Chapter 11: Goofing Off

Rusty licked his fresh wound running across his back, which was bleeding. Crystal was sitting next to him. "Are you going to be okay?" she fretted, looking at his injury. "You're fine without going to Eclipse about it?" Rusty couldn't help smiling, satisfied that Crystal was worried about him. He got to his paws and shook his pelt, then looked at Crystal.
"I'll be fine," he responded, "no Firebender can take me down easily. That was the best Fireblade could do?" he snorted. Rusty looked at Crystal. She has a scar over her muzzle, but he thought she looked beautiful, as always. "You hungry? I can steal something from the Firebenders."
Crystal smiled. "No, Rusty, I'm good, and besides, it's not worth it." She looked at Rusty. "So what're you gonna do now--"
"Hey Crystal," came a voice, and Rusty looked to see Flare trotting up to her, "we're needed to go hunting with Darkclaw, Wildfire and Mistletoe." Flare nodded, and Crystal turned to Rusty, a "good-bye" expression on her face, and she followed her sibling over to the patrol. Sighing, Rusty turned around and flinched as Slice was walking up to him, looking depressed, her head was hanging low. Rusty looked down at her, wide-eyed. "Slice!" he exclaimed, "what's wrong?" despite his liking of Crystal, Slice was the other she-wolf he liked. "If there's anything upsetting you, don't worry, I'll take care of it."
Usually, Slice would have smiled at him and thank him, but instead she looked at him with big, sad eyes and a broken-hearted expression. Dust had said Slice liked him back, which satisfied Rusty, because Crystal only thought Rusty considered her a good friend. "Rusty, it's Miguel," she said, her voice cracked with sadness, "he betrayed us, as you know. I thought he..." her voice trailed off, but she found it again. "I...thought he was my friend. He always seemed to care for me, and now he just snapped at me for showing no respect for the Firebenders, and gave me this!" Slice moved her tail, showing a fresh scar over it.
Rusty's hatred of Miguel was building up inside him. "Alright, that's it, I'm going to give him some wounds to think about." He spotted Miguel on the far side of the yard, talking to Hazen. Growling, Rusty began to trot over to him, only to be stopped by Slice, who put her tail in front of him.
"No Rusty, he's on the side of the Firebenders. Harm him and the Firebenders will...avenge him," Slice whispered. Rusty looked down at her, and she looked up at him with round, sad eyes. "Don't do that to yourself, I don't want to see you harmed."
Rusty sighed. "Alright. Slice, maybe you should go talk to Eclipse, she could perhaps give you advice and calm you down," he suggested, beings Eclipse usually helped Ash out with his struggles, "or Airwing even, he's good with that stuff too." Slice nodded and trotted into The Bending Tower, and Rusty watched after her to make sure she got inside safely.
Suddenly, Dust walked up to him. "Why hello, brother," he said, acting wise, and Rusty raised an eyebrow. Dust looked around, as if to make sure no one would hear him, which, Rusty figured, was probably completely pointless. "Why don't we go off and goof around? Because these Firebenders aren't letting us burn the energy we usually burn."
"But Dust, we could get in trouble!" Rusty protested.
"Since when have you cared about that?" Dust snorted, "c'mon, Rust, for ole time's sake! I'm just incredibly bored. Ash is talking to Airwing, Charlotte is sleeping, Eclipse wants time to herself, mom and dad are hunting...so I got you."
"Hmm...good point," Rusty shrugged. "Then let's go, but we mustn't be spotted," he whispered. Trying to look casual, Rusty made for the exit, and Dust followed. They walked through the makeshift brair tunnel, and on the other side Rusty saw Zapada, Nyx, Max and Ice to his right standing guard at the doors of The Bending Tower. The brothers quickly darted off into the forest, leaping over bushes and jumping rocks, and ended up in the fallen tree clearing. Rusty then sniffed the air. "No one nearby. But the hunting patrol Crystal is in is coming this way. So we should probably hide," Rusty suggested. He crawled under the big group of fallen trees and settled in the hole, Dust following, hunkering down. Rusty perked his ears and sniffed the air. "They're coming still, closer," he whispered, and his report was proved right when Flare stepped out of the bushes, followed closely by Crystal, and Mistletoe, Wildfire and Darkclaw came after. "Come on, hurry up!" growled Wildfire, "the prey doesn't just plop itself on your paws!"
"Patience," Flare responded in a smart-aleck tone, "hunting comes with experience, and you must be very quiet. Which is something you need to work on." Wildfire snarled at Flare, and Rusty flinched, expecting Wildfire to bite Flare, but Darkclaw stopped him.
"Now, now," Darkclaw said, "Wildfire, the young wolf may have a bad attitude, but doesn't deserve to be poisoned...yet." She looked at Flare, "you, go find something to catch. You're an 'expert hunter' after all." Glaring, Flare ran off, and Rusty watched after him. Crystal walked after Flare, and Darkclaw walked in another direction to hunt. Wildfire slithered off too, and Rusty perked his ears. "Clear!" he crawled out from their hiding spot, and Dust crawled after him. Rusty then looked at Dust. "So whaddya wanna do?"
"Um...how about we play 'King of The Bending Tower'? I'll be king first," Dust smiled, trotting over to a moss-covered boulder and stood on it. "I am the leader of The Bending Tower, very strong! The Firebenders cower at my paws with me lead--" Dust was cut off as Rusty tackled him, making him fall. Rusty stood on the boulder.
"It is I, Rusty!" Rusty announced, puffing out his chest, "I am the greatest leader in the land, much better than ole Dust! We--"
"Hold on, shut your trap, I hear something!" Dust whispered fiercely, and Rusty perked his ears. He could hear a murmur nearby, and him and Dust followed it, which was over by the bushes. Over there, they could both hear it much better.
"It is suspected to be on this territory," came Fireblade's voice, "this stone will wipe away their Bending powers, they'll be as weak as the Tribe of Flying Birds, without their powers! With it we will rule the land!"
Rusty and Dust exchanged horrified looks, and ran back to the direction of The Bending Tower, both sharing the same thought: We gotta tell someone about this!

Author's Note:
RANGER, DANGER~!

Chapter 10: A New Dream

Ash opened his eyes. The forest around him was glorious. The sun shined through the trees, covered with green leaved. Maybe I can find some prey here, Ash thought, and he trotted through the forest, his paws swishing through the dead leaves on the ground. He sniffed the air to try and find some prey.

"Ha!" came a voice, and Ash jerked his head up and saw Hazen there, a smile and a glare on his face, as he stood a few feet away from Ash. "You want to know the answers to your past, don't you? Well I know them!"

"Hazen!" Ash snarled. "What are you doing here?" 

Strangely, Hazen seemed not to understand. "I know the answers to your past!" He exclaimed tauntingly, and Ash growled at him. "Don't you want to know your past? Well I'm not telling you! Not unless you can catch me, that is!" Hazen darted off. Furious and his curiosity at its peak, Ash followed. This should be easy! Ash thought, already gaining on his brother. Hazen turned and smiled at Ash, and ran faster ahead. Panting, Ash followed, and quickly jumped, yowling, and pinned Hazen to the ground. 

Suddenly, Hazen faded, and Ash gasped. He looked to see Hazen reappear a few feet away. "Ha! You want the answers to your past, don't you? Well I know them! I'm not telling you! Not unless you can catch me, that is!" Hazen darted off yet again. Growling, Ash ran after him. You won't escape me this time! Ash thought, seeing Hazen's head turn to look at him. However, Hazen sped away, so fast he seemed to disappear. Ash blinked as he saw Hazen was gone.
"Ash," said a deep voice. Ash looked around wildly, wondering where the voice was coming from. He sniffed the air, and watched as Cloudsky, Feather's former mate, fly slowly out of the forest, landing on a mossy rock in the clearing. Relief swept over Ash; he had met Cloudsky before in a dream while at the Water Tribe. He was dreaming now, then. "Cloudsky!" Ash exclaimed happily. He trotted over to Cloudsky. "Cloudsky, The Bending Tower--"
"Ash," Cloudsky interrupted, "you are chasing after obvious and easy ways to learn your past, ways that will not open to you easily, nor ever will. There is another way to achieve what you want." He finished, then looked at Ash, obviously awaiting a response.
"So how else do I find out my past?" Ash asked, cocking his head.
Cloudsky looked at Ash, his expression showing nothing of his emotions. "A tree holds the answers," he said simply, and, just like Hazen did the first time, faded away. Ash perked his ears, and looked around. Cloudsky was nowhere to be found. Ash let out a frustrated sigh, and looked up at the cloudless sky above him angrily. "Is that all?!" he yowled, and kicked a pebble on the mossy ground.
"Ash?" came a voice, sounding familiar, like it belonged to a young female apprentice. Ash couldn't tell whose it was, though. He whipped around and saw a monkey sitting there, looking at him with her big, hypnotizing eyes.
"Susan!" he exclaimed, suddenly recognizing her. He ran up to the monkey. Stone's former apprentice, murdered by a Firebender in the middle of the night; she looked wiser, and like she enjoyed living in Peacebenders' territory. She smiled at him.
"Ash!" she smiled. "I missed you, Stone and the whole Bending Tower. But I watch them from here now, guarding them. She sighed. "They're going through so many difficult times now. Fortunately, I can see everything going on from up here, plus a glimpse of the future!" she beamed. "Sadly, though, the older Peacebenders won't grant me permission to see the future fully. They say I'm not mature enough yet, that I haven't lived up here long enough."
"Not mature enough?" Ash echoed, hardly believing his ears, "but you look like you're wiser than Airwing! And your Guardian has joined your body, so why haven't you been granted access?" Ash had learned from Cloudsky that Guardians were your spirit up in the Peacebenders' territory who watched over you, and in very desperate times, help you get out of what trouble you're in so you can complete your destiny and get to the Peacebenders (or Darkbenders for evil animals) safely. A Guardian joined one's body when they joined the Peacebenders, which accepted them there.
"Well, I'm still very young Ash, I still have the personality of an apprentice. It'll take a while before I grow up a bit more." She smiled. "But listen. What I'm really here for is to help you. The Peacebenders refuse to give you clear answers to things you need answers for."
"But why?!" Ash demanded.
"They want you to find out yourself, Ash, because they think it'll be better if you can 'interpret things on your own'," Susan rolled her eyes. "But I'm going to bring you info for you! You deserve to know. So I'mma help you! Just come visit me every night-"
"Er, I don't control where I go in my dreams," Ash interrupted.
"-And tell you things!" Susan broke in. "Don't worry! I'll make sure you reach your destiny all fine!"

Author's Note:
Ahh, that little mischievous Susan. ;w;

Chapter 9: Discussing Ash's Destiny

Airia looked at Ash. "Why the long face?" she asked, looking concerned. Ash couldn't hide a look of hope. Airia actually cares! he thought happily, but quickly his his happiness, remembering that she had a question she was expecting Ash to reply to.
"Well..." Ash began, "I...I've always wanted to ignore my destiny since I was told it. I was always told how terrible Ironfang is because he tortures, is the strongest Bender in the land, and more. I was hoping it was mistaken, and if I ignored it then maybe it wouldn't happen. But ever since the Firebenders took over, I've been reminded of it over and over. I told Eclipse, because she's one of my closest and trusted friends, and the fact that she's a healer. But she got mad at me, that I never told her earlier. Now she's not very kind towards me."
Airia gave Ash a weak smile. "All of us have destinies, Ash. Some small, some big, it depends on who we are. If the Peacebenders have you such a big destiny, you must be ready for it and born for it." She put her wing around him, making Ash flinch, "don't worry; your friends will protect you." With that, she walked away, and Ash stared after her, feeling overly happy despite what was going on.
"Hey, Ash!" Rusty ran up to him, laughing, Dust close behind, also laughing. "I hear Airia flies beautifully, eh?" he exchanged triumphant looks with Dust, both of them still laughing hard. "Aww, that's so adorable. You and Airia are perfect for each other!"
Ash growled, "would you buzz off, Rusty?! You love Crystal!" Ash glared at Dust, "and don't you gang up on me too, you love Charlotte!" He perked his ears. "Where have you heard about this anyway?" Ash demanded.
"Oh, don't forget that Rusty likes Slice, too," Dust added, and his brother glared at him. "Oh. Rusty told me! He was nearby and he heard you say that to her."
"What?" Crystal asked, who was coming up the stairs, head cocked. Ash bumped Rusty, and he glared at him.
"Oh! Ash--" Dust began, but Ash slapped his tail over Dust's mouth, muffling his words. Dust looked at Ash.
"I don't need the whole Bending Tower knowing about my secrets!" Ash hissed, growling at Dust.
Crystal raised an eyebrow. "Er...okay," she said, "I'm going to go see if the Firebenders need me to go hunting or whatever," she rolled her eyes, and turned around and walked down the stairs to head out got the yard. Ash looked at Rusty, who was wide-eyed, looking at where Crystal left. "I'm going with her!" he announced, running after her.
"Idiot," Dust snorted, rolling his eyes. He looked at Ash. "So what're you going to do now?" he asked, all signs of teasing gone.
"I dunno, what are you going to do, go find Charlotte and see if she wants to go hunting with you?" he taunted.
"Ooh, good idea," Dust responded, padding off. Ash wasn't sure if Dust was joking or actually being serious. Sighing, Ash began to head for Airwing's den, remembering that's where he was originally heading before his encounter with the Firebender meeting.
Ash entered the den and saw Streak, Nzuri and Patch, Rainbow's kits, sitting in there. "So our father died a noble death?" Streak said, wide-eyed.
Airwing nodded. "Yes, your father will be remembered as a great Bender." He smiled. "Now, you should run along. I'm sure Rainbow wants you for lunch." He nudged at them with his muzzle, and they began to exit the den.
"If Rainbow has anything for us," Nzuri muttered, and the three kits all left. Ash trotted forward to Airwing, who smiled up at him.
"If it isn't Ash!" Airwing smiled, "what can I do for you?" He indicated with his tail for Ash to sit down, and Ash did so. "How are you coping with the Firebenders in The Bending Tower?"
"Truthfully, Airwing, not good at all," Ash sighed. "You see, the Firebenders know my destiny..." he looked at Airwing's face, which had a look that asked for him to go on. "I can trust you, I know I can...my destiny is to defeat Ironfang."
Airwing grew wide-eyed. "So you are the one to be the savior of the land!" he gasped, "I knew of a prophecy saying someone would come along and save us. You telling me it is you solves the questions I have. We will defeat the Firebenders sometime in your lifetime!" He looked at Ash, then recoiled. "Oh, I am sorry, Ash, pardon my eagerness. Please continue."
Ash nodded. "Right. Well, you see, Firetslon has reported to Ironfang I am his enemy. And I told Eclipse my destiny, and she's mad I didn't speak up earlier. And Airia knows now, she heard from the  Firebenders. So because of this, I keep getting reminded of my destiny. Eclipse wants to start defeating the Firebenders now, but we're not ready! We're all starving, scarred and weak." He sighed. "Airwing, what do I do?"
Airwing nodded. "I understand, Ash, what it's like to have something so heavy on your shoulders." Ash perked his ears, remembering being told that Airwing had been chased out of The Bending Tower by Ironfang when Ironfang had lived there. "And it's not good. What I recommend is that you study your enemies' weaknesses carefully, and that you prepare yourself. I think that first we'd need to focus on getting the Firebenders out of The Bending Tower." Ash was about to protest, but Airwing continued. "But you're right, Ash. We are clearly not ready. In the meantime, show you still have strength in you. Do. Not. Bow."
Ash knew that Airwing meant not to give in, not to literally bow at the Firebenders' paws; he'd father die than do that. Ash was about to speak, when a voice interrupted. "Ash, you're going to get us free from the Firebenders?"
Ash whipped his head toward the entrance of the den and gasped, surprised to see Streak standing there, looking wide-eyed. He then beamed at Ash. "You're going to save us!" he yowled, "yay! I can't wait to get away from those nasty--"
"Streak, hold it!" Ash exclaimed, almost losing his patience, a bit ticked off that everyone was finding out about his destiny, "we're not going to defeat them today, and probably not anytime soon. And please do not tell anyone about this! I do not want the whole Bending Tower knowing I'm their savior. Can you keep a secret?" Ash asked. He knew that Streak probably couldn't, beings he was a young and very inexperienced at most things.
"Of course!" Streak beamed, "Ash, you can count on me. You're already a great Bender! You'll get through this easily!" Streak bounced out of the den and down the hall.
Ash rolled his eyes. "This day keeps getting better and better," he mumbled sarcastically.

Author's Note:
Pff, I hate stress too.

Chapter 8: Sibling Rivalry

Ash looked up at the Firebenders in despair, unable to hide his fear. The Firebenders examined him, and Poisonfang turned to look at the Firebenders. "I think Ash deserves a punishment, don't you agree?" she said, and the Firebenders all nodded agreement. Ash didn't move, as he was stunned.
Hazen looked at him. "I say we force him to join the Firebenders and give information about The Bending Tower in exchange for his life!" he suggested. Fang and Fireblade nodded, but the rest of the Firebenders shook their heads.
"Come on, Hazen, we can obviously think of worse," snorted Wildfire. He smiled evilly and looked at Ash. "Let's kill him, right here and now! Ironfang will be most pleased," he smirked. The Firebenders all exchanged looks of agreement, and Ash few wide-eyed with fear.
"Now hold it, brother!" snarled Poisonfang, looking at Wildfire, "you have a good idea, but I disagree." Ash let out a small sigh of relief. "Let's kill him tomorrow. It will give us time to plan his death, and plus, he'll dread it!" She bared her teeth at Wildfire. "Or have you forgotten I am superior to you because I'm deputy?"
Wildfire snarled. "You idiot!" he yelled, making Ash flinch, "you don't give the moron time until his death, especially a whole freakin' day! You kill then right then, right now, no mercy!" he yowled loudly. "Kill him right now! Then he doesn't have time to escape! Do I have to explain how to torture while I'm at it!" he growled, "just because you're deputy doesn't mean your decisions at better!"
Poisonfang bared her teeth. "If we murder him later we can plan the murder!" Ash was almost shaking in fear now, fighting the urge to begin crawling back, "we can just lock him in the cells until then and put guards there so he doesn't try anything smart!"
Wildfire hissed. "Has Ironfang taught you nothing? We are warriors! Giving him time would be like giving him time to plan a daring escape, and to give him time to say final good-byes! Are you too soft-hearted?" He turned to Ash. "See, my sister, this is how you murder!" He hissed at Ash and slithered towards him, and Ash got to his paws and backed up. Wildfire hissed and leaped at his face, baring his fangs, and just when he as an inch away, suddenly Wildire was blown to the side. Ash gasped as he saw Airia pinning Wildfire to the ground, who was wriggling under her grasp.
"I don't think you'll be murdering today," Airia said coldly, glaring down at Wildire.
Wildfire bared his teeth. "Well maybe it is you who will lose their life today!" he snarled, aiming a bite.
"Wildfire!" snapped Poisonfang, stopping her brother in his tracks, "what did we go over?" Wildfire glared at her and easily slipped out from under Airia and slithered over to the Firebender, who were all giving Airia hostile glares.
"You're lucky to be alive," Wildfire spat.
Poisonfang slithered up to Airia. "Now, now, dear, let us take Ash. He has been spying and must have his punishment done." She looked at Airia with look that said "we'll give you one chance to solve this peacefully".
"No," Airia replied simply, and Ash felt relief rush through his veins. "Besides," she continued, "he is the one to kill your leader, is he not?" Ash flinched. Oh no, she knows my destiny! Ash thought in fear, I don't want everyone knowing yet!
Poisonfang snarled, and then Miguel stepped forward. "Hold it, Poisofang," he said, and Ash watched Miguel, giving him an icy stare to make sure he knew that Ash disliked him for being a traitor, "maybe she has a point. I don't think Ironfang would want us fighting his battles for him." He glared at Ash. "But Ash, there is a warning for you. Spy on us again and we'll take you to the Fire Nation and let Ironfang rip you apart, and give you no way to defend yourself." Ash flinched, not knowing Miguel could be so cruel.
Ash looked at Poisonfang, expecting her to snap at Miguel for giving orders when he wasn't even deputy, but instead she nodded approval. "Good, Miguel. You're more loyal than I thought you'd be." She turned to Ash and Airia. "Leave. Now."
Ash nodded and exited the room, Airia following. He looked up at her. "Er, you know my destiny now...?"
"Yes," Airia nodded.
Ash sighed.

Author's Note:
Ash was saved! c8

Chapter 7: Spying on a Meeting

Ash trotted down the hall, feeling a bit embarrassed every time he recalled the hunt with Airia. Ergh, change the subject! Ash told himself. He began to think, and veered the subject towards Eclipse as he wondered if she was still mad with him. Maybe, maybe not, she seemed dedicated towards defeating the Firebenders... Ash shrugged. He perked his head as he saw Eclipse and Charlotte coming down the hall, both girls giggling about something. Ash noticed Eclipse seemed deliberately trying to not make eye contact with Ash; she didn't even look his way. Charlotte, however, flashed him a smile as she walked by, and the two girls walked down the stairs and into the yard. Eclipse is still angry with me, Ash concluded. He somewhat assumed Charlotte possibly loved him. She's not gonna like me complimenting Airia on her flying skills.
Ash sighed and walked down the hall, and looked down the stairs. He didn't feel like going hunting quite yet, as he just did, and the thought of hunting made him remember his hunt with Airia. Recoiling a the thought, Ash turned around. Maybe I can go visit Airwing, Ash thought, heading down the hall.
However, he perked his ears when he heard a voice.
"...Airia...she..." was all Ash could make out, and if was coming from behind him. Bristling, Ash whipped around and headed for the voice. Not Airia, whoever you are! He thought angrily, knowing it probably wasn't something good.
Ash halted as he heard the voice again from inside the room in front of him. He could detect Fang's rough voice. "It's true?" he was growling. "Then she may be useful. We must not kill her, no matter what she does." Ash flinched. It was good that they weren't gonna kill Airia, but why did they not want to?
"Being a descendant from Goldwing and Airwing, they're all from the same descendants. Which means they'll all be useful. If two die somehow, we'll still have one more," came Wildfire's growl. Ash perked his ears. It had something to do with Airia's family, and Wildfire didn't include Goldwing's mate. It must be something they all have in common... Ash thought hard, wondering what it could be. He then grew wide-eyed. Well, duh! The wings! He thought, and focused on the conversation again.
"She's a good flier I hear," commented Miguel's voice. "Fireblade told me she can fly good." Ash flinched, feeling a bit of anger at hearing Miguel's voice, because he was a traitor. "So she has the skill of her ancestors."
"Skill of her ancestors"? Ash thought. It must have to do with her wings. Ash was beginning to put things together. They don't want Airia dead, and neither do they want Goldwing and Airwing dead. They need at least one alive. Something about her descendants, too, but what was so special about them?
"Oh," came Poisonfang's voice, "Ash also seems to be rather...protective of her, according to Hazen." Ash fought a growl rising in his throat at the thought of Hazen, and the fact that he told the Firebenders about his feelings about Airia, "he may be an obstacle."
"Like he already isn't," laughed Firetalon's voice. Some other Firebenders snorted and chuckled along with him. Ash grew wide-eyed and moved closer to the entrance. Why did the Firebenders see him as an obstacle?
"Oh yes, which reminds me. Firetalon, be a loyal warrior and go tell Ironfang..." Poisonfang lowered her voice to a whisper, and Ash leaned a bit closer to the entrance, and could only just make out Poisonfang's voice, "that he is the one 'destined to defeat us'."
Ash flinched, and then detected Firetalon coming. Oh, snap! Ash thought, turning to run, but Firetalon's voice stopped him. "Well, well, well, what have we got here?" he sneered, and Ash felt his heart bump faster. He yowled as Firetalon sunk his talons into his back and threw him into the room where the Firebenders were; all of them, too, and their evil faces looked excitedly down on Ash, obviously seeing this as an opportunity to do great harm. "Poisonfang, you decide what to do with this spy. I shall be on my way to tell Ironfang the news."
Ash grew wide-eyed as the Firebenders loomed over him, growling or hissing, some baring their teeth, as they saw Ash. Poisonfang slithered over to him. "Why, hello Ash," she smiled sweetly.
Oh.
No.

Author's Note:
Ash is in for some trouble. o^o

Chapter 6: Hunting with Airia

Ash yowled as he woke with a start. He looked around. The den was empty. His heart pounding, Ash shakily got to his paws. He had been having the same dream since the third day the Firebenders had been ruling The Bending Tower, and the dream still wouldn't go away; the dream was about him and Eclipse chasing a voice that never showed itself. Sighing, Ash exited the den and walked down the hall and out to the yard.
Hazen walked up to Ash, "You are to go hunting with me, Mistletoe, Rusty, Airia, Fang and Crystal," Hazen said, and Ash followed Hazen reluctantly to the group, who were all waiting for him. As Ash and Hazen arrived, the group began trotting to the exit, and Ash found himself walking alongside Airia. "Um...hi," Ash said to her, trying to strike up a conversation.
"Hey," Airia replied, and looked forward. Ash sighed. Why is it so hard to try and become friends with her? Ash thought, shaking his hanging head. He had loved Airia since he was an apprentice and she saved him from drowning, but wasn't really close friends with her.
Rusty sniffed the air, "Hmm, fox. I'mma go find it," he said, quickly looking at Crystal, then turning back to look ahead, and he walked off, jumping over some bushes.
"I'm going to go with him," Crystal nodded, and she walked after Rusty. Ash turned around to see Mistletoe sniffing the air, and she began following a scent trail. Strangely, Ash watched Hazen walk after her. He's probably still upset about having to leave Mistletoe, Ash snorted, and he watched as Fang in the direction of Rusty and Crystal, obviously wanting to see if they weren't causing any trouble that'd be bad for the Firebenders.
Ash found that it was only him and Airia now.
"Er..." Ash stuttered, "Want to...hunt together?" Ash managed to get out. He looked up at Airia and tried not to quickly look away. Much to Ash's relief, Airia nodded, and she sniffed the air.
"There's a beaver by the waterfall. Let's go get it," Airia reported, and she trotted away, an Ash followed her. They arrived at Ice River and followed the river towards the waterfall. Ash spotted the beaver, but then sighed. "Y'know...whenever I'm near the waterfall I can't push the image of Spots falling to his death out of my mind."
Airia nodded. "Spots was a good Bender, it's sad that he's dead." Airia crouched down and stalked for the beaver, and Ash watched her. She was stalking it perfectly. The beaver didn't even notice her there; Airia was a great hunter, Ash realized.
Suddenly, Airia slipped. Yowling, Ash's reactions took over and he dove for her, and gasped as he saw Airia dangling from the cliff, wide-eyed and looking, speechless, at the ground so far away it couldn't be made out what was down there. The only thing pounding in Ash's ear was the sound of the waterfall. It was then that Ash realized the only thing keeping Airia from falling down was his grasp on her scruff. Airia looked up at him. "Ash..."
"I can't pull you up, you're too heavy," Ash said, struggling.
"Er, Ash?" Airia said, then extended her wings. "I have wings, I can fly."
Ash felt embarrassed. "Oh! Right..." He let go of her and as she began to fall she quickly snapped her wings and flew, so fast and swift, high into the air, spiraling. One word described how she flew so gracefully: beautiful.
Airia then landed. "Thanks for wanting to save me, Ash. If I were wingless I'd be a goner," she smiled. "Goldwing was right, you are good at defending others' lives." She looked at where the beaver previously was. Now it was gone. "Well, guess we'll have to hunt something else now."
"Airia...?" Ash said, his voice almost whispering. Airia turned around. "You..." it took all of his courage to finish the sentence. "You...fly beautifully."
Airia smiled. "Thank you, Ash."

Author's Note:
D'aww. :'D

Chapter 5: Destiny Reminder

Ash flinched as he received yet another hostile glare from one of the Firebenders. He watched as it walked by and over to Twig, who was busy talking to Nyx. Ash sighed and walked over to Rusty and Dust. "Hey guys," he mumbled, sitting down by them.
"Well, someone doesn't look happy," Rusty said, turning his head to see Wildfire hissing at Airia, who was flinching and quickly trotting away. "Is it because Airia is getting picked on?" Rusty laughed, exchanging triumphant looks with Dust.
"What? No!" Ash exclaimed. "It's just that...well, the Firebenders are giving me a hard time too, and it's making me frustrated," Ash growled to himself and looked at the twins, and saw them rolling their eyes like it was not news at all.
"Oh yeah, the pressure is all on you, Ash! We're all just fine and dandy with full bellies, not starving and not being yelled at at all," Rusty snorted. He nodded to the scar over his shoulder. Ash rolled his eyes, and just when he was about to reply, Dust spoke up.
"No, Rusty, I think what Ash is trying to say is that the Firebenders are giving him a harder time than us. And I agree, they seem to loathe Ash more than the rest of us. Whenever he walks by, I notice a lot of the Firebenders glare at him and begin murmuring to one another," Dust explained. "I don't know why though."
Ash flinched as he recalled the day when Waterstreak, the leader of the Water Tribe, had told Ash that he was destined to defeat Ironfang and bring peace to the land. And Dust was right, the Firebenders did seem to hate him a lot. Is it because they think I am supposed to defeat Ironfang? Ash thought nervously. He quickly tried to stop thinking about it as a sick feeling of fear entered his stomach.
"Er...I'm going to go see Eclipse," Ash said quickly, and ran inside The Bending Tower, and trotted up the stairs and into the healers' room. Nightgale was in there giving an herb to Snakeseye, Dust's apprentice, and Eclipse was sitting over Streak, one of the young, who was asleep at the moment. Feather, another healer, was busy sorting herbs.
"What's wrong with Snakeseye and Streak?" Ash asked, trotting inside. Eclipse quickly turned her head as he entered, and so did Nightgale. Feather, however, kept working on the herbs, ignoring Ash.
"Snakeseye has a cut on his leg because he scraped past a sharp twig, and Streak has nausea," Eclipse sighed. She turned to Nightgale. "Nightgale, we need more leaves, we're low on storage." Nightgale nodded and ran out of the den, and Snakeseye laid down and examined the leaf that had been wrapped around his injury. "So what's up, Ash?"
"Um...the Firebenders have been kinda...well, scaring me," Ash admitted. "They seem to hate me more than the others." Ash sighed and looked out the window where a tree branch came into the room, and looked around the branch at the yard, watching the Firebenders everywhere and seeing Cinder fall, injured, making Ash flinch. He turned to Eclipse.
"Why is this scaring you?" Eclipse asked, and Ash recoiled. She doesn't know about my destiny, Ash thought, she doesn't know that she is supposed to assist me in the battle, either. Ash shook his head and looked at Eclipse, feeling uncertainty. "Ash? Are you okay?" Eclipse asked cautiously.
Ash sighed. "I guess I'll tell you...you need to know anyway." He looked at Feather, then turned to Eclipse. "Can we exit the room?"
Eclipse looked a bit nervous, detecting Ash's seriousness, but she shook her head. "Surely we can trust Feather, right? She's--" Eclipse stopped, "er, my mentor."
"No, she's more than your mentor, she's your adopted mother," Ash nodded, and Eclipse looked wide-eyed. Feather looked shocked too, and Ash could tell she was about to ask how Ash knew that. "Cloudsky told me in a dream when I was back at the Water Tribe." Ash saw Feather's eyes grow even wider, this time with longing instead of shock. "Okay, I'll tell you. Listen, Waterstreak told me my destiny. He said I need to defeat Ironfang. And Cloudsky told me in the same dream that Eclipse was supposed to help me. She was one of the Three animals two make a difference to defeat Ironfang." Ash looked at Eclipse's wide, blind eyes, and Feather's were wide too.
"Why didn't you tell me before?" Eclipse demanded, "you knew my destiny and you never told me? And you never told us your destiny either? We need to start working to defeat those Firebenders, and if we know you're our hope to finally have a peaceful land for once, we need to work! This war has been going on since the beginning of Bending, and--"
"Eclipse!" Ash exclaimed, interrupting, ""I didn't tell anyone because, I'll admit, I was scared. I heard all of the stories of Ironfang, that he's the strongest animal in the land, and I thought I'd never be able to defeat him. And I was an apprentice when I learned my destiny, I thought it'd be a long time from now. And you want to start working to defeat the Firebenders now? I'm not even a senior Bender! Give me some time!" Ash fought a growl rising in his throat. "But, this is why I'm scared of the Firebenders hating me, what if they know I'm destined to defeat the leader who keeps them in power?"
Eclipse looked a bit frustrated. "It's obvious, Ash, they do know that you are the one to defeat their leader! So that's why they're hating you more. And I heard Hazen, Fireblade and Wildfire talking. They want you dead, Ash." Eclipse turned back to Streak, acting like she didn't want to talk to Ash anymore. Ash sighed and turned around, leaving the room to let Eclipse let her anger go. Ash trotted down the stairs and turned his head around. I hope her anger won't last long, I need her, Ash thought.
Suddenly, Ash bumped into someone, and he turned to see Hazen in front of him. "Hey, watch where you're going," Hazen snapped, and Ash flinched as he remembered Eclipse had said Hazen was part of the group who wanted Ash dead.
Instinct took over common sense and Ash growled. "I overheard you want me dead," he snarled, "Hazen, I'm your own flesh and blood, I'm your brother! Why would you want me dead?!" Ash then recoiled, realizing he made a mistake saying that.
"I'm a Firebender," Hazen growled, "I don't care that you're my brother. I'm reminded everyday that you're my brother! 'Oh, that sorry excuse of a Bender is your brother?' Day after day! If you're dead then that'll be one less problem on my shoulder." Hazen walked up the stairs, but then stopped and turned his head. "Who told you this?"
Ash's ears pressed against his head, but in fear. Ash knew that if he told Hazen that Eclipse had told Ash about the Firebenders wanting him dead, she'd be tortured. Ash quickly hid the fear from his face. "Why should I tell you?" he said boldly, and quickly walked around Hazen and out into the yard.
The first thing that met Ash's eyes was Slice and Miguel. "I trusted you!" Slice wailed. "I thought you'd stand by me! I thought you were my friend. And now you've joined the Firebenders, and you're telling me to go hunt and threatening me?" Slice growled, "Well you can forget it! You don't deserve to tell me what to do. And I don't care what the Firebenders do to me. I will not listen to you!"
Miguel looked calm, and his face gave nothing away. "Slice, some things have to be done," he said simply. Slice growled and she ran away, and Miguel looked after her, then walked away.
Maybe Eclipse was right, ash thought, maybe we do need to get a jump on things and stop the Firebenders.

Author's Note:
Poor Slice. :c And I also got a new story blog, check my profile on the sidebar to get to it! :)

Chapter 4: Airia's Fear

Flying. It felt like a free sensation. Airia closed her eyes as the wind blew through her pelt, flying through the air. She let go of all her anger about the Firebenders and flew even higher, knowing that the Firebenders couldn't reach her here. If I could, she thought, I know I'd save The Bending Tower and fly them far from the Firebenders...but it's not possible. 
Airia recalled the looks the Firebenders had given her when they had saw she had wings. It made her nervous, and scared. The animals at The Bending Tower accepted her wings like they were no big deal, but the Firebenders did their research on history, and Airia knew that. If they figured out where she came from, they'd certainly do something terrible to her, find some way to use where she came from to their advantage...
Feeling worried, Airia changed direction and shot back to The Bending Tower, going really fast, and she landed on the roof of it in under five seconds. She was as fast as a flyer as her father was. He had said it was her talent. Airia jumped down gracefully, and quickly went inside The Bending Tower before a Firebender could spot her and tell her to get to work.
Airia sniffed the air and followed the scent trail she knew best of: her father's scent. Eventually, Airwing's scent joined the trail, and Airia began to follow her father and great-grandfather's trail. She finally saw them in a room with Poisonfang, Fang and Firetalon. "No," Goldwing was growling, "you may have defeated us in battle, you may have given us scars to remember you well, but I am not letting you choose who fills in the ranks!" Goldwing snarled, looming over the Firebenders, yet they showed no fear, but hatred and frustration. Then, Goldwing turned to look at Airia. "Oh, Airia! Is there anything I can do for you?"
Airia nodded. "But...I don't want them in here," Airia nodded towards the Firebenders. Goldwing looked at them too and nodded, and nodded sideways at the exit, indicating for the Firebenders to leave. However, the Firebenders only gave him a stubborn looked of hatred.
"We're not leaving! We're your rulers, remember?" snarled Poisonfang, baring her venemous fangs.
"You better leave now," Goldwing snarled, "if you don't then you will be killed, I don't care if you poison me or not!" He growled. Poisonfang narrowed her eyes back, but she nodded to Fang and Firetalon, and they both left the room. Poisonfang slithered after them, and Airia walked in. "Those Firebenders...I can't believe we lost to them."
"Father, you had to surrender to them or you would have been killed," Airia protested. "I couldn't struggle through this without you. And if The Bending Tower lost its leader, we'd be weaker, more vulnerable."
Airwing nodded. "Goldwing, you did the right thing. Surrendering was smart in this case," he sighed. "I have been searching the sky for prophecies from the Peacebenders telling me when the Firebenders will leave us. But I've gotten nothing. I don't know why the Peacebenders aren't helping us...it's like they've abandoned us." Airwing shook his head. "But I do know that someday a hero will rise to defeat Ironfang. When, I don't know, and who, I don't know."
"Airia, what do you need?" Goldwing asked his daughter, changing the subject.
"Oh," Airia said, "see, the animals here at The Bending Tower have always accepted our wings. Like it's no big deal, y'know? Well, I feel like that's only because we don't know much about prophecies or  history of our land, but the Firebenders know much more about it than we do. Remember when I was one of the young...and Airwing told me about Alpha Ruins?" Airia cocked her head. Goldwing nodded, and so did Airwing, with a slight smile on his face, as if remembering back when Airia was young. "He told me that if you chanted a certain song, you could...control weather for a limited amount of time. Well...I think the Firebenders made that storm that killed Fan, Willow, Amur and Mystery. They had to. It was unusual, and I think they were gonna kill us all with that ball of lightning, but their time was used up. And since they're close to Alpha Ruins...it had to be them."
Goldwing and Airwing both looked shocked. "When did you figure this out?" Goldwing demanded. "Is this what you came here to tell me?"
"I found this out right after the storm when I realized it," Airia explained. "But I thought it wouldn't matter, since it'd just be known out of curiosity." Airia looked at Airwing, who had a look of pride on his face, like he was proud of Airia for finding that out. "The real reason I came here. Like I said, the animals here from The Bending Tower accept my wing because they don't know what it means. But the Firebenders give me looks. They know why I have wings because they know who we descend from. I'm worried they may use me for bad."
Goldwing nodded. "I don't know if I told you this...but because of our descendants, we have a certain charm that makes animals...well, love us. This is because we are considered sacred. If animals love us, they'll be willing to defend us more, to protect us. So we're not harmed."
"Father, I am not aware of any animal who loves me, so what if I get harmed and used for bad?" Airia protested.
"Airia, I would never let anyone harm you, and if they did, they wouldn't live to see another day," Goldwing said, amusement sparkling in his eyes, "but I know there is one animal in the Tower who, I am sure, will defend you with his life."
Airia perked her ears, "Who?"
Goldwing looked at Airia, "If you ever feel scared the Firebenders will harm you...stick with Ash."

Author's Note:
Ooh, why is Airia scared of the Firebenders? :o

Chapter 3: The Bet

Ash walked alongside Cinder, Airia, Mkia, Ice and Slice as they all headed out into the forest. He couldn't help but shoot looks at Fireblade and Wildfire, who Poisonfang had told to watch them. Fireblade walked alongside Wildfire confidently, and Wildfire kept glaring at them, as if thinking they were going to attack them. Right, Ash snorted to himself, like we'd want to cause a huge fight.
Fireblade stopped, "This is a good area," he said, then whipped around to them. "Now, Poisonfang wants us to see how you train your stupid apprentices and see if we can actually improve upon your moves, because you darn need them. You go ahead and do whatever it is you animals do, and we'll just watch."
"Just watch", Ash thought. More like make fun of us.
Airia shot them a glare, then turned to look at Mkia, her apprentice. "Now, this will be your first time practicing Airbending. We're going to all practice Bending," Airia nodded, and Ash could tell she was doing that because she wanted to show the Firebenders that they were good at Bending, too. "First off, we'll start with Airbending since two apprentices here are learning Airbending." She looked at Mkia. "Now, what you need to do is--"
"Can we try flying?" Mkia asked, eyes wide.
Airia smiled in amusement. Ash looked at Fireblade and Wildfire, seeing that the two of them didn't look amused at all. Fireblade was rolling his eyes, and Wildfire was sitting there with a bored look on  his face. Airia looked at them and her smile quickly faded, and she then turned to Mkia. "No, that's too advanced. We'll start off by making a swift breeze blow."
"Flying?" Wildfire snorted. Ash rounded on the snake, ready to defend Airia if he had to. "Come on. It's impossible to fly." He exchanged looks with Fireblade, who looked like he agreed with Wildfire. Ash growled at them, knowing they were wrong. He walked up to them.
"Look, you may be our 'rulers' now, but that doesn't mean you're right about everything. Airia is right, it is possible to fly with Airbending--"
"Now, now, Ash," Airia stepped up to his side, making Ash flinch, "you're overreacting." Ash felt a bit embarrassed. "But," she looked at Wildfire and Fireblade, "he is right. I am right about this, just because you haven't seen an Airbender fly doesn't mean it's not real." Airia seemed confident, and Ash couldn't help but admire that.
"Really? Well, show us," Wildfire sneered, "and, without using your wings! You may have them, but prove to me that an Airbender can actually fly." He looked at Fireblade, and Fireblade nodded, as if Wildfire had done a good job making his point.
Ash growled, and Airia but her tail in front of him, indicating for him to calm down. Airia then looked at Wildfire and Fireblade. "Very well," she smiled, and Ash noticed the confidence in her voice made Wildfire and Fireblade recoil. "If I'm right, you give all of us more prey to eat."
Ash grew wide-eyed. She had played well. He was starving, despite how much he tried to ignore it. He looked at Airia, with a thankful look on his face. Airia nodded at him, seeing the thanks on his face. She looked at Wildfire and Fireblade, and they both nodded, accepting Airia's bet. Ash looked at the apprentices and saw they looked hopeful. Ash felt sympathy for Cinder and Mkia; they seemed young, and they were being put through this. Ash looked at Slice; she seemed a bit younger than Ash, but was handling everything well, but had been acting worse with it since Miguel had joined the Firebenders.
"Then let me show you," Airia smiled. She slowly moved her tail from side to side, and Ash perked up as he noticed a slight breeze enter the area. It ruffled his pelt, making him cold. Wildfire, hissing, looked from left to right. Fireblade just glare at Airia.
Then, the wind got stronger. Airia moved her tail quicker, and she closed her eyes, a smile on her face. It was then that she leaped. Ash marveled at how high she instantly went, high into the sky. Ash watched as she began to fall down, wings tucked in, showing she wasn't using them. Just when Ash thought Airia would hit the ground, she began moving up again and flew out over Ice River, and Ash jolted as he remembered Spots's death; his Dalmatian friend had fell over the waterfall and had fallen to his death.
Ash then snapped back to the present as Airia quickly flew down the waterfall, then flew back up, spiraling. She then flew down and landed safely on the ground, wings still tucked in. She walked up to Wildfire and Fireblade, who frankly looked...amazed. "I believe you owe us some food."

Author's Note:
Pwned.
And thanks to Jenny7 for Mkia. c:

Chapter 2: Working

Ash crouched down and leaped, biting down into a rabbit which was killed instantly. Sighing he picked it up, overwhelmed by the scent of dead prey. But he didn't dare eat it; if he did the Firebenders would punish him. The Firebenders made The Bending Tower hunt for them and didn't share any of the prey, so it was very difficult to get something to eat. Sighing, Ash walked over to the rest of the patrol; Twister, Dust, Stone and Raoul were there.
"Good catch," Twister mumbled, who had a fresh scar on her ear. Despite her comment was positive, she didn't sound very happy. Ash couldn't blame her; the Firebenders were making everyone miserable, sad and unhappy. "I caught two shrews. Maybe that will be good enough to please the idiots that are those Firebenders," Twister snorted.
"Be careful. If they hear us..." Raoul whimpered, "they're going to hurt us! I c-can't believe Miguel joined them. He kept saying how grateful he was to have came to The Bending Tower and leave the Fire Nation, but then he re-joined?"
"Animals do that a lot," Stone snapped. "These days you can't trust anyone!" She looked at Raoul. "Go try catching some prey to save yourself, kid. Because if you don't, your pelt's doomed." Raoul, wide-eyed, nodded and ran off to go catch some prey. Stone sighed. "I'm going to go find something big so I can get by." She then jumped over one of the fallen trees and headed off.
"Let's take our prey back and see if the Firebenders want to rip our ears off or something," Dust snorted. He picked up two rabbits he got, Ash picked up his one rabbit, and Twister picked up her shrews and they all headed back for The Bending Tower. And, as usual, in the yard, The Bending Tower animals, all skinny, were giving prey to Firebenders and struggling from wounds.
Ash put his rabbit on the large pile, and Dust and Twister put down their prey. "Geez," Ash murmured, "There's a lot of prey here. What, are the Firebenders finally not hungry?" he laughed, and Dust and Twister snickered along with him.
"Enjoying your hunting, eh, Ash?"
Ash grew wide-eyed, realizing that if the Firebender had heard his "joke", he'd be in trouble. Ash slowly turned around and saw Fang standing there, a loathing look on his face. Ash was about to walk away, but then Twister stepped up to Fang. "Yeah. It's wonderful," she growled. "We doing all the work while you all sit around like a bunch of fat rabbits!"
"Twister...!" Dust squeaked, seeing the look of anger on Fang's face. Ash knew Twister made a mistake. Fang snarled at Twister, revealing his very sharp teeth, which Ash was positive Fang would use to give Twister a few injuries.
"Now, now, Fang," said a black she-wolf, trotting up to him, "Leave the poor darling alone, I'm sure she's just some innocent apprentice who has no idea what she's doing. Like all of Goldwing's apprentices," she smiled, looking at Twister, who looked more mad. The she-wolf nudged Fang. "Now, go make someone else's life miserable."
Fang looked at the she-wolf then nodded, and walked off. The she-wolf smiled and grabbed a rabbit from the pile, then trotted after Fang. Ash looked after them, and then turned to Twister, seeing her looking very mad. "Hey, that she-wolf saved your pelt. Better an insult than an injury."
Twister growled. "I hate them!" she then walked away and into The Bending Tower, passing Eclipse, who flinched as Twister bumped into her. Eclipse's blind blue eyes looked around, and she sniffed the air, then headed over to Ash and Dust. "What's with her?" Eclipse asked.
"Fang and some other black she-wolf were making her mad," Ash shrugged.
"Oh. That other she-wolf is his mate," Eclipse sighed.
"His what now?" Dust perked his ears. "How could Fang be mates with anyone? I feel so bad for her," Dust snorted. "Fang must be a horrible animal to be with." He shook his head. "Anyway, Eclipse, what's up with you?"
"Healing animals. As usual," Eclipse rolled her eyes. "Well, Nightgale is doing a good job at healing, she's getting the hang of it."
"Ow!"
Ash turned around and was surprised to see that it wasn't a Bending Tower animal getting hurt, but FireBlade. Tiggerpaka was on his back, biting down into him. FireBlade snarled at Tiggerpaka, "Get off of me, you little runt!" he snarled, and Tiggerpaka jumped off, looking not hurt at all.
"You Firebenders were beaten so easily! We showed you!" Tiggerpaka smirked.
"You were the ones who lost, idiot!" FireBlade snarled, a glare on his face.
"That's what you think, but in truth, The Bending Tower won!"
"You did not! You're our slaves now, go make yourself useful and hunt something."
"Sure. I'm quite hungry," Tiggerpaka ran off, and FireBlade snarled as he ran off.
Ash shook his head. Geez, I hope this doesn't last forever...

Author's Note:
Ohhhh, slave work. ;w;

Chapter 1: The Firebenders' Control

"Come on! MOVE!"
Ash flinched as he saw Akumu yelp and fall to the ground, a new scar running across her back. Ash normally would attack and avenge Akumu, but he couldn't; not with Firebenders everywhere. They ruled The Bending Tower, and kept them working by making them hunt for the Firebenders and treat them with respect as their kings, and starving them. Ash knew that if he attacked the Firebender who harmed Akumu, he'd be harmed too, and punished.
Ash watched as Akumu slowly struggled to get up, yet fell down again, losing blood. Ash quickly turned around and slipped through the animals into The Bending Tower, heading for the healers' den, hoping a Firebender wouldn't spot him and send him to go to work. Every animal in The Bending Tower had scars. All of them had been injured somehow for the Firebenders' own enjoyment; this had been going on for a full moon now. Ash bore a scar over his right eye and a scar on his left ear.
"Eclipse?" Ash said, and looked to see the silver she-wolf look up from her herbs. Nightgale was also in the room, helping to sort the herbs. Nightgale had recently became Eclipse's apprentice in healing, and Ash admitted Nightgale was doing a good job.
"Oh, Ash!" Eclipse exclaimed, trotting over to Ash. "What do you need? Oh wait...let me guess, another injury?" She shook her head. "Those Firebenders are not doing us one bit of good, are they?" Eclipse smiled. "Airwing told me to look on the bright side, that we can discover the Firebenders' weaknesses...but it seems their only weakness is how arrogant they are."
Ash smiled slightly. "Akumu was struck and can't get back up." Ash sighed. "If she doesn't get up soon I fear they'll keep harming her. You got to help her." Ash knew that the Firebenders didn't seem to harm or stand up to Eclipse. Ash didn't know why though. Other than Tiggerkat and Tiggerpaka, Eclipse was the only one who didn't have any scars. "Eclipse...why haven't the Firebenders gave you any scars? They've harmed the rest of us..."
Eclipse sighed. "I am not certain, Ash, but I suspect it may be because I am the sister of a Firebender. Surely you heard of my past from anyone?" With a jolt Ash remembered Cloudsky; he was the one who adopted Eclipse and Cloudsky was the one who told Ash about what happened to Eclipse in the past. "I believe they fear to harm me because Fang would be angry since I am his sister. I know...he seems like he hates me, but perhaps deep down he still cares for me..." She sighed. "Come on, Nightgale, we have ourselves another injury."
Nightgale bounded over. "Got the leaves. Let's go." Nightgale trotted alongside Eclipse down the hall, and Ash looked after them, hearing Nightgale chattering all the way. They were both about the same age and same height, and both friends. Perfect to be working together.
Suddenly, Ash was pinned to the ground. He knew it had to be a Firebender, perhaps to harm him for not working. Ash looked up and growled as he saw his brother Hazen; Hazen had told Ash they were brothers. Ash loathed him however, because Hazen was a Firebender.
"Why aren't you working?" Hazen demanded, his voice cold. Ash felt like pinning Hazen and clawing him, but he knew he couldn't. No one could show disrespect for the Firebenders without being punished; Ash could recall when Dust learned it the hard way.
"Hazen?"
Ash looked to see Mistletoe behind Hazen. She still had what appeared to be a look of love in her eye; she and Hazen had been friends, and when Hazen turned out to be a spy Mistletoe was broken hearted. Hazen looked at Mistletoe, not seeming as aggressive towards her as he was towards Ash. "What?"
"Please, just...let Ash go," Mistletoe said, her voice shaky. Ash expected Hazen to only grippen harder on Ash, but instead he let go, sighed and walked away. Hazen's weakness was Mistletoe. It was quite obvious.
"Thank you," Ash breathed, getting to his paws.
"I miss him," Mistletoe blurted out right away.
Ash sighed. "I know. He would have been a great Bender here. But you'll...find someone better to be with. I'm sure." Ash then walked out into the yard, where both Firebenders and Bending Tower animals were. Ash watched as Crystal fell to the ground in exhaustion. Fang walked over to Crystal and gave her a threatening growl, and Rusty, who had loved Crystal since he was an apprentice, quickly rushed over to Crystal and leaned against her and helped her up, shooting a glare at Fang. He simply snarled in return and walked away
"Ash," said a voice, and Ash turned to see Charlotte standing there. She looked beautiful, despite the scar on her tail. "What the Firebenders are doing to us...it's scaring me." She pressed against him for comfort, and even though it made Ash feel uncomfortable, he let her because he could see the fear in her eyes.
"I know," Ash murmured, "but we're strong. We'll get through this." He scanned the area and saw Slice fall to the ground, looking very injured. Nightgale rushed over to Slice with herbs to treat her injuries.
Miguel, who had cared for Slice for quite a while, trotted over to Slice and looked down on her. Slice looked up at him, eyes full of hope, knowing Miguel would calm her and help Nightgale heal her and make sure she was fine and not gravely harmed.
But, to Ash's shock, Miguel pushed Nightgale away and put his paw on Slice's head, latching his claws onto her. She looked up at him in shock, and Ash could her him whisper into her ear: "Get back to hunting and don't be so weak."
Miguel then walked away, and Ash felt his jaw drop, and saw Slice had a look of horror on her face. Ash looked at Charlotte, who was still pressed against him, and saw she looked almost as shocked as he was. Ash then recalled the Peacebenders' warning of a traitor in The Bending Tower.
It had to be Miguel.

Author's Note:
Dang Firebenders. They cause trouble. .3.

Prologue: A Strange Dream

Fog covered the area, so thick not a single thing was visible. An owl hooted, breaking the silence. You couldn't tell where the ground started or where the sky started due to the fog. Everything was covered in it.
A black male wolf's head poked out from the fog. He examined the area, unable to detect anything. He began walking, despite he'd never be able to tell what was in front, below or behind him. He just kept walking, somehow determined to find something. He looked from left to right and all around, then kept walking forward.
Suddenly, a silhouette appeared. A silver she-wolf with black legs and icy blue eyes stepped out from the fog, and blinked. The male wolf and her looked at each other for a while, examining each other. Both were unmoving, until a voice came.
"I'm over here!"
It was impossible to tell if the voice was male or female. Suddenly, the black wolf darted after the voice, and the she-wolf ran after him, following. They kept running in the direction of the voice, trying to find who was there. The black male wolf quickly skidded to a halt as he heard the voice again.
"I'm over here!"
The voice was farther this time, and the male wolf kept running after it. The she-wolf began running again as she ran with him. The male wolf ran faster than last time in case the voice would keep going further and further away from them.
The two wolves skidded to a halt once again and perked their ears.
"I'm over here!"
Looking frustrated, the male wolf ran after the voice again. The she-wolf followed him, acting as if she had no choice. The male wolf kept running faster and faster, and the voice began calling over and over and over again.
"I'm over here! I'm over here! I'm over here!"
Startled, Ash woke up.

Author's Note:
What could the dream mean? :o

Book #3: The Rebellion

The final book of the series is 

Book #3: The Rebellion

SUMMARY:

The Bending Tower surrendered to the Firebenders' power. Now the Firebenders rule the land. Ash and his friends are in constant torture as the Firebenders treat them as slaves. There's something happening Ash isn't aware of though; everyone in The Bending Tower is planning a rebellion against the Firebenders to escape, but for some reason aren't telling Ash. The Bending Tower manages to chase the Firebenders away and everyone, even the young, set off to save the other animals from the Firebenders and join with all of them to defeat the Fire Nation once and for all. Tensions are high, and Ash still needs to find out his past and the other animal of the Three. The time to complete his destiny approaches, and the final battle is coming that will include many losses...

With that said, be sure to comment to keep your characters alive!
Characters will keep coming in, and when this book is over a second series will be created on a separate blog. I plan for this to be the longest book in this TFEOB series, and the most action-packed. The time has come for the Firebenders to be chased out of the land once and for all, and Ash is going to make sure that happens.

With that said, I give you...

The third and final book of this series.

Chapter 54: The Battle Continued

Ash looked as more of the Tribe wolves came poring into the yard. He noticed, however, it was only about half the Tribe, not all of the Tribe. Where are the other wolves? Ash wondered, why would only half the Tribe show up? Once all the Tribe wolves arrived, Ash watched as they leapt into battle. They don't know the Firebenders, Ash assured himself, so they should be on our side! Suddenly, Ash jolted as he saw Mousetail, a small warrior from the Tribe of Flying Birds, leap onto Akumu, biting into her. Oh great, Ash growled, they're against us! 
Ash leaped onto one of the Tribe wolves, who was leaping for Nightgale. Ash bowled into the wolf and pinned her to the ground. She snarled up at Ash and scratched at his legs. "Why would you help the Firebenders?" Ash demanded, wanting answers to the questions burning in his mind.
The she-wolf spat at Ash. "Like I would tell you!" Ash then pushed down on her chest, and the Tribe wolf coughed. "Alright, alright!" She snarled. "You Benders act like you're so great. We're treated like we're nothing. The Firebenders want to destroy you and rule. So we're helping them!" she then bit down into Ash's leg, and he yowled out.
"Idiot!"
Someone bowled into Ash and he gasped as he saw that his attacker was Flyigbird, a Tribe wolf Ash had met on the way to The Bending Tower. He looked at the she-wolf. "Lionclaw! Why would you give in so easily to this sorry excuse--" he then examined Ash. "Ash! So we meet again," Flyingbird growled, "You broke Nightgale out and left us. Coward!" Flyingbird hissed.
"You held me against my will!" Ash exclaimed, "Why shouldn't I have broken free?"
"You were supposed to help us," Flyingbird spat, "fallen fire was supposed to bring peace to the land." Flyingbird bared his teeth at Ash. "It doesn't matter now, though. The Tribe should have joined the Tribe of Fire moons ago. Because we're stronger now!"
Ash now realized that the Tribe of Fire was the Firebenders; back when Ash and the patrol went to the Water Tribe, the Tribe of Flying Birds' leader mentioned they were fighting a Tribe of Fire. So the Tribe was under the threat of the Firebenders too! Ash thought. He snapped back to reality when he saw Flyingbird baring his teeth, about to bite. Ash put all his strength into his legs so he could kick Flyingbird away...
Suddenly, a yowl came and Flyingbird was pushed off Ash. He got up and grew wide-eyed as he saw Treebranch had pinned Flyingbird to the ground, snarling at him. Flyingbird had hope on his face. "Treebranch, you're here! Quick, fight alongside me. Ash is on the side against the Tribe of Fire!"
Ash flinched, expecting Treebranch to jump on him, but Treebranch only growled at Flyingbird. "No. Flyingbird, I thought you were loyal to our Tribe. Turns out you're not." A look of sadness came onto her face. "You betrayed the Tribe, you and the others! And...you betrayed me..." Treebranch looked in pain.
Flyingbird spat at Treebranch, "So what. I betrayed you. And my Tribe. But it's better in the Tribe of Fire. We're stronger!" Flyingbird then bared his teeth, and Treebranch flinched. "You don't deserve to be deputy! I used to love you, but it is me who should be deputy of the Tribe of Flying Birds. Not you!"
Ash grew wide-eyed as he looked from Flyingbird to Treebranch. They were mates, and Flyingbird turned against her? Treebranch had a look of horror on her face. She then closed her eyes tight, looking hurt. "Traitor!" she yowled, and let go of Flyingbird, and he got to his paws. "I can't believe you'd do this to me, Flyingbird!"
Ash thought he hated Treebranch since she had been one of the Tribe wolves who helped to trap him so he could be held captive at the Tribe, but Ash realized that he had to take Treebranch's side on this. She wasn't evil, but her mate was; and it probably wasn't even her fault that she helped hold Ash as prisoner.
Flyigbird snarled and ran into the crowd of battle. Treebranch just stared after him, looking
heartbroken. "Treebranch..." Ash began, "I'm really sorry. Flyingbird is not a good wolf." Ash looked at her. "Are you the only good wolf left in the Tribe?"
Treebranch sighed and shook her hanging head. "No... But most of the Tribe joined the Tribe of Fire, believing they'd be more powerful that way, and able to get revenge on you Benders." Treebranch turned to look at Ash, and Ash was confused to see what seemed like a look of longing on her face. "But I heard they betrayed us and were going to attack The Bending Tower. I told the Tribe we've been betrayed by our own warriors and apprentices, but they didn't believe me. I didn't know Flyingbird was in on it too, though..."
"Look out!" yowled a voice, unmistakably belonging to Akumu. Ash looked towards the entrance to see more Tribe wolves pouring in. Treebranch looked wide-eyed, but Ash was growling. "Oh great! More Tribe wolves to help the Fire Nation?" he knew that The Bending Towe would be outnumbered at this rate.
But then, Ash saw Leafclaw, the Tribe wolf leader, yowl and leap into Lionclaw, biting down onto her. Yes! Ash thought happily, some of the Tribe is on our side! He turned to Treebranch. "Come on, we need to win against the Fire Nation!" he leaped into battle. Ash was searching for Hazen, and found Hazen biting down on Airia, who was growling at him, struggling. Snarling, Ash leaped into Hazen's side and bit down on Hazen, making him yowl out in pain.  Ash pinned Hazen, snarling. "Get off her!"
"Aww, so cute. You want to protect Airia," Hazen sneered. Ash felt anger in him, and Hazen kicked Ash into Akumu, who yowled out in surprise. She jumped away and HZdn pinned Ash to the ground. "My brother," Hazen growled at Ash, "you're so weak. I can't believe I'm related to you!"
Ash grew wide-eyed. "What?!" Ash demanded. He prayed that Hazen was lying only to distract him. But if that was true, it would explain why Ash always got a strange déjà vu feeling around Hazen. "How can you be my brother?"
"Curious?" Hazen sneered, "well, you're getting no answers from--" Suddenly, Hazen was picked up
off Ash and thrown across the area. Ash was happy to see Kabu standing there, roaring at Hazen, making Hazen run away in fear. Kabu then turned to Ash. Ash noticed Kabu has a few cuts on his face. "Ash, I know you want to play with Hazen," despite Kabu sounded serious, amusement glittered in his eyes, "but I need your help. Tiggerkat needs to be taken to a place where she won't be harmed. You're a good fighter. Escort her!" Kabu nodded. He then ran off, and Ash dodged a fireball hissing at him and ran for Tiggerkat, who was in the middle of the battle, looking a bit overwhelmed. He passed Ember, who was fighting another fox, and Moonlight, who was fighting Fang, and got to Tiggerkat. "Tiggerkat!" Ash yowled over the battle, "come with me! You need to hide!"
To Ash's surprise, Tiggerkat smiled. "Hide? Ooh! Hide and seek? Okay, I'll count, you hide!"
"No, no!" Ash yowled, "follow me!" This should be a challenge, Ash thought, and lead Tiggerkat through the battle. She looked happy, not stressed at all.
Ash grew wide-eyed as he saw Mousetail in a pouncing position behind Tiggerkat, looking like she was about to tackle Tiggerkat. "Tiggerkat!" Ash exclaimed, "look--"
"Oops! I dropped this pebble!" Tiggerkat exclaimed, bending down to pick up a tiny little rock. Ash was about to yell at Tiggerkat for being an idiot, but Mousetail leaped and missed Tiggerkat, bowling into Lionclaw by accident. Tiggerkat then stood up. "Okay, let's keep going!"
Ash shook his head and ran towards The Bending Tower entrance, Tiggerkat following. He went inside and so did Tiggerkat. "Okay," Ash whispered, "stay in here. Do not go ANYWHERE else!"
Tiggerkat nodded, and Ash ran back outside. He heard a yowl and looked to see Leafclaw standing over Fang, who was coughing, blood coming out of his side.
"Fang!" yowled Darkclaw, and she snarled and leaped into Leafclaw, pinning him. Ash grew wide-eyed as Darkclaw quickly bit into Leafclaw's neck, and he yowled in pain. Just when Ash was about to leap into Darkclaw, Leafclaw went limp, dead.
"Leafclaw!" yowled Ash, running over to the Tribe leader. He stirred a bit and looked up at Ash.
"Ash?" Leafclaw whispered. "Ash... I'm sorry we held you as a prisoner." He looked up at the sky.
"I forgive you," Ash breathed, "stay tight, I'll fetch our healer--"
"No Ash," Leafclaw looked at him, "I'm dying." He had a slight smile on his face. "I remember you when you were a young pup. So playful, innocent..." Leafclaw died.
Ash grew wide-eyed. How did Leafclaw know about him as a pup? He didn't even knew at he was like as a pup, or where he grew up. Ash stiffened. Hazen was his brother, and he had been a loner as far back as he could remember; could Ash possibly have been born in the Fire Nation? I gotta find out my history! Ash decided.
Suddenly, Ash heard a yowl. Whipping around, Ash saw Goldwing struggling under a red snake. His fangs were bared, threatening to bite Goldwing if he made any sudden movements. Ash knew that snakes were fast and could easily react if Goldwing tried to escape. Ash felt an urge to go and attack the snake, but he knew he couldn't, not without getting killed.
"Goldwing!" Ash yowled. Instinct took over and Ash tried running over to Goldwing; the Peacebenders would be on his side since he had to live to kill Ironfang, right? So if I can do this, the Peacebenders will make sure I get out alive, Ash figured.
Suddenly, FireBlade jumped in front of Ash. "Stay away from Goldwing, he's as good as dead with Wildfire on top of him! Just watch your leader die," FireBlade sneered, pinning Ash to the ground, forcing Ash to watch Goldwing struggle under the snake. Ash noticed Goldwing had many scars. Everyone had been silent, all staring at Goldwing. Ash knew that if Goldwing was killed, it would mean that the Firebenders would win.
Then, Poisonfang slithered forward. "Wildfire, I think you made your point," Poisonfang smiled. Wildfire hissed delight and slithered off Goldwing, and Goldwing got to his paws, growling. Poisonfang observed the area knowingly, and Ash did with him. All of The Bending Tower animals were bleeding and had many scars, some looked really weak, like they would die any minute. It made Ash's heart pound as he saw how much less scars the Firebenders had.
"Do you surrender, Goldwing?" Poisonfang sneered.
Goldwing glared at her. "We... We..." He suddenly almost fell to the ground, and Ash flinched: Goldwing was losing too much blood. "We... Surrender."

TO BE CONTINUED...

Author's Note:

The Bending Tower lost. 8c The next book is coming out soon! I might make this a two-chapter day to make up for my long absence. But I'm going to be preparing TFEOB for the third book coming out soon! What was your favorite part of this book? Ideas? Opinions? Comment below! To see spoilers about the third book, click here!