The War in the Willows - Chapter One

Maverick paced the den, the gang’s eyes on him. “No luck, guys. Nobody fits.”

Thomas raised an eyebrow. “Nobody? What about Dudley?”

Maverick shook his head. “Didn’t ask him.”

Thomas frowned. “Why not? He’s a beast.”

Maverick sighed. “He’s Black Watch, through and through. Needed there.  Wouldn’t want to pull him away.”

Thomas snorted. “Fair point. What about the Bishops?”

Maverick shook his head. “Threesome. We’re looking for one.”

The gang nodded, understanding. Maximilliano piped up, “Isabella?”

“Happy with her tacos,” Maverick said, chuckling. “And no Lady Toads in sight.”

The Misfits exchanged looks, the silence stretching. Then Bramble grinned. “Guess we’re back to brainstorming.”

_

Neville stood before them, a determined look on his face. “Guys, I want to ask you something. My friend Hercules is looking to join the crew.”

Maverick raised an eyebrow. “Hercules? Sounds impressive.  What’s he like?”

 “He’s a… a bird,” Neville said, a hint of defensiveness creeping in.

“A bird?” Thomas echoed. “What kind? Falcon?”

“Maybe an eagle?” Bramble suggested, eyes lighting up. “We could have a predator flying above us, swooping down with fierce talons!”

“Death from above”, cried Thomas.

“A hawk, maybe?” Maverick chimed in. “Something with some serious airspeed and claws?”

The group got excited, visions of aerial dominance dancing in their heads.

Morrigan scowled, folding his arms. “If he’s a wacko bird with a death wish, sure, why not?”

Thomas clapped Neville on the back. “Seriously though, Nev, extra muscle’s always good.  He’s in.”

The group agreed, high-fiving enthusiastically.

Morrigan muttered under his breath. “Top bird, my arse. Now there’s gonna be some feathered competition…”

Neville hurried out of the den, a big grin on his face.

____________________

Neville found Hercules not far from the old schoolhouse.

“Hey, Herc!  You’re in! The Misfits want you to join!” Neville exclaimed.

Hercules’s eyes widened, and he flapped his wings nervously. “R-really? They’re not just, uh, being nice?”

Neville laughed. “No way! They’re stoked.

Hercules puffed out his chest, lost his balance and stumbled sideways, putting his foot into a bucket.

Hercules looked up, quacking loudly. “Quack! Oh no, no, no! I’m stuck! Help, Nev!”

Neville burst out laughing. “Herc, what’ve you done now?”

Hercules quacked again, stumbling again, the bucket thunking against his leg.

“Herc, stop moving! I’ll get it off.”

Finally managing to free Hercules, Neville straightened up, giggling. “Okay, so… the gang wants you in. It’s a done deal.”

Hercules’s eyes widened, and he let out an excited “QUACK! Really? For real? I’m a Misfit?”

Neville smiled “Yep! You’re officially a Misfit, Herc.”