Chapter 18: Morning Training

Ash woke up. He saw in the apprentices' den. As usual, the sun wasn't up yet. He yawned, and stretched, and noticed that his right paw didn't hurt.
Rusty and Dust woke up. "Oh, hi Ash!" Dust said cheerfully.
"Hey," Ash nodded, "Why am I not in the healers' den?"
"Oh... Long story," Rusty and Dust exchanged looks that made Ash suspicious.
"Er... Anyways, what are we doing today?" Ash asked.
"I dunno," Dust shrugged, "Hopefully something fun."
Windows slowly awoken. "Oh... Hi."
Ash nodded greeting, then headed out of the den. He went outside, where everyone was gathered for the morning meeting. Ash sat next to Raoul, who was sitting next to Max. On the other side of Max was Miguel. Dell sat on Miguel's left.
"Alright now, Benders," Goldwing said as Windows, Rusty and Dust came out, "Today we will all do some important training. All the apprentices, and the young Benders will train today. The senior Benders will be the trainers. Airwing and I shall remain here. Everyone is going out to the woods."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd.
"What's happening?" Ash asked Raoul.
"I dunno," Raoul admitted.
"We don't usually do that kind of training," Rusty stated, "Why are we doing it now? All of use, including full Benders are training?"
Kabu stepped forward. A breeze ruffled his mane. "Apprentices, Benders, follow me."
Then, Kabu trotted for the forest. The senior Benders, young Benders and apprentices padded after him. Ash was curious, but didn't ask.
Finally, they all made it to the center of the territory. Kabu jumped up onto the highest rock, and looked down at everyone.
"Now, you're probably all confused as to what's going on," Kabu started.
That's not true, Ash thought. The senior Benders looked confident, as if they knew what was happening. But they didn't seem to be sharing it with the apprentices, nor the young full Benders.
"So today we are doing training." Kabu nodded.
"But I finished my training!" stated Spots.
Kabu looked at Spots, "Yes, you did, but we need the young Benders to practice too. This is important. Now, first we'll be digging holes."
"Digging holes?" Rusty echoed.
Kabu whipped around to Rusty. "Yes, digging holes." Ash saw that Kabu was getting impatient. "Split up!"
Everyone quickly split up on Kabu's command. The senior Benders, however, all got into a group and stood beside the rock Kabu was on.
"Start digging!" Kabu yowled.

Author's Note:
I left you all on a cliffhanger. C:< Why do you thing Kabu's making them dig holes, and why are the senior Benders all know what's going on? :P It shall remain a mystery until Chapter 19. >8D