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