clearly not interested in the newcomer. Starlight told Airia about how Lucky had an abusive mother and where he was found, and how he ended up in the elders' den, and that Liberty would be his caretaker, which made Liberty start to mutter words that she became relieved Airia couldn't hear.<br />
"Poor thing!" cried Airia at the end of the story, approaching Lucky.<br />
"You have...wings?" Lucky said in disbelief, looking up at Airia in awe.<br />
"Hey, I do too," insisted Okerro, spreading his small black wings. "She's my mom."<br />
Lucky lost a bit of his content look on his face at the word "mom", but Airia spoke again. "What's your name, dear?"<br />"Lucky," he murmured.<br />
"Who're <i>you</i>?" asked Alista as she approached.<br />
Cloudie came up to Lucky also. "He smells of outsider."<br />
"What's up with your eyes?" Lucky frowned, looking at Cloudie.<br />
"How <i>rude</i>," scoffed Alista. "She's <i>blind</i>, you dumb-tail, meaning she can't <i>see</i>."<br />
Lucky recoiled slightly. "Be nice,"Airia scolded.<br />
"Hi Lucky!" Rhonda exclaimed. "I'm Rhonda!"<br />"Hi," Lucky returned.<br />
"Why are you here though?" Alista demanded.<br />
"I...I..." Lucky hesitated.<br />
"He doesn't have to say if he doesn't want to," Airia insisted, glaring at Alista. "And you need to be nicer. Lucky will need time to settle in and you're not helping."<br />
"'Settle in'?" Alista, Rhonda and Cloudie echoed simultaneously.<br />
"Yep. Lucky's gonna live here now," Starlight said.<br />
"Is he going to stay tiny like that?" Alista asked, sizing Lucky up. "Because he's really short."<br />"Are <i>you </i>gonna stay your height?" Ekaj retorted.<br />
"Alista, you're not being very nice right now," Airia pointed out. "Another rude remark out of your mouth and I'll give you vole for dinner."<br />"Blech! I hate vole!" Alista yelped.<br />
"Then don't be so mean," Rhonda insisted.<br />
"You can play with us if you want Lucky," Cloudie insisted. "Do you know how to play 'tag'?"<br />"No," Lucky shook his head.<br />
"You mean you didn't play tag with your littermates?" Cloudie said with a tilted head.<br />
Lucky stiffened but didn't seem to know how to reply. "They...I..."<br />
"Look, Lucky's not comfortable talking about his family. So don't keep asking," Airia insisted.<br />
"Why?" asked Rhonda immediately.<br />
"Yeah! What happened?" Alista demanded.<br />
"I wanna know!" Rhonda exclaimed.<br />
"Yeah, tell us, Lucky!" Alista added.<br />
"Quiet!" Airia snapped. "What part of 'don't keep asking' do you two not understand? Honestly, you two are such troublemakers..."<br />"I am <i>not</i>!" Rhonda protested. "Alista gets into more trouble than me!"<br />"No I don't!" Alista yelled.<br />
"<i>This </i>is why I'm not gonna be a mother," Liberty hissed to Starlight.<br />
Starlight merely chuckled. "I think it's amusing."<br />"I think it's <i>annoying</i>," Liberty shot back.<br />
"Alright, <i>quiet</i>, <i>quiet</i>!" Airia exclaimed, making everyone fall silent. "Cloudie, explain tag to Lucky and then you all play. And Alista, Rhonda, do not cause <i>any </i>trouble for Lucky."<br />"We weren't!" Alista and Rhonda protested.<br />
"And Lucky, dear, if you have any trouble, please tell me," Airia insisted, turning to look at the kitten.<br />
Lucky just nodded, and then Airia turned to Starlight, Liberty and Ekaj. "You three are free to go."<br />
<br />
<br />
"See? The young are annoying and ungrateful," Liberty muttered as the three walked down the hallway.<br />
"You need to quit being like that," Ekaj insisted. "I'm sure you were like that when you were little."<br />"I wasn't," Liberty snapped. She and Ekaj had been in the same den as young for a very short amount of time, but Ekaj had then become an apprentice. In her pup-hood days, Liberty never recalled acting like the young that were in there now. "The only young in there I think is okay is Okerro."<br />"You two are a lot alike. Both rather silent," Ekaj chuckled.<br />
"You know what's weird?" Starlight spoke up. "Here we are, two apprentices and a full Bender - and one, the apprentices are older, and two the apprentices are taller."<br />"Why'd you bring that up?" Liberty asked.<br />
"It was just...strange to me," Starlight shrugged.<br />
"Yeah. We have been training longer," pointed out Ekaj.<br />
Liberty felt a bit embarrassed that it seemed the attention was now focused on her. "I'm sorry for apparently being so good that I graduated early," she growled.<br />
"Aren't you humble," Ekaj snickered.<br />
Liberty shot the wolf-dog a glare before turning to look forward as she walked again.<br />
Just then, Malroy came around the corner, halting before he could run into the three. "Oh. Hi," he greeted them. "'Ey Starlight," he nodded at her.<br />
"Hi," Starlight replied shyly, and Liberty recalled that Starlight had a crush on Malroy. <i>Oh, Lifebreeze... </i>she thought.<br />
"What have you been doing?" Malroy asked.<br />
"Taking a newcomer to the young den. A kitten named Lucky," Starlight explained with a slight smile.<br />
"You'll have to take me to show him sometime," Malroy suggested.<br />"Yeah, sure," Starlight said, beaming.<br />
Liberty cleared her throat rather loudly. "Malroy, did you need something, or are you just here to waste time by talking?"<br />"Oh. I'm sorry, your full Bender-ness," Malroy snickered, making annoyance prick at Liberty's pelt. "But Ekaj, mom suggested we go hunting. She says the prey pile is low, and she wants us to pitch in and help."<br />
"Okay," Ekaj nodded. He turned to Starlight and Liberty. "Wanna come with us?"<br />"Yeah," answered Starlight immediately.<br />
Liberty just sighed. "Sure, why not."<br />"And hey, we <i>do </i>have a full Bender to lead us," Malroy chuckled.<br />
"Doesn't this need to be checked in with...uh...Ash, first?" Starlight asked hesitantly.<br />
"Mom told me Ash already said it was okay," Malroy said with a smile. "Let's go, then."<br />
<br />
<b>Author's Note:<br />I pulled off an all-nighter last night with my friend. It seemed like a good idea around 2:00 AM, but I now regret it. :/</b><br />
<b>Ship, ship, ships everywhere in this chapter~ ;)</b><br />
<b>Also, I brought back an old story blog, go check it out.</b></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4199179457537265334.post-67977226504887048232014-12-29T19:39:00.000-05:002014-12-29T19:39:21.952-05:00A New and Improved Story<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Once again I see that Great Scott has left his post and has begun to neglect this blog. Oh how ye fans must yearn for more! Where Great Scott leaves you thirsty, allow I, Tiggerpaka the Great, to quench thee. Where Great Scott leaves you hungry, allow I, Tiggerpaka the Great to fill thee. Yes, ye fans must go to bed each night wanting, but I, Tiggerpaka the Great shall make you not want!<br />
<br />
So, it seems Great Scott has left poor Misty and her crew of misfits trapped in some dungeon somewhere. But luckily, I, Tiggerpaka the Great is there! And I, Tiggerpaka the Great have hatched a great plan! I will set the dungeon on fire and as the bars crumble to ash we will escape! And if SoSlow tries to stop us, I, Tiggerpaka the Great will slay him with my mighty bare paws!<br />
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I, Tiggerpaka the Great will slay all who stand in our way. (And if Crabbell should accidentally be slayed too, well, collateral damage does happen, I'm sorry to say-----wait---no I'm not!)<br />
<br />
And under the leadership of I, Tiggerpaka the Great, we shall.....................<br />
<br />
uh-oh<br />
<br />
Someone's coming!<br />
<br />
<br />
Publish!<br />
<br />
Publish!<br />
<br />
Publish and run!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1