Storia Chie
Storia's next exploits took her through even stranger lands.

Jellybean Hills, where she conversed with the candy creatures, who despite Frank's food bushes, were still regularly concerned of being consumed by other pets. Storia promised them they had nothing to fear, no animal in PnF had eaten another in quite a long time, and with Frank's bushes going no where, they were far safer than they feared. It took quite a lot of talking, but she eventually rallied their support.

The journey from Jellybean Hills to the Petarctica Vista took far less time than expected, but finding the inhabitants proved more of a challenge. The Tundra helped to hide those she was trying to find, even more than the natural homes of the Rocks and Clouds helped to hide them. She quickly learned several of her competitors had already visited them, gaining support in this area. Storia wished she had come here sooner... Eventually she found a few inhabitants who were willing to listen to her. Storia felt she was turning bluer than usual in the fierce cold, but continued on.

The world went dark.

Storia woke with a start, surrounded by her new supporters. She was very cold, despite laying next to a roaring fire....Was it a fire? No! It was a bomb! Fear taking hold, she shrieked, and tried to run, but her little legs would not work. Was it all a trick? Did none of them really support her? Were they just working for the competition, paid to get her out of the way? She stopped trying to run when she heard tears.

"I told you it would be no different!" the little Bomb cried. "Everyone preaches about fairness, but whenever they see a Bomb they run, afraid we're going to hurt them!" Storia scolded herself for jumping to conclusions. She noticed the Tundra creatures just outside the circle of light the Bomb was emitting. Were they waiting to see what she would do? What did they think of her first reaction? Maybe they were waiting to see how she would react now that she was aware of what was really happening?

Storia stood as best she could, her legs still very cold. "I am sorry little Bomb, I did not mean to upset you. I did not realize who you were or what was happening. My actions shame me." She looked up to those encircling her, those she had recruited with talk of representation, kindness, fair treatment, accountability. "I have failed all of you just now, I gave this Bomb no fair treatment, I showed no kindness. I give you no excuses, I hold myself accountable for my actions. I understand if you no longer wish to support me, and I ask your forgiveness." Storia turned to face the Bomb, "I especially seek forgiveness from you, for reacting in an inappropriate manner to your appearance."

Storia shuffled away, as best she could, the crowd of former-supporters watching her. An unlit Bomb rolled across her path, looking up she saw many others behind as well. "Anyone can preach what you have said you stand for," the Bomb in front of Storia began, "but to recognize when you are wrong, and to hold yourself to the same standard as you hold others, is a true mark of leadership."

The lit Bomb she mistook as dangerous rolled forward. "My mother teaches forgiveness. If she can forgive you, so can I."

Storia succumbed to tears. The creatures from Petarctica Vista stepped forward, a Fox with an amazingly sparkly coat spoke, "For the honesty and true belief in your cause you have shown through your actions, you have our support." The crowd around Storia waited until she was recovered, until she was ready, before they continued on to the last of her planned stops.

Fire Mountain proved a challenge, Clouds and Tornad'ohs scared the inhabitants away, the Candy creatures and Tundra beings began melting... The rocks fared no better, starting jokes about being better help in a spa. Storia traveled alone for hours, stopping frequently for breaks. As she descended farther into the valley, the temperature began to drop, the fog thickened. She heard distant laughter...

"Who's there?" her tiny voice cried out. The laughter continued. "I'm not afraid of you! I came here to speak with you!" The laughter died out. Ghostly figures could be seen in glimpses behind the trees. At least, Storia thought she saw glimpses. The fog was thick, making it difficult to see very far. "I need to know you're there, I don't want to waste my time or yours."

Small misty shapes of cats and kittens began appearing, in various shades of green, blue, and grey. They listened intently to Storia - the story of her travels thus far, of her campaign of fair treatment, kindness for all, better representation, proper accountability, free knowledge, and easy access to leaves. Most importantly, of her time in the Petarctica Vista, when she proved her campaign was more than just words. When she finished her speech, the kitties disappeared again, fading back into the thick mist.

Expecting the worst, to have failed in gaining their support after coming so far, Storia journeyed alone out of the valley. The forest was silent, no bug, no bird, no wind. Simply silence. Just as she reached the edge of the thick woods, where her supporters were awaiting her, she heard a melodious tune, filled with a haunting rise and fall of ethereal purrs.

Storia knew her voice had been heard, she had the support of the Kitties in Mist.

She traveled with her new friends back her campaign office, but a surprise was awaiting her...