That's a wrap, folks!

TFEOB Series 1 is all done!

But the story shall continue!
Click here to see the second series!

Until next time,

Epilogue

Ash sat down in the young den, watching in amusement as a small black wolf pup tripped over her own paws and fell with an "oof", landing on her back. She struggled to get back to her paws, yet lost her footing again and tripped.
"Oh, Misty, why don't you try playing with Campbell?" Airia giggled.
The little wolf pup - Ash's daughter - walked up to Airia. "No," she said.
"Well, why not?" Airia asked.
"What if Campbell doesn't like me?" Misty asked.
Ash looked at a light gray wolf pup, who was looking at a white pup that was pouncing on a squirrel.
"Campbell looks lonely," Airia remarked. "She could use a friend."
Ash looked at Charlotte, who was watching the white wolf pup with amusement - Campbell and the white wolf pup were her and Dust's daughters.
"I wish I could play with Adele," mumbled Misty.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Airia said apologetically, pulling the white-and-gray pup at her paws closer, "but you know you can't, sweetie."
Dust then came in. "Charlotte? Is there anything I can do for you?"
"Daddy!" exclaimed Campbell and the white pup, darting over to Dust.
"I'm fine, Dust," smiled Charlotte.
"You should go for a walk Charlotte. Campbell and Liberty must be a pawful," Dust nodded.
"Daddy! Can I go out to the yard?" Liberty squeaked.
"No, Liberty," Charlotte insisted.
"But everyone else can play there!" Campbell protested.
"Because the other young are older than you," chuckled Dust.
"Mommy, can I go to the yard?" Misty turned to Airia.
"You're not old enough," Ash said, playfully nudging his daughter.
"But I'm bored!" Misty cried. "Is it dangerous out there?"
"No, it's safe--" Airia began.
"Then I can go out there!" Misty exclaimed.
"Misty, honey, there are animals practicing down there. The last thing they need is a wild wolf pup running around," Airia said. "The older pups are very mature--"
"Yeah, right! Lephos and Sidew tricked Stone and made her trip over Eclipse's herbs!" Campbell snorted.
"How did you find that out?" Dust demanded.
"I have my ways," Campbell smirked.
Airia sighed. "Misty, Lephos and Sidew...well, they're just not as smart as you."
"That's my deputy's kids you're talking about," Ash chuckled.
Airia gave Ash a playful glare.
"Please mom? Please?" Misty begged.
"Misty, no, and that's final," Airia insisted.
Just then, a small bobcat came into the room. "Misty?"
"Hi Bracken!" Misty cried, running up to the bobcat.
"What's up?" Bracken asked.
"Trying to plead my case about going out to the yard," Misty replied.
"Misty, I believe Bracken needs to keep attending his apprentice duties," Ash mumbled.
"Oh. Your dad's right," Bracken nodded. "Bye, Misty."
The bobcat then left.
"What was that for? It's the apprentices' lunch break!" Airia hissed.
"I...Something about Bracken makes my pelt crawl," Ash muttered. "He's Ironfang's son."
"So? You know Bracken. He's one of the sweetest kids I ever met!" Airia exclaimed.
"But...I'm just worried. He knows I killed his father. What if he takes it out on Misty? Or Adele?" Ash fretted.
"Why would he? He's Misty'a best friend," Airia said.
"But Adele--" Ash began.
"Ash. I know Adele will have troubles--" Airia whispered.
"Yeah...I'm going to get lunch," Ash sighed, beginning to walk out the door.
Ash walked out of the room. Adele was his other daughter - she had wings like Airia, and was pretty healthy.
Except for one problem.
Adele was deaf.

Author's Note:
Misty will be the main character in series two. :D
Here some (very miniature) spoilers - Campbell will be a close friend of Misty in series two, and Lephos, Sidew, Liberty and Adele will be in it too.
So will all other characters in this chapter.
Um...that's all.

Chapter 75: After the Battle

That afternoon during resting Ash fell asleep. He woke up on Peacebender territory, finding himself face-to-face with his father, Lightning - a light gray male wolf. Ash perked his ears. "Dad!" he exclaimed.
"Well done," Lightning smiled. "You did good."
"Dad, why did I Firebend?" Ash blurted out. "I'm not a Firebender."
"You're not. I was," Lightning said.
"You were?" Ash gasped.
Lightning nodded. "I ran away though. I wasn't evil. You have Firebender blood, Ash. But since you didn't learn Firebending, you could never master Firebending moves."
"But I used fire--" Ash began.
"I believe your instincts told you that since there was no water it decided to resort to fire," Lightning nodded.
"So...Ironfang is dead?" Ash murmured.
"That is kind of the way it goes," Lightning chuckled.
"I just can't believe I beat him," Ash admitted.
"We're proud of you, Ash," Lightning said.
"And what about Rusty?" Ash couldn't help asking.
"He's not dead," Lightning said, "but badly wounded. Eclipse healed him though."
"Then he wasn't the third animal?" Ash cocked his head.
"No, he wasn't. Tiggerkat was."
Silence for a moment. Then, Ash spoke. "Tiggerkat?"
"Yes," Lightning confirmed. "As shocking as it may be..."
"She's really a Reese Cup Bender? And...Reese Cups exist?" Ash gaped.
"Yes," Lightning sighed. "I find it hard to believe myself."
"Eclipse and Rusty barely helped me...what was the purpose of three?" Ash asked.
"With Rusty almost dying, it gave you a bigger urge to kill Ironfang. Eclipse was a skilled enough Healer to prevent Rusty from joining to Peacebenders," Lightning said.
"What happened to the Dragon of Time?" Ash wondered.
"It made its way back to the land of Yin and Yang," Lightning replied.
"And what's Yin and Yang?"
Lightning smiled. "You'll find out soon enough."
Ash sighed. I shouldn't have expected a straight-out answer.
"The world shall celebrate this day," Lightning sighed, looking at the bright sun, "You did well."
The world began to fade around Ash.


Ash woke up - the sun was just rising, so Ash figured he must have slept until the next day. He slowly rose up to see The Bending Tower grouped together. The Earth Kingdom, Water Tribe and Tribe of Flying Birds had all went their separate ways to go home.
The Bending Tower were grieving; they had lost several animals: Kabu, Ice, Spots, Stella, Zapada, Eris, Clover, Lily and Ember. We lost so many, Ash thought regretfully.
But you achieved so much more, said Lightning's voice in Ash's head. The land will be at peace for many moons to come.
Ash sighed at sat down, looking at The Bending Tower animals: all had a mixture of sadness and relief. He stretched. It would be quite a while to get back to The Bending Tower, so Ash decided that today would be a resting day.
Comet was laying next to Lily's lifeless body; she was his sister, and Ash noticed he looked the most sad out of everyone. Ash looked to see a little ways away from the grieving group was Eclipse standing over Rusty, who, frankly, looked exhausted; he was asleep and had a long scar on his side and had dry blood on him. Crystal was standing above him, looking down on Rusty with sadness.
Sylvia was sitting with Eclipse and Rusty, her belly swollen, and had her head on her paws, looking terrible; Spots had died, so Sylvia would be raising a pup without a father. Ash felt sad for her.
Eclipse trotted over to Ash. "Three of us? Nothing happened. You killed Ironfang yourself!"
Ash sighed. "I was told in my dream that Rusty was hurt to encourage me to kill Ironfang. So I could avenge him."
"But they shouldn't mess with Rusty's life like that!" Eclipse blurted out.
"The Peacebenders know what they're doing," Ash shrugged.
Airia trotted over. "You killed Ironfang."
"Yep," Ash smiled.
Airia gave Ash a lick on the head. "Nice Firebending by the way."
Ash gave a weak smile. "But I'm still a Waterbender."
"Of course," Eclipse agreed. "He may have Firebended that one time, but he's still a Waterbender."
Charlotte then wandered over. "Hi," she murmured.
"Hi Charlotte," Airia nodded.
Charlotte looked at Ash. "Who will be your new deputy?"
"Hmm?" Ash said.
"Rusty is in no condition to be deputy," Charlotte pointed out.
"She's right," Eclipse agreed.
Ash sighed. He got to his paws. "Benders! Gather!"
The Bending Tower animals then gathered around Ash.
"Right now Rusty is in no condition to be deputy," Ash said.
Murmurs rose in the crowd.
Ash scanned the animals. "I will choose the new deputy."
He looked around. Who would fit the job? Ash looked around the animals, who were all looking at Ash expectantly. He began thinking. Not Stone...Dust, no...Hazen just doesn't feel right...
His eyes then laid on Raoul.
"The new deputy will be Raoul," Ash announced.
Nyla - who had chosen to stay with The Bending Tower - nodded at Raoul and murmured something to him. Raoul, looking surprised, began to trot forward. "I chose Raoul," Ash began, "because he is loyal to the end, and hard-working."
Raoul then stood next to Ash. "Thank you. I had no idea I'd get a role as b-big as this...I'll...try to do my best."
Cheers came from The Bending Tower.
"We will start going back tomorrow," Ash nodded. "Hunt and rest."
The animals then broke up and began talking to one another.
"Why did you choose me?" Raoul asked, turning to Ash.
"Because why not?" Ash smiled. "I personally think you'd be a great leader."
Raoul nodded. "Thanks, Ash."
Raoul then trotted towards Max and Miguel, who began congratulating him.
Ash looked up at the cloudless sky. The sun was shining brightly.
Peace for many moons to come...

THE-END

Author's Note:

MAN I hope I didn't forget to write anything. D:

Second series to come! :) I'm probably gonna make the blog today just to work on the sign-ups and Meet the Benders page.

The epilogue will be posted in the afternoon. :3

Chapter 74: Sparks Ignited

Ash gaped. The Peacebenders didn't tell me I'd have to face the Dragon of Time! He looked at the huge monster. Its eyes were about the size of Ash, and it was night-black. It had huge, powerful-looking wings and claws. The Dragon flapped its wings, sending a rush of wind, and screeched.
"Kill him," Ironfang spat.
Somehow, the Dragon obeyed Ironfang and flew towards Ash. Ash yelled out in alarm and flopped into the shadows, hiding from the Dragon. The Dragon landed on the ground and looked wildly around, roaring. Ash studied it: he was surprised with its size that it could actually fit in the building. Its wingspan was ginormous. Synor said it guarded Yin and Yang...but what are Yin and Yang? Ash thought.
The Dragon lifted its huge head and then looked down at Ash and did a deafening screech. Ash tried to run away, but the Dragon grabbed Ash and flung him across the room. Ash landed hard, and was surprised he didn't get any broken bones. However, the Dragon blew fire out of its mouth and darted towards Ash and lifted a giant claw.
The last thing Ash saw was the claws making contact with his head.


The gate to Ironfang's den creaked open slowly. Ironfang stepped out of it for the first time in a while. The wind blew hard, making Ironfang's fur ruffle, and thunder crashed overhead. He then easily trotted down the steps and towards the crowd of fighting animals and let out a growl to stop them.
Immediately the Firebenders stopped fighting and turned to look at their leader. The other animals turned to see what made them stop, and all of them gaped at the sight of Ironfang. Some even screamed.
"What do they call him?" snorted Tiggerpaka's voice. "'Lucky'?"
Fortunately for Tiggerpaka, Ironfang didn't hear him. Ironfang stood there for a while. Voices began murmuring.
"Is that--?"
"It's Ironfang!"
"He's hideous!"
Ironfang then spoke, his icy voice calling out. "Ahem...Ash, his orange friend and the former Firebender wolf, Feather's adopted daughter all came in to challenge me."
Silence greeted these words.
"And you know what happens when an animal challenges me?" murmured Ironfang. His long claws hit against the stony ground, making the sound of him walking echo around the area. "They do not make it out alive." The bobcat scanned the animals with his one eye. "That orange wolf was killed. And so was Ash."
Silence came from the crowd.
Then, the Firebenders burst out in laughter.
"You rebellion-types thought this would work," Ironfang went on. "But it didn't. And you know why?" he stayed quiet for a bit, then spoke. "Because you all trust in the Peacebenders to answer your every problem. And they don't really care for you." He walked closer towards the crowd, making some animals nearby grimace. "They turned their back on you. All of us," Ironfang added. "And the Firebenders thrive while you Peacebender-believers suffer. That's because we don't trust in them. We believe in ourselves. Since your so-called 'savior' is dead, maybe you should join the Firebenders. And if you don't..." he bared his huge teeth, "you have to answer to me."
Everyone glanced at each other.
"The Firebenders are destined for greatness," Ironfang insisted, giving the rebellion animals a cold glare. He began walking through the crowd, animals jumping out of his way as he walked. "We rule the land. What better option than to give in? Any who refuse shall be killed, of course."
Still, silence.
Just then, however, from the gates of Ironfang's den, stumbled out a dark gray wolf, with a few scars on his head. No one noticed, though. The wolf looked around nervously and spotted Ironfang. There he is, the wolf thought. He was feeling weak, but the job had to be finished.
"I-Ironfang!" he called trotting over to the bobcat.
Ironfang quickly whipped around and his eyes grew wide. "Ash? How--"
Thunder boomed and lightning lit up the sky, turning Ash's pelt silver.
"The Peacebenders are a help, that's how," Ash growled.
Ironfang snarled. "Well, let's finish this," he spat.
Lightning struck the ground nearby, making the thunder louder than ever. The Firebenders launched into attack again, fighting the rebellion-animals, and Ironfang lunged at Ash. Somehow, Ash managed to dodge Ironfang's attack by what only seemed like a hair.
If there's water in the clouds like it's going to rain...Maybe I can Waterbend! Ash thought. He quickly spread his paws on the ground and pushed them forward, using a form that Creature had taught him back when Ash was an apprentice.
No water came, and Ironfang lunged at Ash. But, something struck Ironfang. Ash grew wide-eyed as he saw what it was: fire.
Ironfang screeched as he caught on fire. Ash grimaced and looked wildly around. Who Bended that? he thought.
"You're a Firebender?" Ironfang roared. "That's impossible?"
"I what...?" Ash said in alarm. He tried Bending again, and, sure enough, fire flew towards Ironfang instead of water.
Ironfang yelled out. "Ash! How can you possibly be doing this?"
Ash didn't reply; truthfully, he was as clueless as Ironfang was about this.
Ironfang snarled and tried to speak, but Ash Firebended again, making fire fly onto Ironfang again. Ash then bit down on Ironfang, luckily not catching fire, and Ironfang laid still.
I did it, Ash realized. I killed Ironfang. I avenged Rusty, Spots, Midnight, Lightning, everyone I lost...
A yell came from the animals. "Ironfang's dead!"
Ash realized it was Fang who had called out. He was gaping at Ironfang's lifeless body.
"That means Poisonfang is our leader now...?" murmured Firetalon.
Poisonfang's voice called out. "We cannot stop fighting! Continue!"
What?! Ash thought in alarm. I thought the Firebenders would give up!
The animals kept fighting. Ash growled. Come on, Peacebenders. Help me out here! he began to lunge for the nearest Firebender.
Suddenly, some sort of objects started pelting the Firebenders. Ash couldn't tell what it was. They were round and small and were brown, but they hit all of the Firebenders and it bounced away from them.
"Retreat!" cried Wildfire.
The Firebenders quickly ran out of the Fire Nation.
"Don't ever come back!" called Ash, although he wasn't sure why they fled.
Everyone at once looked to where the mysterious objects bounced back to. It lead back to Tiggerkat, who was sitting there and chewing.
"What?" she said, her voice muffled. "I like to eat my reese cups by having them bounce off of others!"

Author's Note:
Nothing to do here.

Chapter 73: Meeting Ironfang

Meanwhile, in the fighting crowd...
Stella and Kirin were both taking turns clawing at Dansel, a female leopard. She kept throwing fire at Stella and Kirin, but they managed to dodge each of them; it appeared Dansel was getting frustrated. "You'll never win!" she roared, scoring a claw rake at Kirin. Kirin yelped out and tried to land a scratch back at Dansel, but the Firebender easily dodged it.
Dansel kicked Kirin aside and bit down onto Stella's neck and easily threw Stella's body into the crowd, leaving her lifeless. Dansel growled at Kirin. "Where's your partner now, eh?"
Nearby, Zapada and Nyx were working together, blowing air onto Firepit and Seafall. They both screeched at the two and began pushing fire against the air, trying to make it reach Zapada and Nyx. That made both owls just blow air harder, but Firepit and Seafall kept working for it. Eventually, the fire managed to get to Zapada and Nyx and it made Zapada fly back and land with a sickening crunch. Nyx darted over to Zapada. "She's dead...!" Nyx yelled. A fireball rushed over her, and Nyx narrowed her eyes at Firepit and Seafall, and darted for them to avenge her friend.
Kabu - who was bleeding from the head - was clashing against Orion, both of them roaring and swiping their large paws at each other. Orion bit down on Kabu and Kabu shook himself and bit hard down on Orion, making the bear roar out even louder and claw at Kabu's shoulder. "You're quite good for an elder!" Orion spat.
"I've spent a long chunk of my life fighting cowards like you!" Kabu snarled, biting down more harder.
Orion growled and rolled sideways into Kabu, crushing him. Orion quickly got up and growled at Kabu, but the lion just laid there, stunned.
"Kabu!" yelled a voice. Kabu's mate, Shell, ran up to him. "Kabu, your old body can't handle this fighting...come on, let's get up and take you to Nightgale and Comet so you can rest," Shell said.
However, Kabu only shook his head. "Shell, it's my time to leave..."
"Kabu, stop being silly," Shell insisted, although her expression showed fear, "you're fine."
Kabu, however, was closing his eyes. "We'll win," he whispered.
"Kabu?" Shell grew wide-eyed. "K-Kabu?"


The gate creaked and closed behind Ash, Rusty and Eclipse. Ash's heart began pounding so hard he was positive Ironfang - wherever the evil bobcat was - could hear it. The three slowly began to walk through the room, their pawsteps echoing throughout the silent room. It appeared no one was in the room, but Ash knew  Ironfang had to be somewhere. Come on... Ash thought. I just wanna get this over with...
"Where is the little--er, where's Ironfang?" Rusty asked.
Good thing he stopped himself, Ash thought silently, or Rusty would've been Ironfang's breakfast.
Suddenly, there was a roar. Ash flinched. "Wh-What was that?" he called out.
Just then, an icy voice came out from the darkness. "Well, well...Fallen Fire, is it not?"
Ash shivered. "I-Ironfang?"
"Well, this is appropriate," whispered the voice. "The so-called savior destined to defeat me comes to me with an overwhelming scent of fear. This should be over quickly, and quite easy, may I add..."
"Ironfang, stand down," Rusty growled, although a note of fear was in his voice.
"Thought you'd get help Ash...? Well, I'd prefer it to be just the two of us," spat Ironfang's voice.
So quickly that Ash only just had time to take it all in, a breeze swept by Ash and all of the sudden Rusty screamed, but it was cut off. The silhouette that had rushed by fled back into the darkness, leaving Rusty laying on the floor, blood spilling quickly from his throat.
Rusty was dying.
"Rusty!" Eclipse cried. She quickly ran to Rusty's body and dragged him off, leaving Ash alone.
Ash heard Ironfang laugh. "Your 'helpers' seem to not be able to do what you think," he sneered.
"Well?" Ash said, using all the strength he could muster to keep himself from shaking. "Face me!"
"Face you, huh? Very well, guess I haven't shown my face in a while to anyone," growled Ironfang.
Ash blinked and all of the sudden he found himself face-to-face with the most hideous, battle-scarred creature that Ash had ever seen. He almost passed out from the sight: Ironfang had many scars and his ears were so torn they were almost gone. He was missing his left eye and his right eye was dark red. He had patches of fur clinging to him and his whiskers were crooked. Ash tried to stifle a scream.
Ironfang put his claws into Ash's right paw - the one that had broke before - and Ash yelled out in pain. "I believe this is the first time we meet in person?" Ironfang murmured, digging his claws in further. It was the worst pain Ash had ever felt; he screamed out. "Defeat me, will you? By the looks of it that's not going to happen."
Ironfang let go and Ash gasped out, relieved it was over; yet it still hurt. Ash whimpered.
"These two others that are supposed to help you? Uh-huh. One, Rusty isn't one of them. Never was. And two, only you can beat me, so they say. But you won't stand a chance."
"Y-Yes I will," Ash insisted. "I have the P-Peace--"
"Don't say that word," Ironfang spat. "The Peacebenders don't exist anymore. They turned their back on us - and me - moons ago. They hate the Firebenders, yet they let animals like you prosper. I could take all of these Peacebenders on right now. They're not on your side. Let them try to protect you!"
The ear-splitting roar came back. Ash looked in the direction of it. He could feel his right paw covered in blood.
Ironfang then bit down on Ash and easily tossed Ash aside, despite Ironfang being smaller. "If the Peacebenders were real, wouldn't they be giving you courage right now? I can throw you across the room and not feel a thing."
Ash growled. "You're d-deep in a dark path, Ironfang," he said, struggling to get up, "the Peacebenders won't help you because of that."
"I have the Darkbenders on my side," Ironfang snarled, baring long yellow fangs, "they're far more better than your pathetic Peacebenders."
"They're called Darkbenders because they couldn't be accepted into the Peacebenders!" Ash snarled.
Ironfang narrowed his one good eye. "Ash, there's some things your Peacebenders can't control."
Ash looked at Ironfang, breathing heavy due to his blood loss.
"Such as..." Ironfang gave an evil grin and zipped away, and the roaring grew louder. Soon, Ash felt the ground rumble beneath his paws, making him jump, and something began stomping towards Ash. The torches in the room began to light up - Ironfang was throwing fire onto them - and a huge, green eye came down, level with Ash. Ash yelled out.
"The Dragon of Time," came Ironfang's sneering voice.

Author's Note:
Ash vs. Dragon of Time.
Who wants to make some bets? 8D

Chapter 72: The Final Battle Beginning

Thunder crackled overhead as the gates behind the animals closed with a large bang. Ash turned to look at the sealed gates as lightning illuminated the area, making the animals glow in the light. Ash looked back in front of him to see the Firebenders all growling, baring their teeth and scraping their claws against the cold stone ground.
"Firebenders, attack!" yelled Poisonfang.
"Benders, attack!" Ash howled.
Ash was then overwhelmed by howls and snarls of fury and determination. Ash ducked as a fireball zipped over his head and tried to see everything going on: Airia was dive-bombing onto Fang and biting down on her. Streak, Nzuri and Patch were all clinging onto Darkclaw and nipping on her, Crash standing nearby to watch the kits. Miguel and Slice were fighting Clouds side-by-side, and Clouds threw fire at Miguel and he managed to duck and blow some air into Clouds using Airbending, making her fly back. Ember and Moonlight were fighting Graves.
An earsplitting yelp cut the air and thunder crackled. Ash looked in their direction of the yelling; Aimee was struggling in Firetalon's grasp; he was pinning her to the ground and sinking her talons in. Leafy jumped onto Firetalon to try and defend her friend. Ash ran for them to help - Aimee was losing blood fast - but he came to a halt as someone pinned Ash down, and Ash watched helplessly as Aimee fell limp, dead.
"No!" Leafy cried, and sunk her teeth into Firetalon, who screeched and dug his beak into her.
"If it isn't Ash," sneered Ash's attacker. Looking up, Ash realized who it was.
"Flyingbird," snarled Ash.
Flyingbird sunk his claws into Ash, but Ash gasped and saw Flyingbird fall to the side, Treebranch butting into him and pinning him to the ground, growling, a look of hatred in her eyes. Ash grew wide-eyed to realize Treebranch actually looked murderous.
"Treebranch!" Flyingbird gasped. "Y-You're here!"
"Of course I am," Treebranch spat. "Ash needs my help."
"Treebranch, you need to join the Firebenders," Flyingbird said quickly, "you'll be part of the strongest--"
"Never!" Treebranch snarled. "After what the Firebenders did to terrorize us? I'd rather die!" she then bit down into Flyingbird's neck, and he screamed out before falling limp, dead in his own mate's jaws.
Treebranch jumped back in alarm. "Oh no...what have I done...?" she whispered.
"He deserved it," Ash insisted. "You deserve much better than him, Treebranch. He was a traitor."
"And the father to my pups!" Treebranch screeched, but Ash could barely hear her over the sounds of the other animals yelling, "what will my pups think, about their own mother murdering their father--"
"Treebranch, calm down!" Ash exclaimed, "you still have your pups. They need you. Flyingbird might have even killed them himself in a fit of rage."
Treebranch looked at Ash, and then seemed to start calming down. "Right...I--"
There was a yell, and Treebranch perked her ears.
"Nightfire in trouble...gotta go..." Treebranch whispered, and darted off.
Rusty then made his way over to Ash, Eclipse following close behind. "Are we going to find Ironfang or what?" he demanded, ducking as a fireball hissed over him. "The sooner we end this, the better, you know, and as soon as we kill Ironfang the Firebenders might lose their arrogance!"
As another fireball came overhead, Rusty pushed Eclipse down so she could duck, and Ash looked on in alarm to see that the fireball hit Spots, who yelled out in terror as his pelt lit up."Spots!" Ash cried. He quickly made a motion with his paws, but no water appeared.
"The Firebenders must have gotten rid of all the water sources!" Rusty exclaimed.
Ash couldn't take his eyes off his dying friend, and Spots kept wailing out until Mistletoe ran up to him. "Spots!" she cried, "What happened?"
Spots tried to reply but couldn't. "Help!...It hurts so badly!"
Mistletoe looked around, and turned to Spots. "I can only help you one way..." she then quickly bit down on Spots's neck, and Spots gave out a yelp before falling limp, dead. Mistletoe looked down at Spots's body. "Goodbye..." she murmured. Behind her, Ash noticed the black wolf - one of the gate guards - was lunging at Mistletoe. He dug into her and she, looking enraged, bit down hard on the wolf. He yelled out.
Ash made his way over to Mistletoe, biting down onto the little wolf and easily throwing him into the crowd. "Mistletoe! You killed Spots?"
"You saw that?" Mistletoe murmured. "I had to, Ash. I didn't want him to die a painful death!...I decided to try and end his life, because the fire would get worse before it'd get better..."
Ash sighed. "I understand...I wonder what his mate will say though..." He looked at Spots. "You were a great friend, we only just got you back...Spots, you're dearly missed."
"That's it," Rusty snarled, "I think it's about time we take our anger out on Ironfang. Spots wouldn't die if it weren't for him!"
Ash then spotted Hazen running over, kicking out at Darkclaw along the way, who was trying to bite him. "Mistletoe! What happened?" he demanded, looking at Spots.
"I...I had to kill Spots!" Mistletoe wailed, "he almost died a painful death, I decided to help..."
Hazen leaned against Mistletoe, "It's okay...we'll survive, and then it's over..."
"Hazen?" Ash said, "I...need to take care of business with Ironfang."
"Really?" Hazen looked at Ash with wide eyes. "Seriously? He'll kill you!"
"I have to," Ash murmured. "Rusty and Eclipse are coming with me."
Hazen looked at Ash. "But what if you--"
"I won't die," Ash insisted. "I will come back alive." I have to, Ash thought, if I'm supposed to kill Ironfang...
"Ash, how can you be so--" Hazen began. He then sighed. "Fine. If you're so sure..."
Ash nodded. "Thank you." With that, Ash turned around. "We may as well go..." he murmured.
The three of them weaved through the fighting animals, trying not to cause attention; however, this failed as Nyra swooped down in front of Ash.
"I know what you're doing," she glared. "You're not laying a paw on my leader!"
Ash growled. "Try me," he said, and jumped at Nyra, biting into her chest. Nyra squealed out before laying limp, dead. Ash threw her body aside and looked at Rusty and Eclipse, both watching Ash with surprise - although Eclipse was blind, Ash figured she could probably have heard and scented what had been going on.
"You're really confident about this, right, Ash?" Rusty said.
"I just want to get it over with," Ash muttered.
"At least you're a bit angry, it'll help," Eclipse shrugged.
"I just want to avenge Spots," Ash replied.
"We'll avenge him," Rusty nodded determinedly.
"Where is Ironfang's den?" Ash wondered, kicking out as a small orange cat lunged at him from behind, making her fall back into the crowd.
"From what I understand it's in the middle of the Fire Nation," Eclipse responded.
They kept running along, dodging fireballs and biting Firebenders who stood in their way or tried to stop them, but kept pushing along. Ironfang, we're coming for you, Ash thought determinedly. Fallen fire will rise to defeat the evil...
"That looks like Ironfang's den," Rusty said.
Ash snapped back to reality. They had come to the edge of the fighting crowd. Ahead was the hugest building in the Nation that had a large pillar on the roof, and at the top was a giant flame. The front of the building had steps and a large gate.
The three stopped in front of the gate.
"Ready?" Ash said.
Rusty and Eclipse nodded.
"No turning back now..." Ash whispered.
He pressed his muzzle to the gate and it slowly creaked open.

Author's Note:
R.I.P Spots, Aimee, Flyingbird and Nyra. ouo
Wonder how Ash shall deal with Ironfang~
And what's with the lack of comments people. |U

Chapter 71: Face-to-Face

"This is it...the Fire Nation is nearby..."
Ash breathed in slowly. Today was the day that they took back what was theirs...the day that the Firebenders surrendered...the day the land would be free. He looked at the group of animals. All of them had a mixture of determination and nervousness. Rusty and Dust, both standing side-by-side, looking ready...Spots, supporting Sylvia, a determined gleam in the eye...Streak, Nzuri and Patch, looking eager...Light and Kodi, standing close together; Light seemed nervous but Kodi had his usual laid-back look...Slice and Miguel, Miguel whispering things to Slice, most likely strategies...Zapada and Nyx, both smiling at each other...Akumu and Twister, both growling...and finally, Airia, who was narrowing her eyes at the Fire Nation in the distance.
They had left Nightgale and Comet in the caves nearby, Sylvia with them due to expecting pups, and they seemed ready. Eclipse stayed with the group, insisting she'd support any animals who needed to get to the caves, but she would actually sneak off with Ash when he needed to get to Ironfang.
Thunder boomed overhead; the whole land seemed to be preparing for the fight. Ash shivered. "What a day."
"Well, it's only morning...are you ready for this, Ash?" Treebranch asked, a mischevious gleam in her eyes.
"Of course," Ash nodded. "This is the day we win."
"Well? What's this strategy of yours?" Raven snorted. "If you think we can just barge in there--"
"We fight and never give up," Ash replied, giving Raven a look.
"Oh yeah? Ironfang will just come and murder us all," Raven rolled his eyes. "This is hopeless..."
Ash turned to face the animals. "Is everyone ready?" he asked, as lightning lit up the sky.
"No, I feel like I'm gonna throw up!" whimpered Patch.
"Remember, if any animal feels like they can't fight, hide in the caves," Ash said.
"My kits will be killed!" Rainbow cried.
"Mom, we'll be fine!" Streak insisted.
"No you won't. You only just became apprentices!" Rainbow insisted.
"Don't worry Rainbow. Your kits can stay near the senior Benders. They'll protect them," Ash nodded.
"Thank you!" Rainbow exclaimed.
"Let's go down there, then," Quake said. "Any questions?"
Thunder crackled overhead, but no one said anything.
"Good. Let's go, then," Ash nodded, turning to look at the Fire Nation. Here goes nothing... He then began walking down the hill, all the animals behind him following.
"I hope I get to see Tiredblade. I'll send him running!" Tiggerpaka cheered.
"Or you'll get killed," Moonlight snorted in reply.
"What are we all so worried about? This will be fun!" came Tiggerkat's voice.
"Yeah, about as fun as checking ourselves for ticks," Rusty mumbled.
Eclipse leaned in towards Ash, "So what do we do?"
"Fight ourselves into Ironfang's den," Ash replied.
Airia then walked up to Ash. "You're facing Ironfang?"
"Yes," Ash nodded.
"Be careful, okay? I don't want you killed," Airia said.
"Look, girl, if he's not going to be careful I'm a mouse," Rusty said sarcastically.
Airia gave Rusty a look. "This is no time for your jokes, Rusty," she insisted.
"We need jokes. We're all too up-tight," Rusty replied.
They then reached the bottom of the hill as thunder crashed louder than ever overhead, making Rusty jump, yelling out. "Whoa! Out of all the days, why do we need to get a big thunderstorm today?" Rusty demanded, growling to himself.
The animals then approached the gate, guarded by three small wolves, looking to be like newbie-apprentice age. All three of them were black, but one had a silver tail-tip and the other had white paws. They all grew round-eyed as the animals appeared.
"Who are you?" snarled the biggest one - a pure-black wolf.
"We're here to challenge the Fire Nation!" Raven declared, baring his teeth.
The white-pawed pup jumped in alarm at Raven's teeth, but the pup with the silver tail-tip pushed her back forward. "And you insist on winning?" growled the pure black one, "the Fire Nation is the strongest group of animals in the land. If you seriously think you're going to win against us, good luck."
"If I had a mouse for every time I heard that..." growled Rusty.
"Look, shrimps," Raven narrowed his eyes, "go get your Fire Nation. Bring it on!"
The black one snarled. "Fine." He turned to his siblings. "Now we sound the danger alarm."
The three wolves then did three sharp howls and then one big one. Tension prickled at Ash's pelt. We're about to meet our match, he realized. Oh great Lifebreeze...
The gates then slammed open and the whole Fire Nation appeared behind them.
"Oh, if it isn't the pathetic rebellion," sneered Poisonfang. "We've been expecting you guys."
Growls, hisses and roars erupted from the Firebenders, making Ash shiver.
"You have the chance to solve this peacefully," Ash declared. "Stand down and go away, and we'll not fight."
First there was silence, and then howls of laughter came from the Firebenders.
"We surrender to you?" Wildfire exclaimed, trying to stop himself from laughing. "Look kid, I'll bet seeing the number of us, you may come to your senses." He slithered forward. "You guys surrender and go back home, and we'll give you a few moons before coming to resume our positions at the places."
For a while, the animals Ash was leading were silent. Well, if we do surrender no one dies, no one gets harmed and we can go back to the way things were... but then, a growl rose in Ash's throat. Yes, the way things were when he lived in fear!
"No," Ash said. "We will never surrender. I'd rather die than let you and Ironfang win!"
The Firebenders all exchanged looks, then Poisonfang narrowed her eyes at Ash. Thunder raged overhead, and lightning lit up all the animals.
"Come on in," she hissed. "This battle will be legendary!"

Author's Note:
Yes, a cliffhanger.

Chapter 70: The Tribe of Flying Birds

The next day in the afternoon, Ash stood in front of the animals, Rusty by his left, Bluefall on his right, with Swiftwing, Quake and Raven also at the front. Everyone seemed battle-ready, and Ash had noticed Streak, Nzuri and Patch had gotten quite skilled at fighting and Bending, especially for such young apprentices. However, they lost an apprentice; Comet had switched from learning about Bending to becoming a Healer apprentice, with Nightgale as his mentor. She had been very excited, and Ash couldn't help notice Mkia throwing not-so-pleased looks at Nightgale.
"Today we will spend hunting and preparing," Ash announced. "We need some battle strategies, which I will talk with my senior Benders about. Each leader will spend the rest of the day talking with their senior Benders, in fact. The rest of you, you can spend the rest of the day doing whatever you please, but try not to worry, I don't want to be taking any anxious Benders to the battle. Leave the worrying to the leaders and their deputies. Healers can spend the rest of the afternoon stocking up on medicine and herbs. If anyone wants to hunt they may do so, as we need energy."
"Can we become full Benders today?" Streak called out.
"No, you only just became an apprentice. You haven't learned everything," Ash said, stifling a chuckle.
"But we were supposed to be taught most things!" Nzuri protested.
"Don't argue with Ash," Rainbow said, "he's your leader."
"But--" Nzuri began, but one look from Rainbow made her be quiet.
"Tomorrow we set off for the Fire Nation," Ash said. "But first, I have some new Benders to name. Leafy, Aimee, Lily and Snakeseye."
The four apprentices looked at Ash expectantly.
"Leafy, Aimee, Lily and Snakeseye are ready to become full Benders," Ash went on. He had watched them practice in sessions, and looked like they already had about every move memorized; Ash told himself to make them into full Benders. "Peacebenders, hear my words as I make Leafy, Aimee, Lily and Snakeseye into full Benders. They have worked hard to understand Bending, and are ready to take their turns to become full Benders. Leafy, do you agree that you are ready to become a full Airbender, and that you can take on all of these responsibilities?"
"Yes!" Leafy squealed.
Ash turned to Aimee. "Aimee?"
"Uh-huh!" Aimee exclaimed.
"Lily?" Ash said.
"I-I do," Lily breathed.
"And Snakeseye?" Ash turned to the reptile.
"Of course," Snakeseye said, excited yet able to control how the words came out.
"Step forward," Ash said, and the four apprentices came up to Ash. "Then with the help of the Peacebenders, you may all get your wish. When I tap your head, the Peacebenders' powers will make you stronger, faster, and a better Bender."
Then, Ash tapped each of the apprentices' heads, and they all looked at Ash, beaming. Ash recalled his Bender ceremony day, when he felt the power surge through him when Goldwing tapped him on the head.
"Leafy, Aimee, Lily and Snakeseye. You are now officially full Benders. Welcome," Ash finished.
Yells of approval erupted from the gathered animals, even some from the Water Tribe and Earth Kingdom.
"Anything to add?" Ash looked at Quake and Bluefall.
"Nope," Quake shook his head.
"Agreed, I have nothing," Bluefall replied.
The crowd split up, and just as it did, Treebranch came through the woods, and a wolf Ash recognized right away as Nightfire. He's my uncle, Ash realized - if Cinderstripe was Nightfire's mate, and Cinderstripe was Midnight's sister...
Most of the animals turned their heads when Treebranch and Nightfire appeared, all of them closely followed by the rest of the Tribe of Flying Birds. Some, however, ignored them and began talking with others.
"Hello," Treebranch nodded curtly to the animals. "I am Treebranch of the Tribe of Flying Birds."
Murmurs broke out among the animals.
"The Tribe of what?" Streak echoed, confused.
"The Tribe of Dying Herds," Tiggerpaka snorted. "Duh."
Leafy clocked Tiggerpaka in the head.
'Hey!" Tiggerpaka protested.
"Well I'm a full Bender now. I can do what I please," Leafy insisted.
Ash walked up to Treebranch. "You're willing to help us?"
"Yes," Treebranch nodded. "I'll stand by you, Ash." She smiled, and murmured, "Stormpup."
Ash smiled back, and couldn't help glancing at Nightfire. I'm related to you, he thought; although Nightfire didn't know that his mate was sisters with Ash's mother.
Just then, Hazen came up. "Treebranch! Hi," he said.
Treebranch nodded at Hazen. "Ah, Hazen, yes," she replied.
Just then, a black male wolf trotted up to Nightfire. "Dad, when are we going to the Tribe of Fire?"
"We need to talk with Ash first," Nightfire nodded. "Be patient."
That's Crow! Ash realized; he had met Crow on the journey to the Water Tribe. "Hi, Crow," Ash nodded.
"Crowwing, thanks," Crow replied. "I've been a warrior for a long time."
"You realize that's our kin you're talking to?" Hazen whispered into Ash's ear.
Ash nodded. "Hard to believe, huh?" His eyes followed Crowwing back to the crowd, where he was greeted by Star - a warrior by now, I assume, Ash told himself - who licked Crowwing on the head. They must be mates now, Ash concluded.
"Come with me, Treebranch and Nightfire. I'll catch you up on what's been going on," Ash said. "The rest of your Tribe can mingle among the Benders if they'd like."
"I don't think they'd want to," Hazen murmured to Ash, "you know the Tribe dislikes Benders."
"Well, I'm sure Streak and his siblings will be talking to them quite a bit," Ash chuckled.
Treebranch turned to face the Tribe. "Ash, Nightfire and I are going to talk. All of you, go find places to settle."
"Among the Benders?" called Crowwing, "no way!"
"Crowwing, be polite," Nightfire insisted.
Crowwing grumbled something Ash couldn't catch, and Star whispered something into his ear.
"Who's going to be in charge while you guys are gone?" called out a golden wolf - Ash recognized her as Lionclaw, a wolf who had fought Ash in the fight with the Firebenders - she had been on their side. Wonder what her excuse was, Ash thought dryly.
Treebranch scanned the Tribe. "Flamefur will be in charge during my absence."
Ash followed the Tribe's gaze and found his eyes landing on a dark orange female wolf.
"We'll be back soon," Treebranch assured them.
The Tribe parted and headed into the clearing, Hazen following, and Ash found himself standing alone with Treebranch and Nightfire.
"So...let's walk through the woods," Ash suggested. "We could maybe hunt on the way."
"Sounds fair enough, but we'd have to keep our voices down," Nightfire pointed out.
"Then let's put hunting off to the side," Treebranch agreed.
"Okay," Ash said, pelt growing warm with embarrassment. Bug-brain! You can't talk and hunt at the same time. "Let's go, then."
The three of them set off into the forest. "So," Ash looked at Treebranch and Nightfire. "What's been happening in the Tribe? Tell me anything and everything."
"Well," Nightfire began, "ever since most of the Tribe betrayed us, we were down to very few members, as most had set off to the Tribe of Fire. But then they returned, much to our surprise. But, we were lucky, because if they hadn't come to their senses the Tribe might have been destroyed."
"I chose Nightfire to be my deputy," Treebranch put in, "because I thought the Tribe was done for, but he kept telling me 'No it's not', and always encouraged me."
"Who were the wolves left when most of the Tribe betrayed you?" Ash asked.
"Crowwing and Stardust," Nightfire said, "Flamefur, Mousetail, Flowerpetal and Starrynight."
"That's not a lot," Ash grimaced.
Just then, there was laughter behind them.
"Dad!" yelled out two pups, both running up to Nightfire. The gray one fell down but quickly recovered and ran to join her brother at Nightfire's paws.
"Whoa," Nightfire said, smiling, "what are you two doing here?"
"We wanted to come with you!" squeaked the gray one.
"Leafpup, you can't, this is leader and deputy business," Nightfire shook his head.
"I'm going to be leader one day!" the black pup proclaimed, puffing out his chest.
"Yeah, right, Cometpup!" Leafpup laughed.
"That's enough you two. Go back to your mother," Nightfire nudged the pups. With that, they ran off.
"You have pups?" Ash said, unable to mask the confusion in him. Nightfire got another mate after Cinderstripe died?
"Her name is Starrynight," Nightfire nodded. "She's a beautiful wolf..."
Ash couldn't help feeling a small pang of anger. And Cinderstripe wasn't? Ash thought.
"Let's continue," Treebranch said, eyeing Ash. She then murmured, "that doesn't mean Nightfire stopped loving Cinderstripe."
"So what's the plan for tomorrow? We need to know," Nightfire insisted.
"We're going to go into the Fire Nation and tell them to stand down. If they don't, we fight," Ash said.
"You're probably wasting your breath to ask them to stand down," Treebranch pointed out.
"I don't want to sink to their level and attack right away. Besides, things can be solved peacefully," Ash shrugged. "Anyways, we outnumbered them. If we can all fight the Firebenders and somehow win, we can make them surrender."
"But some of us might die!" Nightfire protested.
"And some of them may die," Ash reminded him. "However, we're hiding the young and the elders in the caves outside the Fire Nation. We taught everyone a bit of fighting and all so that if Firebenders happen to find the caves they can defend themselves."
Nightfire sighed. "Alright, Ash, but I hope you know how deep this grave is you dug yourself into."
"But will the Firebenders really surrender?" Treebranch asked.
"The Peacebenders will hel--" Ash began, but stopped himself. They don't know what the Peacebenders are! he told himself.
"Peacebenders?" Nightfire echoed.
"Um, where good animals go if they die," Ash muttered.
"We have the Tribe of Starry Skies," replied Nightfire.
"What about their leader? His name is...Iron-something, right?" Treebranch cocked her head.
"Ironfang," Ash said, "and..." Well, I got to tell everyone how Ironfang will go down sooner or later. "I...am going to take care of him."
Nightfire and Treebranch looked at Ash as if he grew two heads.
"Look, it may be shocking, I know, but it's my destiny to defeat Ironfang, alright?" Ash sighed.
"Well, may I say good luck with that," Treebranch chuckled.

Author's Note:
Abrupt ending, I know, I had no more ideas for the chapter. ;;
So psyched about this book almost being finished - second series is right around the corner! :D

Chapter 69: Ash's Past

When Ash awoke, he found he was in a den. But what den am I in? Ash wondered. He looked around; there was an entrance guarded by brambles that let light come into the room. Ash then looked to see a younger Midnight sitting there, chuckling, looking at three tiny wolf pups. Two of them, one pure white and the other black-and-gray with green eyes, were wrestling each other. That's Hazen and Widow, Ash realized. He looked around. Widow and Hazen were on the other side of the den, studying their pup-selves. Treebranch was next to Ash, looking at what was going on in the den as well. Where am I? He then spotted his pup-self laying against his mother, looking at his siblings with a look of longing. Why aren't I playing with them? Ash asked himself.
"Come on, Stormpup, play with us!" Hazen-pup pleaded.
"I-I don't know. What if I get hurt?" Ash-pup squeaked.
Just then, a bigger pup who looked exactly like Treebranch approached Ash - Stormpup at the time - and smiled. "It's okay, Stormpup. How about we divide up into teams and play patrol? Stormpup and I against Rippup and Fernpup?"
"You're on! Ha, Fernpup and I will shred you!" Hazen growled.
Ash watched them getting into position.
"Why wasn't I so confident?" Ash murmured.
"Because," said spirit-Midnight, standing beside Ash, "you one time almost got stomped on by Hazen during a fight and had been afraid of him and Fern--um, Widow, ever since. Treebranch - Treepup then - always made an effort to include you in all the games you guys would play. My name was Midnightshine at this time..."
"Okay," Treepup said, "begin!"
Rippup - Hazen now - lunged at Treepup, pinning her down. Despite Treepup was older, Rippup easily pinned her down. He seemed to have more muscle than she did. "Got you! Whatcha gonna do now?"
"Get off me!" Treepup exclaimed.
Stormpup - Ash - let out a small whimper, seeing Treepup so easily defeated. He turned to Fernpup, who was getting into a pouncing position. "I got you now, Stormpup!"
"Hey," said a voice at the entrance. Ash looked to see a gray wolf, and recognized it to be a much younger, smaller Flyingbird. "My mentor says you need me to watch the pups?"
"Oh yes," Midnightshine nodded. Ash studied her, and saw her expression showed uneasiness. "Thank you, Flying...don't worry, I'll be back soon." Midnightshine then looked at her pups. "I'm going to be gone for a while, you three."
"Are you coming back?" asked Fernpup, who suddenly pounced onto Stormpup, making him wail out.
"Of course," Midnightshine smiled. Flyingbird - Flying at the time - sat down to watch the pups.
"You could have asked me to watch the pups," pointed out another female in the den, about the same age as Midnightshine - Ash guessed she was Treepup's mother. "I'd be fine, honestly."
"I think those four together would be too much," Midnight chuckled. "Thank you, Flying." With that, Midnightshine left.
"Treepup, don't let Ripppup pin you down!" Flying exclaimed, "kick him in the stomach, it'll get him off you."
"Come," Midnight-spirit said, "I want to show you where I went."
"This is me as a pup?" whispered Widow.
"Yes," Midnight nodded. "Follow me."
Ash was reluctant to leave his past-self, but followed his mother anyways. Hazen and Widow followed as well, and Treebranch trotted after.
The Tribe of Flying Birds camp was like how Ash had seen it as an apprentice. It was a large clearing surrounded by bushes and brambles as walls. The den they had just come out of was large and made of brambles. On the other side of the clearing was a huge boulder that an older wolf was standing on - apparently leader at the time - and a younger-looking Leafclaw was standing next to him, both deep in conversation.
They exited the camp through a large hole in the bramble wall and came out into the forest. Ash kept padding after Midnight, who trotted along with ease. They walked through the forest in silence. After a while the ground went downhill, and Ash looked down below where there was a river passing through, and Midnightshine pacing by it, looking worried.
Midnight stopped and looked at the group. "I met my mate up here," she said.
"You had a mate outside the Tribe?" gasped Treebranch. "That's against the law!"
"I know," Midnight whispered. "That was in the back of my head all along..."
"I can't believe you'd break the law though. I mean, everyone talked about how loyal--" Treebranch began.
"Midnightshine!" exclaimed a voice.
Ash turned to where Midnightshine was. He saw a gray male wolf run up to her. "How are you? Are the pups okay?"
"They're fine, Lightning," Midnightshine said. "They're okay. You said you wanted to see me."
"Yes!" Lightning gasped. "Ironfang is on the move."
Ash stiffened. "You knew about Ironfang?" he asked Midnightshine.
"Who's Ironfang?" asked Midnightshine.
"Leader of the Fireben--um, I mean, Tribe of Fire," Lightning said.
"Should I be concerned?" Midnightshine asked.
"Yes!" Lightning gasped. "Look...Ironfang is storming through the lands. There's a prophecy that he is going to be defeated by a pup who is just born, and he's having the Firebenders go to every place to kill the pups and offspring...even your Tribe!"
Midnightshine looked terrified. "Wh-What do I do?"
"Warn your Tribe. And hide the pups," Lightning whispered. "Ironfang musn't find them or they're all dead..."
The world dissolved around Ash once more, and when it got back to its original state, he was inside the pup den, but outside of the den was filled with yowling and yelping. Ash could hear fire crackling and fire being thrown...the Firebenders were invading.
"Treepup - Tree at the time - and her mother managed to escape the camp with the help of her mother's mate," Midnight explained, looking full of sorrow, "Tree had only just been apprenticed so she couldn't fight well. I ended up having to fight my way out, and--well, I'll let the flashback tell you guys..." Midnight trailed off, looking too upset to continue.
Ash poked his head out of the den and saw many of the Tribe wolves viciously fighting the Firebenders, trying to dodge the fire. Poisonfang was lunging at a wolf, who yelped out in fear, and she sunk her fangs into the wolf, and the wolf screamed; but so did another voice.
"Cinderstripe!" yelled out the voice who screamed along with the bitten wolf; Ash looked to see it was Midnightshine, pounding quickly on her paws over to the dying she-wolf. Poisonfang slithered away to find another victim, but Midnightshine stood over Cinderstripe. "Please! My sister, don't leave me! You'll be fine, I-I'm sure we can heal--"
"I-It feels like I'm on fire!" Cinderstripe cried.
"Cinderstripe!"
Just then, a muscular, young black wolf charged over to Cinderstripe. "What happened?!"
"That snake k-killed me!" Cinderstripe yelled out.
"No, no...we can still save you...!" the black wolf insisted.
"He's my deputy..." Treebranch whispered into Ash's ear. "His name is Nightfire."
Just then, Leafclaw trotted over. "What happened--? Oh, oh...this is bad."
"She can be healed, right?" Nightfire demanded.
Leafclaw shook his head. "She can't...she's dying..."
"No!" Nightfire howled.
"Duck!" yelled Midnightshine, as a fireball came overhead. Nightfire, Midnightshine and Leafclaw ducked down just in time to avoid it.
"We can't grieve when there's a battle going on," Leafclaw stated. A wolf - who looked like a very young Fang - was approaching Leafclaw from behind, but Leafclaw kicked his hind legs out without looking at Fang, making him fall back.
"Goodbye..." Cinderstripe whispered. "I love you Nightfire, and you too, Midnightshine." She then closed her eyes.
"No...!" Nightfire said, gaping.
"I must find Warriormoon, we need to discuss a plan of escape..." Leafclaw bounded off; Ash recalled that Warriormoon was Leafclaw's deputy before Treebranch took over.
"I'm going to find that snake..." growled Nightfire, beginning to walk away.
"Nightfire, no!" Midnightshine exclaimed, "Poisonfang will kill you!"
Even though Ash knew this was just a flashback, and that he never remembered it, but grief crashed over him, as if he could feel his mother's pain. He looked at Midnight. She looked close to wailing. This must be a tough memory to see again, Ash decided.
"Then I'll be with Cinderstripe," Nightfire said.
"Cinderstripe would want you to go on living! She'd want you to live. And I should know. She was my sister!" Midnightshine exclaimed.
Nightfire sighed. "You're right...I only have my pups left as my family..." he then gritted his teeth. "For their sake, and for Cinderstripe's sake, I must stay alive..."
This all made Ash remember Rainbow's determination to survive after her mate Amur died; how during the storm, she seemed double-alert to live so she could protect her kits.
Nightfire ran off, leaving Midnightshine alone. She ducked as a fireball hissed over her head, and ran for the den Ash and the others were in. Inside, Ash noticed for the first time that Stormpup, Rippup and Fernpup were all huddling in the corner, trying to stay hidden. Ash noticed he, Stormpup, looked scared most of all, pretty much shaking in fear, huddling against Rippup.
Midnightshine came in. "You three, you must come with me!"
"Wh-Where to?" Fernpup asked.
"Away from here," Midnightshine rasped. She picked up the three of them in her muzzle and ran out of the den, towards the camp exit. They began crying out in alarm, seeing all the destruction.
"Let's follow," Midnight whispered, and padded after her past-self. Ash followed, shaking at all of the torturing and death happening in the camp. Treebranch quickly followed Ash, looking absolutely terrified, and Widow and Hazen ran after.
"I remember this. It was terrible," Treebranch murmured. "It's a bit of a blur, I was an apprentice, but still..."
The yelling and howling still reached Ash's ears even though he didn't want to hear it. The rest of the forest was beginning to catch fire, making Ash pick up the pace, forgetting he was only in a flashback. He kept following Midnight, and he could see a little ahead of Midnight that Midnightshine was running through the forest, Fernpup and Rippup clinging onto her back as she carried Stormpup in her jaw.
She stopped at the same place she had met Lightning - by the stream. Rippup and Fernpup were yelling a bunch of overlapping questions, and Ash noticed Stormpup was whimpering and looked too scared to speak.
"What happened to us?" Hazen whispered.
"...You'll see," Midnight whispered, looking down to avoid seeing the scene.
Lightning ran up to Midnightshine. "The Firebenders attacked?"
"Yes!" Midnight gasped.
Lightning then looked at the pups. "...They're looking for wolf pups...Any and all wolf pups are to be killed. Midnightshine, I don't think it's safe in your Tribe."
"I can't just leave them!" Midnightshine cried. "My sister's pups will need me!"
"You can be a loner," Lightning went on. "You'll be fine. Raising the pups as loners can make them protected. When Ironfang discovers some pups survived, he'll be after them most of all. Unless you want the pups to die a painful death and not to go on living, you must stay out here."
"Won't Ironfang give up once he finds all the places to destroy the pups?" Midnightshine demanded.
"No. I...It's complicated. But if you live out here you'll never have to worry about Firebenders again," Lightning insisted.
"There's no need to act like this!" Midnightshine suddenly snapped, making Lightning flinch. "I am not becoming a loner when my Tribe needs me! I am a loyal Tribe member! I don't care if you have no problem with leaving from where you came from, but I have a little more sense!"
"How could I not leave? You'll suffer along with your Tribe if you stay with them!" Lightning exclaimed.
"Good! Because I'm not betraying them!" Midnightshine snarled.
"Look, if you're going to leave, leave. I don't care. But give me the pups--" Lightning began.
"No," Midnightshine growled. "They can't live out here!"
"Mom, when are we going back?" Fernpup asked. Ash could tell the pups weren't getting any of this.
Midnightshine ignored her pup. "After this fight is over I am taking them back."
Lightning sighed. "Fine. But hide them out here until the fight is over. They can't be killed."
Midnightshine grumbled and turned around. Lightning followed her, as the two searched for a spot to hide the pups.
Ash turned to Midnight, who looked heartbroken. "Are you okay?"
"I'll be fine..." Midnight sighed. "Let's follow them..."
Midnight lead the way, going in the direction Midnightshine and Lightning went. Ash padded along. He felt like he didn't want to see more of his parents arguing, but his curiosity was peaked.
They found Midnightshine and Lightning by some brambles. Midnightshine tucked her pups into there, and they wailed protest.
"Mom? What's going on?" cried Rippup.
"You'll be okay," Midnightshine whispered. "We're playing spy. You cannot let anyone see you."
"Ooh, okay!" Fernpup squeaked in exictement.
"Shh!" Lightning hissed, "be quiet about it."
"Mom, who is that?" Stormpup whispered, nodding sideways to Lightning.
"...Your father," Midnightshine murmured.
"He's our dad?" Fernpup hissed, "But I was told our dad is Thornscar!"
Midnightshine perked her ears. "Someone's coming..."
Stormpup pressed further to the ground, but Rippup and Fernpup raised their heads slightly. Lightning dug a hole very quickly trying not to make a sound. "You three, climb into here. It'll help you hide." He nudged the pups into the hole, and it did indeed work; Ash, who was watching the scene unfold right next to Lightning, couldn't see the pups at all.
Just then, young Fang and Graves came out. They sniffed the air. "Some of them could've gotten away," Fang growled; he still had a scratchy, rough voice despite being younger. "I saw a few leave the camp, but I wasn't bothered to fight them, I was busy killing the leader."
"They killed my father?" gasped Midnightshine. "I..."
Lightning sighed. "You still have your pups, Midnightshine, and your sister..."
Midnightshine opened her mouth to reply but Graves cut her off.
"Hey...someone's out here," growled Graves.
"I'll hold them off," Lightning whispered.
"No, you'll die!" Midnightshine cried.
"Don't be so sure," Lightning said, stepping out from the brambles. "Why are you invading this Tribe?"
Fang and Graves quickly turned to look at Lightning. "Well, well..." Graves sneered.
"What are you doing here?" Fang growled.
"I could ask you the same question," Lightning retorted.
"Doing our duty," Fang lashed his tail. "Unlike some animals."
"What does Fang mean?" Widow whispered.
"Just watch," Midnight replied.
Graves approached. "You, come with us."
"No," Lightning insisted. "Leave this area."
"Like heck we are," Fang snarled, clawing Lightning's face. Lightning fell back, and blood spattered onto the ground.
Graves put a paw on top of Lightning. "Thought you were pretty good, huh?" He bit down on Lightning's neck, killing him.
"Lightning!" yelled Midnightshine.
"Oh, a hider," Fang smirked. Fire appeared in the air. Ash gasped. How could Fang do that?
"They could make fire out of thin air," Midnight said, as if reading Ash's mind, "Because Ironfang helped. Whenever there's an important mission for the Firebenders, Ironfang helps them make fire out of thin air; otherwise they need a resource."
Then, the bushes caught on fire. Ash heard Midnightshine's yelp, then an eerie silence.
Once again, the world began to disappear around Ash.
Ash expected to be back in the woods when he woke up, but instead he found himself at the same place Midnightshine was killed.
Midnight stood in front of the group. "Rippup - that's you, Hazen - was found by a Firebender and picked up, taken to the Fire Nation. Fernpup - Widow - ventured away, and found the desert. Lucky for her, an Earthbender found her and took her to the Earth Kingdom."
"What happened to me?" Ash blurted out.
Midnight looked at Ash. "You managed to somehow miraculously survive on your own, Ash. You ate any dead animals you could find, and kept walking along, not knowing where you were going. I don't know how, but you found The Bending Tower's territory, and Airia found you."
Midnight was saying some other things, but Ash just kept thinking. Midnight and Lightning were both murdered by Firebenders, all because Ironfang wanted to kill Ash...Ash was separated from his siblings because of his parents' death. A growl rose in his throat as he realized...
All of this was Ironfang's fault.

Author's Note:
Long chapter is long. ouo

Chapter 68: Treebranch's Pups

The leaves crunched under Ash's paws as he walked through the nearby woods, the sounds of the training animals dying down as he got further away. He sniffed the air, hoping to hunt for a bit and have time for himself. It was the next day, and everyone had been training well; Ash had been watching stations frequently. He noticed Comet wasn't very enthusiastic about fighting and Bending; Streak and Twig were getting along very well; Nzuri and Patch, who were in the same group, kept getting scolded by their mentors for goofing off; Miguel kept insisting on helping Slice with her apprentice and Slice kept insisting to him that she was fine. It's been busy, Ash commented to himself, shaking his hanging head.
Ash tasted the air again, picking up the scent of a beaver. He twitched his ears. Is there a stream nearby? Ash wondered; he knew beavers seemed to like building by the water. Ash stealthily and slowly padded through the woods, careful not to make any noise. If I hunt enough, perhaps I can have a quick lunch with Quake, Rusty, Raven, Bluefall and Swiftwing and we can make some plans. 
The sound of trickling water made Ash crouch down behind the bushes; he peeked through to see there was indeed a beaver sitting by the stream, chewing on a stick. Ash eyed the beaver and began crawling around the bushes, trying to get close enough to pounce.
Suddenly, the beaver perked its head and jumped into the stream, swimming away. Ash got to his paws and looked around. What had scared the beaver off? He smelled the air; Ash smelled an unfamiliar scent, he couldn't detect what it was. He then heard a squeal. Ash crouched down, keeping himself hidden.
Just then, a very small light brown wolf pup darted into the clearing, panting. Her head was quickly turning from side to side, looking paranoid. Ash looked at the pup with interest, trying to decide who she could be. The pup then looked at the stream and approached it with caution, then began to lap from it.
Then there was the sound of a stick snapping. The pup jumped in alarm and turned around. "F-Fire?" she squeaked.
Fire? Ash thought. What did she mean?
Suddenly, a dark gray wolf pup jumped out from behind a nearby tree, pinning the pup down. "Haha! Bird, you're such a wimp!" he laughed. "I won!"
"Hey!" the pup - apparently named Bird - protested. "Fire, that's not fair!"
"How is it not fair? You're just upset that I won," Fire snorted.
"B-But I never win!" Bird cried.
"Yeah, because you use no means of strategy!" Fire exclaimed.
"Actually," said a light gray female pup, coming into the clearing, "strength isn't everything, Fire."
"Really, Squirrel? I heard that our father was one of the greatest wolves in the forest! He was really strong, and mom told me about all these battles he won!" Fire said, "and I'm gonna be just like him!"
Who are these pups? Ash asked. He then swished his tail, making leaves scatter.
Fire stiffened. "Did you hear that?" he whispered.
"Hear what?" Squirrel asked, perking her ears.
"Those leaves swishing!" Fire hissed. He then sniffed the air. "We're not alone."
Bird whimpered. "Wh-Where's mom?"
"Mom told us not to stray away. Now we're in trouble!" Squirrel exclaimed.
"No we're not! Just remember the fighting moves our mentors told us," Fire said. He then shouted, "Show yourself, coward!"
Well, I guess I could ask them who they are, Ash thought. He stepped out from the bushes, and the pups all stared at him - Bird and Squirrel looked scared, whereas Fire was beginning to growl. "Um, can I ask who you pups belong to? This place is kind of occupied." If they belong to the Firebenders, we're in trouble, Ash told himself silently.
"We're from--" Bird began.
"Shush! We can't tell him!" Fire whispered.
"Why not?" Bird asked.
"Because, he could be from the Tribe of Fire! Same place dad went to," Fire replied.
"But I thought you wanted to be like dad," Squirrel said coldly.
"Except for the Tribe of Fire part!" Fire protested.
"Your dad is with the Firebenders?" Ash asked. There's only one place I know who calls the Firebenders the Tribe of Fire...The Tribe of Flying Birds! "Where's your mother?" Ash demanded, "I know her. Isn't her name Treebranch?"
"Stay away from my mom," Fire spat, "you're not laying a claw on her."
"I'm not going to hurt your mother. I only want to talk to her," Ash insisted.
"Are-Are you from the Tribe of Fire?" Bird squeaked.
Ash shook his head. "No, I'm not here to hurt you."
"Are you lying?" Fire demanded.
"Bird! Fire! Squirrel!" came a voice.
Ash's stomach lurched when a light brown female wolf came out from the bushes. She gasped. "Ash!"
"So he wasn't lying," Fire muttered. "Mom! I was about to send this guy crying. You should have seen me fighting!"
"You didn't fight at all!" Bird exclaimed.
Treebranch gave a weak smile. "These are my pups," she said to Ash.
"Really?" Ash studied them. "They're beautiful, Treebranch."
"Thanks," Treebranch nodded. She was studying Ash; Ash couldn't tell what kind of expression was on her face. However, Treebranch quickly turned to her pups. "Ash and I are going to talk for a bit. Why don't you three go off and play?"
With that, the pups began to trot away. "Let's play fight!" Fire suggested.
"No fair! You'd win!" Bird protested.
Once they were gone, Treebranch turned to Ash. "They're a pawful, you know..."
"What ever happened to Flyingbird?" Ash asked. "He should be helping you raise them!"
"Why should he be?" Treebranch demanded. "He's part of the Tribe of--er, I mean, Firebenders now."
"What about the rest of the Tribe?" said Ash; during the fight when the Firebenders took over The Bending Tower, the Tribe of Flying Birds had helped. Most of them assisted the Firebenders during that battle, but some of the Tribe had decided to help The Bending Tower. Ash was told by a Tribe of Flying Birds member themself that they were crossing over to the Firebender side because they wanted to be able to bend too, and that they felt like the Benders all thought they were better than the Tribe.
"They came back," Treebranch said, still looking heartbroken, "with many excuses...some said they were brainwashed. Others claimed Flyingbird forced them to do it. And a few others said they just weren't thinking straight. They have worked hard to prove themselves, and I said if that happened again they'd be exiled. It's like our Tribe is falling, Ash. We're being betrayed and...I'm leader and the pressure is all on me."
"Well, I'm leader of The Bending Tower, I know how you feel," Ash nodded.
"Congratulations, and thank you," Treebranch whispered.
Um, Ash, hello? said Susan's voice.
Susan, what are you doing? Ash thought.
A tree holds the answers! You haven't figured it out yet? Susan demanded.
Um--
Look, what is this wolf's name you're talking to? Susan said.
Treebranch knows my past?! Ash grew wide-eyed.
"Ash, what's up?" Treebranch asked, seeing his expression.
The Peacebenders told me to finally give you a bigger hint. And yes, she does, Susan replied.
Treebranch was looking at Ash. "You know, Ash...it's something about you that's calming...yet I don't really know..." Treebranch cocked her head. "Like...familiar."
Ash opened his mouth to speak, but Treebranch almost jumped in alarm.
"You're Stormpup?" Treebranch whispered.
"Wh-Who?" Ash said.
"Stormpup!" Treebranch exclaimed.
"Who is--?" Ash began; but he was cut off as a strong breeze blew by.
"Ah, so Ash, you finally figured it out."
Ash and Treebranch both turned to see a light blue, transparent figure standing there.
"Midnightshine?" Treebranch gasped.
"Wha-? Her name's Midnight," Ash said, confused. "And she's my mother..."
"Yes! You were Stormpup!" Treebranch said, turning to Ash.
Midnight chuckled. "Perhaps I can take you two...oh, and Hazen and Widow while I'm at it...into a flashback. It'll explain your past, Ash."
Wait... Ash thought. "Widow's my sibling?"
"Yes," Midnight nodded. "Now, come on..."
With that, the world dissolved around them.

Author's Note:
So sorry for not posting! ;3; I've had writers' block... D: I know what to do with the story but I don't quite know how I'm supposed to get it there. I'm also having trouble with ideas of how to get another character to like the other (ex. How should I get Nyla to like Raoul back?). Any and all ideas are appreciated. c:
Cliffhanger~ 
Hope this makes up for my absence. :D Can't wait to write the next chapter!

The Bending Tower Character Quiz

Hey y'all!
I apologize for not posting a chapter within a few days. I've had a bad case of writers' block. D:

Anyways, I created a character quiz! :D

You can fill this out in the comments - basically, it's a quiz deciding what character from The Bending Tower you are!

Here's an example of a character section filled out:

ASH

[x] You were once a loner.

[x] Out of Air, Earth, Fire and Water, you'd choose Water. (Yes, Waterbending~)

[x] You are a leader. (I'd prefer leader over follower.)

[] You supposedly have a big destiny. (Gladly, no.)

[x] Your best friend is usually your second-in-command. (In games I have him as my "deputy".)

[] Most people seem to respect you.

[x] You joined a group.

Total: 5

That was basically how I'd fill it out. That means I have 5/7 points for Ash, and that so far I'm like Ash. But if I fill out other character slots and get more points than I did Ash, I'm more like them. Whoever you're most like is the character you'd be. ^-^

Fill it out in the comments, I'd love to see who you guys are! 8D

It's in alphabetical order, but I put Ash first because he's the main character.

Have fun!

Sorry the quiz is a bit long!

ASH

[] You were once a loner

[] Out of Air, Earth, Fire and Water you'd choose Water.

[] You are a leader.

[] You supposedly have a big destiny.

[] Your best friend is usually your second-in-command.

[] Most people seem to respect you.

[] You joined a group.

Total:

AIRIA

[] You are very different from everyone else.

[] People often stare at you.

[] You try to fit in.

[] Your father was an important person.

[] You can be mad one minute and kind the next.

[] There is a lot of responsibility on your shoulders.

[] A lot of people know who you are.

Total:

CHARLOTTE

[] You have an older sister.

[] You can be shy and quiet.

[] People underestimate you.

[] At first glance you look weak but really you can be tough.

[] You're girly.

[] You smile a lot.

[] Despite seeming positive sometimes you can be sad.

Total:

COMET

[] You are not interested in what others like.

[] You're interested in medical things.

[] People sometimes consider your interests boring.

[] You're okay as long as you have friends.

[] You're not a fighter.

[] You are pretty smart.

[] You're eager to learn.

CRYSTAL

[] You're gentle.

[] You giggle a lot.

[] You and your sibling often hang out together.

[] You've run away from something.

[] You have been in very serious pain before.

[] Your friend can be protective of you.

[] You appear fragile.

Total:

DUST

[] You're a bit serious but can still be funny.

[] Sometimes you find your sibling annoying.

[] You'd love to be a leader.

[] You can be sarcastic.

[] You're eager for revenge.

[] You always try to look at the bright side.

[] Your name is similar to your sibling's name.

Total:

ECLIPSE

[] Your eyesight is terrible.

[] You love to help out others.

[] Your siblings hate you.

[] You only have one parent.

[] You are very intelligent.

[] You hate to see others in pain.

[] You always try to help the helpless.

Total:

LIGHT

[] You're very witty.

[] You can be incredibly stealthy.

[] Although you have few friends you're okay with that.

[] Being alone helps you survive more.

[] Once you set your mind no one can change it.

[] You feel like you're forever alone.

[] You're a tomboy.

Total:

RAOUL

[] You're scared of a lot of things.

[] You're proud of who taught you.

[] You hang out with the guys a lot.

[] Guys before girls.

[] People often call you a wimp.

[] People laughed at you before, and not for telling a joke.

[] You easily forgive others.

Total:

RUSTY

[] Being serious? Ain't nobody got time for that.

[] If anyone hurt your friends you'd be mad.

[] You're not very bright.

[] You can be a clutz.

[] You have a twin.

[] Your parents are still together.

[] You are best friends with someone popular.

Total:

SLICE

[] You've been told you're pretty.

[] You can hold onto grudges.

[] You moved at some time in your life.

[] Thunderstorms scare you.

[] Things didn't turn out the way you hoped.

[] When you came to a new place you quickly became popular.

[] People have fought over you.

Total:

SPOTS

[] You love to have fun.

[] You're very loyal to your friends and family.

[] You want a peaceful world.

[] You hate it when others argue.

[] You've been on a long journey.

[] Everyone likes hanging out with you.

[] You were first to graduate/pass something before your friends.

Total:

STONE

[] You always seem to be grumpy.

[] Others respect you.

[] People know to stay away from you when you're mad.

[] You feel like you don't have time for love.

[] Fight, don't flight.

[] You switched sides.

[] You're extremely loyal.

Total:

STREAK

[] Your father is dead.

[] You're the only boy in your siblings.

[] You aren't very serious.

[] You're always very eager.

[] You find your mother overprotective.

[] Adventures are very fun.

[] When you were little you went on a big journey.

Total:

TWIG

[] You're very sarcastic.

[] You're rebellious.

[] You will only listen to a rule if it suits you.

[] You believe your opinions are best.

[] You've been in trouble plenty of times.

[] You've been in danger before.

[] You're friends with people younger than you.

Total:

TWISTER

[] You're good at giving advice.

[] People know not to mess with you.

[] You're often seen with your best friend.

[] You can be quiet.

[] You're easily lost in your own world.

[] You know someone who is the total opposite of you.

[] People often ask you why you're so quiet.

Total:

Thanks for doing this. I may make a page for quizzes and stuff like these, thoughts?