Chapter 27: Escaping The Bending Tower

Confused, Ash stood glued to the spot. Why had a battle broken out? Why was the whole Bending Tower in on it? Once Rusty started, he seemed to cause a chain reaction, and Dust broke out fighting and then Charlotte did, and everyone else joined...Ash was the only one not fighting apart from Streak and his sister Patch, whom Rainbow had pushed into The Bending Tower for safety despite their protests; they were obviously scared their mother would die like Amur did.
Just then, Flamingclaws pounced on Ash, and he yelped in fear, worried he'd suffer the same pain as Crystal.  "You've been suspicious for quite some time, Ash. Why is everyone fighting like this?" he growled threateningly, "and don't lie, or I'll kill you for sure."
"I don't know," Ash blurted out. And he was telling the truth; he didn't know why everyone was fighting. However, ash Ash expected, Flamingclaws had an evil looked that made Ash sure he didn't believe him. Ash wanted to escape Flamingclaws's grasp, but was afraid he'd harm him if Ash did.
"I don't believe you," sneered Flamingclaws. He pulled his claws back and struck Ash. Ash yowled out as the pain started, but it quickly went away. A little bit of blood trickled from Ash's chest, but very little. He got to his paws to see Charlotte had tackled Flamingclaws.
"What do you think you're doing? You're not gonna kill him," Charlotte growled.
Ash recoiled. He knew that Charlotte seemed to love him, but felt sorry for her that he didn't like her back. Well, I have that too, Ash thought, remembering Airia.
"You can't tell me what to do," spat Flamingclaws. "We're your rulers."
"Not anymore," Charlotte whispered, and she slashed her claws over Flamingclaws's muzzle. He yelped, but then kicked Charlotte away, and she fell in the middle of a fight between Twister and Hachiko. Dust, who was nearby, quickly helped her up, whispered something encouragingly to her, and nodded towards Flamingclaws. Charlotte nodded.
Charlotte jumped into the air, riding the wind she was Bending. She hopped onto Flamingclaws's back and dug her claws into it. Flamingclaws bucked around, but surprisingly, Charlotte managed to hang on even when it looked as if she was going to fall.
Flamingclaws then used his hind leg's claws to scratch her. Charlotte howled out and slipped off. Flamingclaws was about to strike her again when Mistletoe shot into Flamingclaws's side, about as fast as Twister. She bit down on his neck, and he yowled out with pain, and stumbled back, about to fall back. Ash figured for sure he was about to die.
However, Flamingclaws tried fighting his weakening self. But, in the heap of battle, he didn't see a fireball coming. Luckily, he missed, but that opportunity of him being distracted was open. Ash watched as Rusty took it, jumping onto Flamingclaws, slamming him into the ground, a merciless look in his eye.
"Never lay paw on Crystal," Rusty snarled, and dug his claws into Flamingclaws's neck. Flamingclaws let out a final yelp before he went silent, dead.
With what all just happened, Ash forgot he was in the middle of a battle. He looked around and he flinched as he saw Hazen running inside The Bending Tower. Suspicious, Ash ran after his brother, growling to himself. He walked in to see Hazen was trotting up the stairs. Ash darted after him, and then looked to see Hazen was going into the healers' den.
Of course; Airia.
He wants to hurt her, Ash thought angrily, to get revenge on me. He knew Hazen wasn't happy with Ash choosing Firebenders to help him defeat the deer. Growling, Ash entered the healers' den and saw Hazen standing in the middle of the room. Airia was laying down, looking up at Hazen, and Eclipse was standing up by Airia's side. So was Nightgale. They all looked at Ash.
"Get out of here!" Ash growled at Hazen.
"You're here to defend Airia, aren't you? Because you like her," Hazen said.
Ash sighed. "Okay, fine, yes. Happy? Now, step away!"
"No," Hazen said with an icy stare.
"Why not?" Ash demanded.
"I have my reasons."
"You leave Airia, Eclipse and Nightgale alone," Ash ordered.
"Like I'm gonna hurt them," Hazen snorted.
"Don't lie to me!" Ash yelled, making everyone flinch. "You lie, you're a Firebender! All Firebenders are just good-for-nothing animals who just kill and torture for fun. You're going to hurt them, I know it! And don't try to convince me, because you won't. How can I trust you?"
Hazen grumbled. "I don't always lie. Look. I didn't lie, you are my brother."
"What?" Eclipse gasped.
"Yes," Hazen whipped around to growl at Eclipse, "we're siblings." He then turned back to Ash. "And watch this. I loved Mistletoe, and I still do. There's another truth. Happy?" Hazen then growled, and Ash was a bit confused as to why Hazen hadn't pounced on him yet. "The Firebenders are powerful, Ash, and you know it. They torture and kill, like you said, but it's not for fun. It's for good reason."
"What, so they can show off how great they are?" Ash snapped.
"No," Hazen said, "they want to be rulers. And they are at the moment. But..." he sighed. "I'll admit this. I...I don't..." he then shook his head. "They're going too far," he blurted out. "Crystal's torture was scary. Feather's death was horrifying. Normally I'd enjoy that. For some reason, I didn't seem to enjoy it as much..."
"Cloudsky," Ash murmured, somehow realizing it right away. Cloudsky had made Hazen be scared of it. He was nearby, it had to be him. Maybe...Cloudsky wants Hazen to become good? Ash suggested to himself. He felt it was possible; although Hazen was evil, Ash realized he did seem to have a few attributes of a good Bender instead of a Firebender.
"I...I can't believe I'm saying this, but Ash, I don't want to be a Firebender. It seems wrong," Hazen admitted. "The Firebenders will kill me though, if I join The Bending Tower. So please...can you and me fight a bit in the yard to make them think I'm still loyal? Then I could 'accidently' throw some fire into the Firebenders?"
Ash sighed. "Fine...but if this is a trick, you're dead. Clear?" He felt like he couldn't trust Hazen; when Hazen was a spy for the Fire Nation and had been at The Bending Tower, Ash always felt unease when he saw him. His instincts had told him not to trust Hazen, but he had ignored them.
"Clear," Hazen nodded.
They were about to leave, when Airia stopped them. "Ash?"
"Yeah?" Ash turned to Airia.
Airia walked up to Ash. "Is it true that you love me?" she whispered.
Ash sighed, feeling like he wanted to deny it. "Yes," he said with confidence, and, feeling, embarrassed, ran out, following Hazen.
It felt weird to be walking alongside Hazen not as enemies, and not being forced to. Ash studied Hazen hard, trying to see any signs of betrayal. But Hazen's face was blank, as the two walked out into the yard. Ash looked at the battle around them.
Ash could hear a yell, and turned to see Tiggerpaka standing in a tree. He swung from a vine, and Ash looked to see several chipmunks follow him on their own vines. Most of the animals stopped to look at this scene confusingly. Tiggerpaka landed on Graves, who barked at Tiggerpaka. The chipmunks, all squeaking, landed on other Firebenders. At first, the Firebenders laughed, but the chipmunks began biting them, and apparently it hurt, because the Firebenders yelped but then found their strength and began fighting the chipmunks. Ash shook his head to clear it.
"Okay," Ash said, and pounced on Hazen, pinning him to the ground. Hazen growled and kicked Ash away. Ash pounced at Hazen and bit down on him, going as easy as he could without making the fight look fake. Hazen yowled out and bit down on Ash, and Ash whispered, "let me go, growl and run into The Bending Tower as if you got a plan."
Hazen nodded and did as Ash told him. He let go of Ash and snarled at him, then backed up, turned and ran into The Bending Tower.
Ash looked to see Cinder, his apprentice was darting around brown tiger, confusing her. The tiger snarled and swiped its paw at Cinder, but she ducked and bit down on the tiger's paw. The tiger bared its fangs and went to bit Cinder, but Cinder made a waterball appear in the air and hit the tiger in the face, making it yelp. Cinder then darted off, so when the tiger opened her eyes, Cinder was gone.
She's doing good, Ash remarked.
Firefly then sneaked over. "Psst! Ash"
"What?" Ash asked. He was surprised and happy to see Firefly was healed enough to be out in the middle of a battle.
"There's a new plan," Firefly whispered, "everyone needs to act like they're fleeing. And then sneak into The Bending Tower and go into the leaders' room."
"What?" Ash said, but Firefly slipped away. It all made Ash suspicious; Snakeseye hushing Nightgale when she was about to say something, animals for The Bending Tower in hushed conversations yet stopping when Ash walked on by...and a "new plan" seemed weird. New? What was the old one?
However, when Ash was attacked by Graves, who was covered in chipmunk bites, he didn't question the new plan. Ash put up a fight with Graves, biting his ears and legs, and Graves countered with scratches and the occasional fireball that Ash had to avoid. Then, Ash yelped, as if in fear, turned with his tail between his legs, and fled.
"I beat the mighty Ash!" Graves yelled in a mocking voice as Ash left. Ash could hear several Firebenders laughing with pleasure. They know I'm supposed to defeat their leader, Ash remembered. Of course Graves would feel proud.
Ash didn't know where to go at first. But, he saw that Sun, Goldwing's mate, was whisking around the corner of The Bending Tower walls. Ash followed Sun's scent, and saw her creep down a hole. Ash followed, and it was dark in there. As he walked up out of the hole, he was in the leaders' room. Other Bending Tower animals were there too. Surprisingly, Stella was there as well. A ginger she-wolf was next to her, looking nervous. As he looked at her, she said, "I sneaked in. So did my friend Kirin. Goldwing said it'd be okay if I could join. Besides, the Firebenders are being jerks anyway." She sighed.
"Welcome to The Bending Tower," Ash smiled.
Nyx then flew over. "We have a plan, but I'm not fully aware of what it is. Goldwing sent Firefly to tell everyone, but didn't tell us what'd we do once everyone was in the leaders' room." She seemed excited. "I can't believe this is finally happening, and kind of working!"
"What is?" Ash cocked his head suspiciously.
"Um..." Nyx stammered, "Firefly...being able to tell everyone about the plan. Yes, that's it."
Ash was beginning to get a bit ticked off with all of this secrecy, but just went to sit down by himself. He watched as others began to enter. Airia came in, and Ash quickly avoided her gaze. Tiggerpaka wandered in, looking quite proud, beginning to boast about how he could communicate with chipmunks (the chipmunks even followed him into the room), Eclipse came in, helping Crystal, and Rusty quickly bounded over to her. Nightgale followed shortly after, carrying herbs. Twister and Akumu both came in as well, in conversation together. Twig trotted in, her wounds looking healed. Dust came in with Charlotte, Mistletoe following. Many other animals came in as well, Goldwing and Airwing arriving last, just when Ash thought they'd never all squeeze into the same room.
"Alright," Goldwing said, and everyone fell silent. "Nice job, everyone. We have a new plan. The Firebenders think we surrendered, they'll probably leave. This is off to a good start. Now, new plan!" he then paused, but continued, "in the elders' room there's a tunnel. It leads to a cave. We'll escape through that way."
"Escape?" Ash said confused. Why would Goldwing want to escape his own Tower? And what was off to a good start? Ash wanted to yowl out in frustration that everyone was keeping too many secrets, but just then, Hazen came into the room, and everyone gasped.
"It's Hazen!"
"He knows we're here!"
"He's going to get the Firebenders!"
With this, Dust and Rusty lunged towards him, trying to attack him. Hazen howled out and backed away into a corner, where Rusty and Dust growled at him. "What do you want?" Dust glared.
"Stop," Ash said, and everyone looked at him. "Hazen told me he doesn't want to be evil anymore. He says the Firebenders are getting too violent."
"Agreed," Stella said aloud. "I don't blame him."
Goldwing looked from Ash to Hazen. "If Ash trusts Hazen, I do too. Hazen, you're safe with us."
Hazen sighed in relief. Dust threw him a glare and threatened, "Don't try anything funny, I'm onto you."
"Follow me," Goldwing nodded. He exited the leaders' room, and everyone, not making a bit of noise at all, crept after them. At the slightest movements and sounds, animals occasionally flinched in fear. Luckily, no Firebender came.
Then, they all sneaked into the elders' room. In there was a hole. Everyone piled in, and it was pitch-black, no one could see anything.
"Ow! Rusty, that was my tail."
"Yipe! Dust, stop kicking me!"
"Sor-ee, but I can't see a thing!"
"Well, use your senses, Dust!"
"You should every once in a while, you know?"
"Quiet," Kabu ordered.
They all continued down the hall. Hazen suggested lighting the place up with fire, but Goldwing didn't want to risk anyone getting caught on fire. Ash walked alongside Goldwing near the front, curious as to where the tunnel would end up.
Finally, they all stepped out of the hole and they were in a cave. Everyone crept out of the cave and Ash realized they were still in their territory, but judging by the scents, far from The Bending Tower. The Ice River was nearby, the water trickling through the area.
Then, out from one of the trees stepped Hachiko. "Well, well well," he sneered, "fancy meeting you runaways here."
Everyone stiffened, but Goldwing and Airwing faced him with total confidence. "Leave and do not report what you saw," Goldwing said calmly.
"Oh, well, I can't quite do that..." Hachiko growled with pleasure. "The Firebenders ordered me to find you, they knew you wouldn't simply just flee. If you don't return to the Tower, you will all suffer. All of you." He glared at everyone, then flinched. "Stella? You joined these idiots?"
"Yes," Stella growled, "the Firebenders do not deserve to be rulers."
Hachiko glared. "Very well. You shall suffer, too." He then made a huge fireball appear in the air, and everyone gasped or yelped at the sight of it. Hachiko grinned evilly and looked at Goldwing and Airwing. "Say goodbye to your precious Benders!"
With that, Hachiko threw the fire on both Goldwing and Airwing.

Author's Note:
I won't be able to post again until Friday or Saturday, because our grade is going on a week-long camping trip. c:
See a new post on MAC here.
And be sure to vote on the new poll! :)

Chapter 26: Dear Agony

The patrol, all slightly weak from the fight, all returned to The Bending Tower, where the others were waiting for them. Upon their arrival, the animals all scurried over to them, beginning to ask so many questions that Ash could barely handle the noise, not able to answer everything at once.
"Did you win?"
"What happened to the deer?"
"Did anyone die?"
"How big was the deer?"
"Is anyone gravely injured?"
"Hey!" exclaimed a voice, and everyone stopped. Ash looked to see it was Goldwing who had called out. "Do not ask questions, I am sure Ash can go over everything in detail and answer all of your questions. Let him speak." With that, Goldwing nodded towards Ash and he trotted to the front of the crowd, who all gathered closely to listen. Even the Firebenders seemed interesting, which was new, because usually they wouldn't give a mouse's tail about any victories The Bending Tower had.
"The deer is dead--" Ash began, but was cut off by the howls of victory from The Bending Tower, while the Firebenders growled in frustration. Poisonfang looked shocked, she had obviously been sure she had condemned Ash to his death. Ash fought back a triumphant grin. "...Yes, the deer is dead. However, we lost Skye and Maisoon during the fight."
A moment of silence followed, except the Firebenders were all exchanging words and growling.
"Yes. Well done," Poisonfang said coldly. "And I believe we found out the reason why some of our warriors were used to fight the deer..." Ash, confused, followed Poisonfang's gaze, and saw she was looking at Miguel, who looked pleased about something. This can't be good, Ash thought worriedly.
Poisonfang whispered something into Flamingclaws's ear. He trotted up to Crystal, who looked up at him with worried eyes. "You," he growled, jabbing her chest with his paw, "make a square hole in the ground, Earthbender."
What? Ash thought. He looked to see Rusty looked a bit scared.
"Why?" Crystal asked. Despite she sounded brave, she didn't look brave.
"Do it now and no questions," Flamingclaws snarled.
"I want to know why," Crystal demanded.
Ash flinched as Flamingclaws rose his paw in the air, revealing long, sharp claws. Ash half marveled, half stumbled back from fear at the sight of the claws. He gasped as he realized what Flamingclaws as about to do, but before anyone could stop him, he dug his claws into Crystal's chest, sinking them in. She screamed in pain, and Ash wanted to close his eyes, but he couldn't. He couldn't even imagine what pain Crystal must have been getting from the claws. Crystal tried to get out of Flamingclaws's grip, but couldn't. "This is what happens when you question the Firebenders," snarled Flamingclaws.
Ash looked to see Rusty leaped. "Hey!" he snarled, and pushed Flamingclaws away. Crystal took a few steps back, still wailing in fear and pain. She leaned against Rusty for comfort, and blood spilled from her chest. Ash was sure Rusty was satisfied she went to him for comfort, but he was giving Flamingclaws a hostile look. Rusty turned to Crystal. "It's over, it's over, I won't let it happen to you again," Rusty murmured soothingly.
Flamingclaws spat in disgust. "Well, Earthbender? Are you gonna do what I asked you?"
Crystal, still shaken, nodded slowly.
"No," Rusty said, "don't do what he tells you."
"I'll give you the same injury if you interfere," Flamingclaws snarled.
Rusty looked at Flamingclaws. "I'd take the pain for Crystal any day," he insisted.
"N-No," Crystal breathed, still trembling, "I-I'll do it."
Right in the middle of the group of animals, a square area of stone moved down. What are they going to do now? Ash thought in fear. It looked horrible, what Flamingclaws did to Crystal. The Firebenders seemed ready to kill and torture at the moment. Ash wondered if they were going to torture him next. He silently prayed to the Peacebenders that no one else would suffer today.
Eclipse had walked up to Crystal to tend to her injury while Rusty stood protectively over her, saying calming things to her. Crystal was looking up at Rusty with a look of relief on his face. Well, he's got her hooked I guess, Ash thought, but quickly turned his attention back to what the Firebenders were up to. All of The Bending Tower seemed to have looks of fear among them.
Then, Poisonfang slithered forward, a murderous glint in her eyes. She bared her fangs. "Feather."
Ash felt dizzy. They were about to do something horrible to Feather. Ash could tell, because the Firebenders had scents of excitement among them, and The Bending Tower animals had fear scent on them. Ash watched as Feather slowly stepped forward. No Feather, no. Fly away, please! he pleaded silently in his head. After seeing the incident with Crystal, he felt like he wouldn't be able to bare anymore ugly sights.
"You have had the idea of using our warriors to go fight the deer, hoping they'd die. One of us have heard you talking about it. True?" Poisonfang hissed.
Feather looked at Ash. Ash flinched, realizing that they had been mistaken. When he was telling Feather about his plan to use the Firebenders, someone must have overheard them and thought Feather had the idea herself. He tried to remember what Firebender was nearby. He gasped.
Miguel.
Ash shook his head at Feather. Don't say yes. Don't say yes!
Feather looked away from Ash, then grew wide-eyed. Her head zipped around, looking from one direction to the other. She seemed to be looking for something. Briefly, Ash thought Feather was going mad. Then, she sighed, closed her eyes and then opened them. "Yes."
She must have gone mad, Ash thought, wanting to yowl out that it was his fault. However, he found that he couldn't open his mouth. A breeze swept through the area, and Ash grew wide-eyed as he saw a ghostly silhouette perched in a nearby tree.
It is Feather's time to die, said Cloudsky's voice inside Ash's head.
No! Ash thought in fear, no more deaths, please!
Ash, said a voice, this time Susan's, many will die if the Firebenders are to be driven from the land. There are sacrifices that must be made.
No, no, no...if many are going to die, I don't want the Firebenders to be driven away! He began worrying about who he'd lose just because the Firebenders were to be defeated. No, no...I can't let this happen! Please stop this, Peacebenders, you're the ones we look up to!
"Very well," growled Poisonfang, and Ash snapped back to reality. "Firetalon? Fang?"
Firetalon and Fang approached. Feather looked at them with pleading eyes. "You were my sons...please, don't do this. You've gone evil, this is wrong. Do you not see the bad of this? You two don't have to be this way. I'm sorry you ended up like this..."
"Sorry?" sneered Firetalon, "we like it this way! Feather, you've been a fool since I first met you. We're Firebenders now, not soft-hearted like you!"
"Then suffer a painful death..." Feather breathed. "Cloudsky, please, have mercy on them..."
"Cloudsky's dead," snarled Fang. He then threw Feather into the pit.
Ash could hear Streak wailing in fear. Ash looked at him. He felt sorry for Streak, it was a horrible thing to witness as a kit. He closed his eyes tight and put his paws over his ears, obviously not wanting to witness anything more horrifying. And Ash couldn't blame him.
Rainbow quickly trotted over and picked Streak and another kitten up, about to take them in The Bending Tower. However, Wildfire looked at them. "Put them down. This will be good for them to witness. They will see many die like this. They'd better just get used to it."
"Mom, I'm scared...!" squealed Streak.
"I know," Rainbow whispered, putting her kits down. "I am too. But I'm here for you."
"Feather," Poisonfang began, "you are to die for your wrong doings. Miguel, since you found out the information of Feather betraying us, you get the privilege of killing her."
Miguel looked spook. "Poisonfang, I am aware that Feather deserves to die. But I..."
"You're what, too much of a coward?" sneered Wildfire. This made the Firebenders howl with laughter.
"No, I, um...er, what I'm, er...trying to say...is that..." he fell silent.
"You're not meant for this," Poisonfang said, giving Miguel a cold stare, "I always knew you were a coward. You could never be given a job like this and carry it out. You're soft-hearted, Miguel. It looks like you don't have the guts to murder like I thought you would. You being with The Bending Tower for a while has made you soft."
"I...I can't...I-I..." Miguel stammered.
"Just as I thought," Poisonfang said, eyes narrowed. "Wildfire! You do this."
"With pleasure, my dear sister," Wildfire sneered. He made a ball of fire appear in the air.
Ash looked wildly at Miguel. He was staring at Feather, and he mouthed something to her. Ash could tell what he was trying to say.
"I'm sorry."
Before Feather could respond, Wildfire threw the fire into the pit. Feather screamed as she caught on fire, and all the animals from The Bending Tower gasped with horror. The Firebenders, however, yowled with delight and triumph as Feather yowled out. Ash howled in fear. What have I done...my simple plan resulted in Feather's death!
Feather let out a final shriek before she went limp, the fire still there. She was dead.
The Firebenders howled in delight. However, The Bending Tower animals looked scared, yet some annoyed.
"That's it," growled Rusty's voice.
"But Rusty!" Dust began to protest, "don't--"
"I don't care what the orders were, I'm fed up, we need to do this now!" Rusty snarled. He then leaped onto Flamingclaws, biting down. Flamingclaws shook Rusty off and he fell down. Dust, giving in, leaped onto Flamingclaws as well, and Rusty kicked at Fang, who was coming over to break it up.
Charlotte decided to help out, apparently, and she leaped onto Firetalon and bit down on him. He shrieked and scratched her with his talons. Mistletoe sprung into action, leaping at Miguel, who wasn't expecting the attack at all.
Then, everyone else broke out into a fight.

Author's Note:
Sorry I haven't posted in a while! Bet this makes up for it. ;D
There's a new poll on the sidebar, vote now!
And, there's a new post on Misitu's Art Central, click here to see it!
And be sure to check out this important post [link]!

Updates! *IMPORTANT!*

Hey y'all!
This is an IMPORTANT POST, so read on! c:

Before I begin I wanna say that there's a really important post on Misitu's Art Central, possibly more important than this (I dunno though, they're both story blog related... XD). Click here to see the post! Do it! And I shall give you a cookie. See, posts on MAC won't show up on your dashboards, so... :c

I also got a new story blog, so head on over to my profile to check it out. :)

So yeah. TFEOB updates!

First off, if your character has not come in, don't fret! I plan for the rest of the charries to come in later, because the animals are gonna be travelling across the land. In case you don't know why, I shall not tell. :3 

And if you happen to return to TFEOB and realized like: "*le gasp* ME CHARRIE IS DEAD! D8"

I will not let you make a new character, because if you look at the sign-ups page, there is an overload of characters. 

But, if you start commenting again, I'll have your character come in as a Peacebender every once and a while in animals' dreams and all. So no worries! ^3^

The MAIN update is...

...The second series.

So yeah.

I need to start developing characters, ideas and plots for the second TFEOB series, so if your character happens to be paired, you will have "partners" to come up with your characters' pups/kits/whatever. Comment the pups/kits/whatever of your characters below once you have both come up with some. c:

Sorry, but this list may contain spoilers of the couples. But they're not too big. :3

If I'm your partner, you can choose the pups/kits/whatever yourself, but if you're having trouble I can help out. In some cases, if it's really important, I'll add an extra offspring or edit around with them. But I'll let you know! :P

Here we go (if you don't comment in a while, I'll decide for you)!

RustyXCrystal:

Partners: GreatShot and Eeveelord

Offspring: Starlight and Sparky

EclipseXFirefly:

Partners: Conchitah and GreatShot

Offspring: Undecided

StoneXDarner:

Partners: Hamishcat and GreatShot

Offspring: Smokey, Daisy and Maya

AkumuXFlare: (it's not made yet, but will be soon :3)

Partners: Sirius and Eeveelord

Offspring: Sirius, Mirage and Wyki

StellaXMax:

Partners: Freyapaw and Ming

Offspring: Undecided

RaoulXNyla:

Partners: Ming and GreatShot

Offspring: Undecided

CometXMkia: (also not made yet, but will be soon)

Partners: GreatShot and Jenny7

Offspring: Undecided

I may post this a few times, because things may change, new couples may be added and all.

Once you comment your offspring, I'll update this post!

Because of this, the next chapter may be slightly delayed. Sorry! :c

Chapter 25: Ash's Plan

"Get that deer!" Ash yowled, "it's heading straight for The Bending Tower!"
Ash watched as Stone and Darner began taking after the deer. Nyx and Twister quickly followed, and so did the rest of the patrol. Ash got to his paws, ignoring Eclipse's protests, and took off after them, calling back over his shoulder, "I'll be extra careful!"
Suddenly, a voice yelled from above and Ash got startled as he saw Tiggerpaka swinging by him on a vine, landing on Ash's head. "Good day, friend!" Tiggerpaka shouted while Ash kept running. "I understand you're in a bit of a tangle, and I'm here to help."
"Help?!" Ash exclaimed, "Tiggerpaka, you're gonna get yourself killed!"
"Nonsense!" Tiggerpaka smiled, "the deer will bow at feet once this is over!"
And rabbits will fly! Ash thought bitterly. However, Tiggerpaka simply grabbed onto a vine and swung ahead, jumping from tree to tree to try and catch up with the deer. Well, I suppose it's his funeral. Ash looked to see that the animals who were guarding The Bending Tower met up with them and began to battle the deer. The deer was shaking his head wildly as Crash was digging his jaws into the deer's head. He got flung into the ground, and quickly scampered away before the deer could trample him with its hooves.
Skye and Nyx were both working together. They zoomed in at the deer. Nyx scored a scratch on the deer's forehead, and Ash gasped to see blood trickle from the deer. It was the first blow that counted! However, Skye wasn't so lucky. Ash watched helplessly as the deer rammed Skye with its horns, making Skye fall to the ground, blood spilling quickly.
"Skye!" exclaimed Maisoon, scampering over to Skye. Ash watched them from the bushes, and Maisoon looked at Skye. "Skye, don't die on me, please! You'll make it! Come on! Get up and fight!" Maisoon scanned the area frantically. She made eye contact with Ash. "You got her into this! Save her, please!"
Ash ran forward, stopping at Skye's dying body. He looked at her wound. Even he knew that Skye had a wound that couldn't possibly heal. "Maisoon, that's a fatal wound, she can't recover."
"She's got to!" Maisoon exclaimed.
Skye looked up at Maisoon. "Y-you'll be joining me...soon...v-very soon..." with that, Skye closed her eyes, dead.
"Soon?!" Maisoon exclaimed, "I'm gonna die...?"
Ash looked up. "Maisoon, look out!" he exclaimed, seeing the deer charging at the three. Ash quickly bowled to the side, but Maisoon was not lucky. She got hit in the head by the deer's hoof, and the head injury killed her.
Two deaths! Ash thought worriedly. He dodged the deer's blow to him. We need a plan to kill the deer!
Suddenly, Ash had a flashback of Spots's death: Spots yowling out, being swept away by the river, down the waterfall, everyone calling out after him, grief-stricken when they realized he was lost to them forever. Ash yowled out at the memory.
When the flashback went away, Ash had to quickly jump to avoid the deer, which was throwing its hooves at his head. Luckily, Ash was missed. At first, he wasn't sure why he suddenly had the flashback of his Dalmatian friend plunging over the waterfall, but then an idea struck him.
Of course.
"Everyone!" Ash yowled, "we need to lead the deer to the waterfall!"
Although no animal acknowledged Ash's suggestion, they began running in the direction of the waterfall, and the deer followed. Ash jumped onto the deer's back to urge it to keep fighting. He bit down, and as the deer ran, it bucked Ash off and he slammed into River, who easily picked Ash off of him and put Ash down. "Keep it up!" River encouraged him, then went to help Rusty, who had fallen and was in danger of being trampled. Luckily, River got him out of the way, both uninjured.
Eventually the group made it to the river. That was when Tiggerpaka swung in, yelling, "Bow to me, deer!" he then landed on the deer, and almost slipped. Ash was about to swoop in and save him when Tiggerpaka got his grip by biting hard onto the deer's ear.
The deer snorted angrily and began bucking, heading for the ledge. Ash was about to yowl to Tiggerpaka to get off, but the deer slipped and fell off the ledge. Luckily, Tiggerpaka jumped off and landed quickly on the ground. He stumbled a bit but caught his balance.
Everyone stood in silence for a few moments. Ash realized the deer was dead and that they won.
"I meant to do that," Tiggerpaka smirked.

Author's Note:
Death, and victory...ymustbadthingsandgoodthingshappeninonechapter. 

Chapter 24: Never Give Up

"Three...two...one...attack!"
The patrol all leaped out of the bushes, jumping for the deer. Ash tried his best to push his fear away as he lunged at the deer. The deer snorted angrily and ducked as Rusty lunged for his head. Lucky Rusty missed, Ash thought, ducking as Nyx flew over his head, or he would've been ripped apart by the deer's antlers!
Nyx swooped at the deer, and Ash could tell she was using Airbending to make herself faster. She aimed her talons at the deer, but the deer charged at Nyx with its antlers, causing the young owl to retreat, and she flew further into the air.
Light, growling, charged at the deer, ramming her head into the deer's side. However, this was proven to be a wrong move, as the deer didn't budge and Light fell back, looking dizzy. As she shook her head to clear it, the deer butt her back with his head, luckily not using his antlers, and Light fell into Crystal, who had been ready to leap onto the deer's back. The two she-wolves quickly scampered to their feet.
Airia flew into the air and dive bombed the deer, who let out a loud snort of surprise. Ash watched as Airia bit down on the deer, but not do any damage surprisingly. The deer began to buck, and Airia flew off of the deer before it could do any damage to her.
Ash jumped at the deer and clawed it, but it didn't do any damage. Growling in frustration, Ash bit down hard on the deer. It let out a snort and bucked again, making Ash fall hard and land on the ground. He quickly got to his feet and jumped away when the deer charged at him.
Hazen growled at Ash. "Nice job, bug-brain! We're really winning!"
"I'd like to see you try to inflict any damage!" snarled Ash.
Hazen glared at Ash. Hazen then made fire appear in the air, and threw it towards the deer. However, the deer simply dodged it, and Hazen looked surprised. However, Hazen's surprise was quickly replaced by a look of anger, and he growled and lunged at the deer, but the deer turned and kicked at Hazen. Lucky for Hazen, he didn't get hit.
Airia flew at the deer again, and the deer used its antlers to catch Airia and throw her onto the ground. A feeling of shock came upon Ash as blood came from Airia's chest, and she collapsed, breathing heavy as blood kept spilling. The deer charged at Airia, prepared to make a killing blow.
"Airia!" Ash howled in fear. He jumped in front of the deer to block Airia, and he got hit in the shoulder with the deer's antlers. Ash breathed in hard, trying to get air, as blood began gushing from his shoulder. He stumbled a bit, but managed to stay on his feet. Airia, however, was knocked out.
Oh, no! The deer is going to win again! Ash thought, feeling weaker from blood loss. "Nyx!" he managed to yell, and the owl flew over to him. "Get Eclipse and Nightgale to get Airia and to heal us! Make sure another Bender escorts them! And go get the backup patrol!"
Nyx quickly nodded and swooped off. Ash could see that Light, Crystal and Twister were all jumping onto the deer, but the deer quickly bucked them off. They lunged again, not giving up, and, luckily, having no injuries.
Feeling even weaker, Ash turned to Airia to see her still bleeding. He licked her forehead. Please live, please live, please live, Ash begged the Peacebenders, collapsing onto Airia from his own blood loss. He looked up at the sky, knowing the Peacebenders must be watching this. Why are you letting this happen?! Ash demanded to them angrily.
Just then, growls came and animals came crashing from the bushes. Ash sighed relief as he saw it was the backup patrol. Following them quickly was Eclipse and Nightgale, with Mistletoe close to them, most likely their escort. Ash watched as Stone, growling, bit down on the deer's leg, Darner helping her.
The deer kicked them away, and Stone and Darner collided into each other. Darner helped Stone up. "Come on, you can do it!" he yelled encouragingly. Stone nodded, and ran at the deer again.
Stella tried Firebending, like Hazen did, but again, the deer dodged it. Full of confidence, Stella jumped at the deer and bit down on it, only to be bucked off. Stone also skidded away from the deer as it tried to hit her with its antlers.
Eclipse and Nightgale had made their way over to Ash and Airia. "You're gonna be fine, Ash," Eclipse breathed, "Airia will be too." Eclipse took some leaves from Nightgale and put them on Ash's shoulder. With some weeds, Eclipse wrapped the leaf onto Ash's shoulder. Eclipse pushed down on Ash's shoulder to make the bleeding stop. Nightgale was working on Airia, putting two leaves onto Airia's chest and wrapping weeds around it.
"Airia needs to go to the healers' den," Nightgale said. "How can we carry her?"
"I'll fetch Goldwing, he can. Ash, in a little bit, you can resume the battle," Eclipse nodded, darting off. Nightgale began pacing back and forth with anticipation and anxiety, looking down at Airia every now and again. Ash looked at her too, hoping she'd make it.
Eclipse came back, and Goldwing flew overhead, then came down to the ground, and looked at Airia, wide-eyed in shock. "That deer did this to my daughter?" he whispered.
"Yes, Goldwing. The deer will be killed, don't worry, just get Airia back to the healers' den!" Eclipse ordered. Goldwing quickly nodded and picked Airia up and flew off with her.
Eclipse looked at Ash's injury. "It'll be healed in a bit--" she began, but was cut off as the deer came charging for her. She moved out of the way, and Ash ducked out of the way too, unharmed. The deer ran off, and Ash realized it was heading in the direction of The Bending Tower.

Author's Note:
I can't wait to write the next chapter. .3.
Please check out Misitu's Art Central frequently, its posts aren't appearing on your dashboards! D8 Click here to see it!

Chapter 23: Be Prepared

Ash stood in front of all of the Benders. The meeting was called for him to announce his plan to defeat the deer. I never thought I'd be standing up here, Ash thought, scanning the animals. He stepped forward. "Alright!" he said, "you all know the mad deer on the loose. It almost killed Nzuri and Firefly, did horrible injuries to Twig, Rusty and Dust. Being deputy, I've been assigned to kill the deer." Ash glanced at Poisonfang before continuing, "I have made a plan."
"And if it fails," Poisonfang interrupted, hissing, "Ash will be killed for his mistake."
This sent murmurs rippling through the crowd, but Ash wasn't too scared. "Yes. What she said. Anyway. A main patrol will go in and find the deer and attack it. That will be lead by me, with Airia, Light, Crystal, Rusty, Twister, Hazen and Nyx. We'll have backup in case anything goes wrong. River will lead that patrol, containing Hachiko, Stella, Flamingclaws, Stone and Darner."
Everyone began talking, and Poisonfang slithered forward. "You don't command my warriors!"
"Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you were brave and not cowards," Ash retorted. Oh, Lifebreeze, help me.
Poisonfang snarled. "I'll let my Benders join. But if you fail, I shall double the punishment!"
Akumu spoke out. "What about the rest of us?"
"Yeah!" Dust agreed.
"I'm getting to that. Lead by Maisoon, Crash, Skye, Dust and Graves will guard the Tower in case things get out of control. Everyone else will be alert to help if help is sent. Clear?"
"Clear!" The Bending Tower animals all said at once. The Firebenders, however, were just growling and muttering.
Ash nodded, and the patrols all headed for the exit. Goldwing looked at Ash and nodded approval. Ash smiled in return and followed the patrols into the forest. Ash broke off to his patrol, who all seemed pumped up and excited. Except Hazen. Ash looked to see Hazen fall back to walk beside Ash, and he hissed, "I don't know what you're doing by making me do this patrol, but I will not be killed by a stupid deer!"
"You do that. If you're strong enough," Ash countered, making Hazen growl. Ash then trotted ahead to lead the patrol.
"Thanks for picking me to go along Ash!" Twister smiled.
"I chose the best non-senior Benders," Ash nodded.
"So Dust isn't a good Bender?" Rusty laughed.
Ash sighed. "No, just--nevermind."
"And I notice that you brought Airia," Light murmured teasingly.
How many animals know about this?! Ash thought nervously. "I chose her because she's a good fighter," Ash responded calmly.
Light snorted and gave a little eye roll. "You're lucky, though. I'm forever alone."
Crystal paused and sniffed the air. "The deer is nearby," she breathed.
"Alright. Let's find it and attack," Ash ordered.
"If you need help, Crystal, I'll come to you," Rusty said assuringly.
"Thanks," Crystal replied, sounding grateful.
The patrol ducked behind a nearby bush. "I'll fly overhead," Nyx whispered, and she flew off into the air. Ash watched Nyx fly overhead. Everyone was quiet, and no one dared made any movements. The only thing Ash could only hear the others breathing.
Nyx swooped back down. "It's eating some leaves in the clearing," Nyx said. "Shall we attack?"
"Yes. If things get too out of paw, we'll all attack it at once," Ash nodded.
"Right," Airia whispered.
"Okay," Ash said, "get your battle faces on, guys, because this deer is going down."

Author's Note:
Here we go >:D

Chapter 22: Poisonfang's Idea

Streak gasped. "Nzuri!" he yelled, running over to Raoul. Ash followed, and Rusty and Dust padded after. They were slower than Streak, who was rushing over to his sister frantically. "Nzuri! Speak to me!" he exclaimed, and Raoul just placed her down. Streak looked at her, but she wasn't responding. "She's gonna die!"
"Not if we can help it," said Eclipse, trotting over with Nightgale at her side. "We need to take her to the healers' den." Not minding the blood one bit, Eclipse picked Nzuri up and padded into The Bending Tower calmly, Nightgale following. Feather flew after them to help out.
"She's gonna die," Streak repeated, sounding scared and sad.
"Aw, don't be sad, kid," Dust said, "you get to have my lunch. You should be happy that you'll be full and I'll be starving."
Streak looked at Dust. "Be quiet! How can you think of joking around when my sister is near death?!"
Dust recoiled. "Okay, no need to be so feisty." With that, Dust trotted away, and Rusty followed after.
Cinder walked over. "Nzuri was harmed by a mad deer?" she asked.
"It was humongous!" Raoul exclaimed, "its antlers were so big! And it was vicious! It tried to kill us! Nzuri had snuck out of the young den and followed us, but arrived at the wrong time and the deer was charging at me, but Nzuri got in the way and got hit!" he whimpered, "it was my fault."
Ash knew Raoul was talking about the deer who attacked Rusty, Dust, Max and Firefly.
"No it wasn't," Cinder assured Raoul, "you had no clue Nzuri was coming with you."
"I should have scented her," Raoul muttered.
Ash flinched as Poisonfang slithered over. "A mad deer, you say?"
Raoul looked at her, "Y-Y-Yeah..." she stammered.
"Yes. I believe Graves told me of this," Poisonfang hissed.
Of course! Ash thought. He could recall the fox, Graves, nearby when Ash, Rusty and Dust were talking about the deer. He must have reported it to Poisonfang! Ash became slightly worried, wondering what advantage Poisonfang would use of the deer.
Poisonfang then looked at Ash, and Ash almost jumped in alarm to see that Poisonfang had an evil glint in her eyes. "You, dear, you're deputy, are you not? And if you're deputy, you're going to need to prove yourself. Especially to my friends." She bared her fangs, and Ash slowly backed up. "I'm putting you in charge of killing that deer. And if you don't succeed, you will be killed. Understand?" she hissed.
In fear, Ash quickly nodded, and Poisonfang, satisfied, slithered off. Cinder, Streak and Raoul all looked at him with wide eyes. Ash looked at them. "Er...give me a few moments," he said, and quickly turned around and took off. He ran through the crowd of animals, who watched him pass. Ash was trying to find Goldwing.
Obviously, Graves told Poisonfang that the mad deer is injuring us all and is deadly. Plus, I'm scared of it, Ash thought, which Poisonfang possibly figured. So, in revenge for Goldwing electing me second in command, she's making me kill the deer. Wonderful. Just great.
But then, as Ash entered The Bending Tower, he began to reconsider his fear. She put me in charge of doing this...that means I can choose whoever I want to kill the deer! Obviously, it can be defeated somehow, but I can put some of the Firebenders at risk of being harmed!
Just then, Feather flew by. "Ash! We're currently working on healing Nzuri. She's gonna take a while to heal, but she should recover."
"Never mind that," Ash breathed, but seeing the look on Feather's face, he changed his words. "Er, I mean...good, I hope she heals well. Listen!" he began, "the mad deer on the loose, is the same deer that had attacked me when I was an apprentice. I'm sure Eclipse told you." Seeing the surprised look on Feather's face, Ash continued. "Well, Poisonfang made me in charge of killing the deer. And if I don't succeed, I am to be killed myself!"
Feather looked at Ash knowingly. "So what's your plan this time?"
She knows me well, Ash thought. "I plan to use some of the Firebenders to kill the deer. So if someone is to be killed, it may be a Firebender."
Feather nodded. "Use the Firebenders to kill the deer! Right!"
"Yes, a good plan I think," Ash said, "I just thought I should tell you about Poisonfang telling me to kill the deer. That way, if any of our Benders get injured, you'll have enough herbs to heal them. Okay?"
Feather then hopped down the hall and out into the yard. Ash went around the corner and flinched as he saw Miguel sitting there. When Miguel gave Ash a horrible glare, Ash scampered own the hall and into the leaders' den, which was at the very end of the hall.
Ash had never been inside of the leaders' den, but it was huge. There was a window on the side, revealing the yard down below. There were vines decorated on the walls of the room. There was also a small puddle in the room, with water in it. Ash figured it was for the leader to drink out of. Ash noticed Goldwing was in the middle of the room, eating a scrawny rabbit. Goldwing looked at Ash. "Yes?"
"This room is amazing," Ash breathed.
Goldwing smiled. "In the past they figured leaders deserved the best. So, that said, the leader is to get the best. And you get to sleep here, isn't this better than a packed den full of Waterbenders? Well...now that that's out of the way, what do you need from me?"
"You know the mad deer?" Ash asked. When Goldwing nodded, Ash continued. "Poisonfang ordered me to be in charge for killing it."
"She did?" Goldwing perked his ears. "Not even a full day on the job and you're given this job? Continue."
"I have a plan to use some of the Firebenders to kill the deer," Ash continued, "that way, if someone gets killed, it's likely it could be a Firebender. So it's like a small revenge plan."
Ash looked at Goldwing - was that a slight smile when he said "small revenge plan"? - and Goldwing nodded. "You can call the meeting and arrange the attack to kill the deer. If you kill it and make it out alive, then Poisonfang will be double angered. Risky, but it will show you're strong."
Ash nodded, "Thanks," and then left the den, planning the attack in his head.

Author's Note:
Firebenders. .3.
Check out the new "Theme Songs" page! ^-^

Chapter 21: The New Deputy

When Ash went to sleep that night, he first had the dream about the voice that could never be caught. Ash was finally getting annoyed with the dream. He thought he was waking up, and he began growling in frustration, beginning to consider visiting Airwing about the dream. But, when Ash woke up, he wasn't in The Bending Tower, but in a beautiful forest.
"Ash!" exclaimed a voice from behind Ash. Ash turned around to see a small little monkey hopping over to him. "Hi!"
"What are you doing here?" Ash asked.
"Remember I said I'd guide you? Well here I am!" Susan smiled. "You're having these dreams about voiced you and Eclipse can't catch, right? Well, according to Peacebenders rules, I can't tell you so I can give you a chance to choose for yourself. So I'm going to give you a prophecy.
A prophecy, Ash thought. Cloudsky had told Ash a prophecy about his past that Ash could remember: "A tree holds the answers".
"There is two, but a third is needed," Susan said. The world then faded around Ash, and he woke up. "Come on," Ash muttered. He then perked his ears as he realized that the new deputy was going to be announced this morning. River will definitely get this! Ash thought. He weaved through the Waterbenders, anxious as he wondered what the Firebenders' response would be to whoever Goldwing would choose.
As Ash trotted down the hall, he saw Rusty and Dust a bit ahead, and Ash caught up. "Hey guys! Who do you think will become deputy?"
"Hi Ash!" Rusty greeted him. "I think it's gonna be Cora! She deserves it," Rusty looked at Dust.
"Who do you think should get it?"
"Crash," Dust nodded.
"I think River deserves it," Ash said.
"I agree!" Rusty quickly said, "and if our father becomes deputy, maybe if he becomes leader Dust or I will become leader then!" Rusty beamed.
"Oh yeah, Rusty, you'll definitely become leader. And make The Bending Tower somehow explode!" Dust exclaimed.
"Explode?" Ash laughed, as the three entered the yard, sitting on The Bending Tower side of the yard. Ash sat in between Rusty and Dust. Leafy was in front of Ash, and she was sitting next to Aimee. Ash noticed not everyone was out yet. Goldwing and Airwing were both deep in conversation at the front of the animals.
Ash, Rusty and Dust all held a conversation (Leafy and Aimee jumping in at times), while other animals came out. The Firebenders seemed very smug and determined, Ash noticed.
Eventually, all the animals were out and ready for the meeting. Goldwing stepped forward.
"I have chosen the new deputy," Goldwing said.
There were a few murmurs of anger from the Firebenders; they obviously were hoping that Poisonfang would be choosing the deputy. "Welp, this is it!" whispered Leafy, sounding anxious. Ash had to admit he was a bit nervous too; whoever Goldwing chose would decide the fate of The Bending Tower.
"I'll bet your lunch it's Ash!" Streak whispered from behind Ash. Ash turned around to see Streak was talking to Dust. Ash was about to tell Streak not to make the deal; he'd obviously be wrong, and Streak needed food to help give him strength.
"Deal!" Dust smirked.
Everyone then began looking at the animals they thought would be deputy; some looked at Creature. Rusty and two other animals looked at Cora. Others were examining Stone. A couple of animals looked at Darner. Plenty of animals were looking at Rover, and quite a few at Diamond, River's mate. Streak was the only one beaming at Ash.
"The new deputy is..." Goldwing began.
"Say it," Leafy whispered.
"Ash," Goldwing finished.
This sent many, many murmurs rippling through The Bending Tower animals. Ash got dizzy from shock. Me?! He thought, alarmed, not expecting it at all.
"Ash?!" Rusty and Dust exclaimed in unison.
"Ha! I told you all!" Streak exclaimed, loud enough for everyone to hear. He lowered his voice as he said to Dust, "you owe me your lunch!"
"Fine," Dust grumbled.
Charlotte leaned forward from behind Rusty and said to Ash, "Go forward! Congratulations, I'm proud of you!" Charlotte beamed.
Ash smiled, embarrassed at Charlotte's compliment. He made his way forward through the crowd, weary of the Firebenders throwing him looks of hatred. Why are they so mad? Ash wondered, as they went to stand by Goldwing.
"Ash, you deserve this role. I am sure I made a good decision electing you deputy. You're loyal, trustworthy, and full of courage." Goldwing smiled. He then whispered, "you have to make a small acceptance speech."
Ash nodded. "Um..." He cleared his throat, wondering what to say. "Thank you, Goldwing. Although, I didn't think it'd be me. I thought it'd be a more senior Bender." Ash's voice got less shaky and more determined as he continued. "I will do my best to fulfill this job, and...I hope I will be considered a good deputy."
Poisonfang slithered forward, giving Ash a death glare. She whispered to Goldwing, "well played," just loud enough for Ash to hear. Well played? Ash thought wildly. "Yes, the new deputy has been chosen," Poisonfang said, her voice louder now, "although, I am sure my friends agree you could've chosen a less weaker deputy," she said coldly, and the Firebenders laughed. "The meeting is over. Wildfire!" Poisonfang snapped, apparently in a bad mood, turning to her brother, "get some of these worthless Benders hunting!"
"With pleasure," Wildfire growled.
"Meeting over!" Poisonfang snarled, and the animals broke apart.
Rusty, Dust and Charlotte made their way over to Ash. "Great job, Ash!" Rusty smiled.
"Now, if you just don't die, you'll get to command The Bending Tower!" Dust added.
Charlotte hit him with her shoulder. "He's not gonna die!" she whispered.
"You're so lucky!" Rusty grinned, "you get to sleep with Goldwing at night, so you won't be crowded! You also get to speak for Goldwing when he's not around. And you know what's best? The deputy has an easier time finding a mate," Rusty added teasingly, nodding towards Airia, who was talking to Stone. Ash looked at Rusty and swiped Rusty's ear with his paw, and Rusty snickered. However, Ash noticed Charlotte looked a bit sad.
Streak bounded up. "Ash, that's so awesome! You won me Dust's lunch!" Streak smiled, "I want you to become my mentor!"
"If Cinder becomes a full Bender before that," Charlotte pointed out.
"Yeah. Cinder..." Streak said, lost in thought. He then snapped back to reality. "Oh! Um, so--"
Streak was cut off as Raoul ran in, carrying a limp kit in his jaws. Ash gasped to see that it was Nzuri, Streak's sister. Ash saw that Nzuri was bleeding badly.
"There's a mad deer on the lose!" Raoul gasped.

Author's Note:
Yay Ash. c: But poor Nzuri... :c

Chapter 20: Doing Duties

A bird chirped and fluttered through the sky as down below Ash, Rusty, Dust, Cinder, Lily, and Snakeseye walked through the forest. Ash looked around, examining the area. "We're working on hunting today," he told the others as he lead the way towards the forest clearing. "You should probably learn this quickly because the Firebenders will expect you to fetch prey for them."
"Ha! Fat chance," snorted Lily.
"Okay, it's your funeral," Rusty shrugged.
"Hey!" Lily protested, "you're my mentor, you're supposed to encourage me!"
"Not to encourage you to do stuff that can get you killed," Rusty pointed out.
Lily grumbled. "Fine. I'll fetch stupid prey for the Firebenders."
"So you're not gonna fetch smart prey?" Rusty joked.
"Stop teasing me!" Lily complained.
"Rusty, stop it," Ash said, "Cinder, I suppose you know a bit of hunting already." When Cinder nodded, Ash continued, "thought so. But we can still refresh your memory. This should be easy for you predators. But Snakeseye, you're gonna have to work a bit harder."
"Why are you acting like the leader, Ash?" Dust snorted.
"Because he's good at it!" Cinder smiled.
"Right," Rusty laughed.
Ash shook his head. "Whatever. Let's see which apprentice can fetch the biggest piece of prey."
"And do NOT hunt any deer!" Dust put in.
"Yes," Ash nodded agreement, "if you scent a deer, head away from it."
The three apprentices all exchanged confused looks. Rusty added in, "if you need help, come find us. We'll try to help you."
"But come to me, because I am better at hunting," Dust boasted.
"Hey!" Rusty growled.
"No fighting," Ash said. "Now, begin."
The three apprentices all darted off in different directions. Rusty turned to Dust and Ash. "Let's stalk them! Then we can watch them better."
"Stalk them?" Ash echoed. "Isn't that, like, invading their hunting concentration?"
"We'll hide, duh!" Dust pointed out.
Ash shook his head. "Fine."
Rusty and Dust both took out in the direction of their apprentices. Ash followed where Cinder went, and began tracking her. Ash duck down by a bush as he saw a moving gray shape. He peeked his head from the bush to see that Cinder was stalking a squirrel, who didn't notice her. Cinder then leaped and pinned the squirrel, quickly taking its life. She's good! Ash thought. Cinder then picked up the squirrel and climbed a nearby tree, hiding the squirrel up there. Ash then stepped out of the bushes. "You may not want to do that," he said, making Cinder jump.
"Ash, don't scare me like that!" Cinder protested. "And what was wrong with that? I thought putting it in a tree would be okay."
"Well, some animals can climb trees..." Ash began.
"Like me," came a voice. Ash looked up to see a fox hop down from the tree, holding Cinder's squirrel. It was revealed to be Ember. "See, Cinder. If you want to hide prey, bury it. Disguises its scent with dirt." Ember then hid the squirrel under some dirt, covering it completely.
"Who are you, how do you know my name, and what do you know about hunting?" Cinder demanded.
"You don't remember me?" Ember asked. "It's me, Ember. I was in The Bending Tower during the
blizzard." Ember then shook his head. "I'd better get going. You guys are busy, and I'll bet Moonlight probably needs me for something. See you." With that, Ember trotted off.
"Strange fox, he is," Cinder said.

After hunting was over, the group returned to The Bending Tower with five rabbits, two squirrels, a fish, and a songbird. They all dropped their prey in the large pile. As they put their prey down, a yellow fox with red ears came over. "We didn't tell you to go hunting," Graves growled.
"Buddy," Dust said, not sounding scared at all, "we almost got trampled by deer while hunting last time. You should be grateful we even considered going out again."
"Really?" the fox said with a slight smile.
"Really," Rusty nodded.
"I'll keep that in mind," the fox murmured, trotting off.
"What's with him?" Dust asked.
"I think his name is Graves," Snakeseye said.
"Mm. Strange name," Rusty shrugged. With that, he and Dust trotted off.
Then, Streak came bounding over. "Hi! You went hunting?"
"Yep," Cinder nodded.
Streak looked at all the prey. "Whoa. What did you catch?" he asked Cinder.
"The fish, two rabbits and a squirrel," Cinder replied.
"That's good!" Streak gasped.
"Thanks," Cinder smiled.
While the two kept talking, Lily wandered off, as Ash trotted away towards The Bending Tower, deciding to go talk to Airwing about the whole new deputy event. Ash brushed past some other members of The Bending Tower, thankful not to bump into any Firebenders.
Ash then entered the elders' den, where both Kabu and Airwing were siting.
"Kabu?" Ash said, a bit surprised, "you're actually accepting the fact you are being forced to retire?"
"I'm getting old anyway," Kabu gave a small smile. "What are you up to?"
"Oh. Well, tensions are high because of the whole deputy thing," Ash shrugged.
"We're well aware," Airwing nodded.
"Who do you think will become deputy?" Ash asked.
"Obviously someone brave, trustworthy, loyal and meant for the job," Airwing said.
"In that case, I may be right about my predictions of River becoming deputy," Ash replied.
Airwing gave a small chuckle, but Ash wasn't quite sure why.
"I think River would be good for the job," Kabu nodded, "but there are other possibilities, too."
"Airia thinks it should be me," Ash muttered. "So does Streak. Max thinks Airia or Stone should be deputy. Twig wants Creature to be deputy. There's a lot of choices."
"Goldwing will know just who to pick, with good reason," Kabu nodded.
"I believe that too," Ash agreed, and Kabu and Airwing exchanged looks. "Anyway, the meeting is tomorrow, I guess, so I'll see you then."

Author's Note:
Thanks to A01315 for Graves.
I'm considering doing a super edition of Ironfang. Thoughts?