Chapter 27: Patrol Training

Ash trudged off into the forest with his group while Kabu continued sorting other groups for other events. Twig was now revealed to be a light brown female cat, an apprentice learning to Waterbend. She only seemed to know Nyx, but not the others.
Dust was busily talking to Charlotte, but Charlotte looked rather bored with his constant chatter, and here and there she'd nod, shake her head or shrug. She looked at Ash with an eye roll, showing him that Dust was talking too much.
Twig looked at Nyx, "What are we doing?" she asked.
Nyx began explaining, "We're training to be like full Benders."
"That's cool! I wish I were a full Bender," Twig remarked.
"Me too," Nyx nodded.
Ash joined in, "I want to, too."
"But you're further ahead, you wouldn't need to hope as much as we do!" Twig protested.
"Well it's taking me long to," Ash said. "It takes more than a moon, that's for sure. I don't know when I'll be a full Bender, could be tomorrow, or five moons from now."
Twig sighed, "Why does it have to take so long?"
"They just want to make sure you've learned everything," Charlotte replied.
"But I can learn things fast!" Twig exclaimed.
Ash knew she was acting like a normal apprentice; wanting to be a full Bender and anxious to learn everything. Ash looked ahead. Diamond had them stop, "Okay guys, as you have hear from Kabu, we're doing patrol training. Full Benders go on patrols to check the territory, because there could be Firebenders, loners awaiting to give a message, or anyone else. For this you need good sensing skills, and good stalking skills."
Everyone nodded, showing they were paying attention.
"So pretend you're all full Benders," Diamond said.
"I wish I were..." Twig sighed.
"Don't worry, someday you'll get there," Diamond smiled.
"Unless you're murdered by Firebenders like Susan was," Dust laughed.
Twig wildly looked at Dust, "I'm gonna get killed?!"
Diamond gave Dust a warning glare. Ash knew Dust was her son, so she could easily punish him.
Dust quickly turned to Twig, "No! Of course you won't!"
Twig growled a bit and walked away from Dust. Dust rolled his eyes, and turned to Charlotte and began murmuring something to her.
"Alright now..." Diamond nodded, "let's see your skills so far. Charlotte, you can go first."
Charlotte nodded, "What do you want me to do?"
Diamond turned to Dust, "Dust pretend you're a Firebender."
"Okay... RAWR! I'm an evil Firebender! Bow to my paws or you all shall feel the power of our mouse leader, Ironfang!" Dust exclaimed, looming over the group.
Everyone laughed. But Diamond wasn't amused, "Dust, Firebenders have to be taken seriously, this isn't a time for one of your jokes! Now stand over by that bush!" Diamond nodded to a bush that was about ten yards from Charlotte.
Dust ran over to it. Diamond turned to Charlotte, "Okay now, you see Dust the Firebender on a patrol. You need to stop him from getting into any trouble. Go after him."
Charlotte nodded, and crawled among the fallen leaves, a cold breeze ruffling her. She stalked through the bushes, heading for Dust. She finally leaped and tumbled into Dust, pinning him to the ground.
"Good job!" Diamond nodded, "Twig and Ash, I'll use you next."

Author's Note:
Patrols FTW.