Chapter 67: Battle Training

Streak yawned and pawed at the ground, feeling incredibly bored.
"These blades here," Nightgale nodded at the very long blades of grass in front of her, "you can use to mend broken bones. Wrap them around your paw and you can use more of them to keep the bind."
"Why did you decide to go to the healing group first?" Streak hissed to Raoul.
"I thought it'd be useful," Raoul insisted. "Sometimes healing is more important than fighting."
"Remind me of that when I'm cornered by Firebenders," Streak grumbled.
Raoul gave Streak a look. "You should be more respectful."
"I don't want my first apprentice lesson to be on healing," Streak muttered.
"On the bright side, we know he's supposed to be an Earthbender and not a Healer," chuckled Eclipse.
Comet, who was also in the group, was looking more interested than the whole group put together. "Did you ever have to mend a broken bone?" he asked.
Nightgale giggled. "Well, Eclipse one time had to help Ash's broken paw."
Mkia looked at Comet. "I never knew you were interested in healing."
"Yeah...sometimes I find it more interesting than Bending," Comet shrugged.
"Then maybe you should become a Healer!" suggested Nightgale, beaming.
"You can do that?" Comet cocked his head.
"Yeah. I think Ash could have you switch," Airia nodded.
"Hmm," Comet murmured, looking thoughtful.
Twig looked at Comet. "If you do, you're giving up something great."
"But I'd be getting something great," Comet said.
Twig sighed. "Your loss."
Airia gave Twig a warning look.
"Back on track now," Nightgale said, looking more excited, "if someone is harmed you should come find the Healers. We'll be hidden in the cave leading to the Fire Nation."
Streak perked his ears. "There's caves outside the Fire Nation?"
"Yeah," Nightgale nodded. "We'll be well hidden there, and so will any patients."
"Rotate!" called Bluefall.
"See you all later!" Nightgale called, eyeing Comet.
"I think she's taken a liking to Comet," Streak muttered.
"You think? The way she keeps beaming at him?" Twig snorted.
Streak chuckled. "Ha, yeah."
They walked to the next station; Streak's heart leapt as he realized what it was. "Alright! Fighting!"
"Yeah!" Twig agreed. "So much more interesting than all of that healing junk."
"Right?" Streak exclaimed in agreement.
Stone looked at them as they arrived. "Well, you're here then. And by the looks of things you're going to need some help with fighting techniques."
"Stone," Darner said in warning.
"She was your old mentor?" Streak looked at Raoul.
"Yep," Raoul nodded, looking proud.
"I feel sorry for you," Streak snorted.
"She was a great mentor," Raoul insisted.
"And mice fly, I suppose?" Twig snorted.
Stone growled. "Let me just say that an important rule is..." she slammed into Twig's side and pinned her down. "Never keep your eyes of your opponent!"
Twig snarled. "Get off me!" she kicked Stone in the stomach.
"Twig, show a bit of respect," River snapped.
Stone let Twig go. "Let me start of by a bit of explaining. You may think you know your enemy, but you don't. The Firebenders train, train, and train. They can do battle moves you can't imagine. And I should know. I've trained with them," she growled.
"You were a Firebender?" Streak gasped.
"Indeed I was," Stone glared, "more the reason to have things to learn from me."
"Stone's one of the best fighters I've ever seen," Darner remarked. "You'll have a lot to learn from her."
Streak sighed. "Can we get a move on?" He didn't want to have to hear Darner complimenting Stone the whole time.
"Yes," River nodded. "First we should work on offense. Say Stone is a Firebender."
"Won't be that hard to picture," Twig snickered. "She already has Firebender temper."
Stone, ignoring Twig, leapt at River. River jumped to the side and Stone landed where River was. "Getting out of their way is efficient," River said. "Although Firebenders are pretty quick. If you can't get out of the way, act fast."
Stone then tackled River and pretended as though she was ready to claw him. River bit down on her leg and kicked at her. Stone ripped her leg away and bit down on River.
They both then got up. "You got to keep fighting," River said, "this is a matter of life and death. What you do could determine your fate. Stick with groups while fighting. Don't get caught alone."
"And if you're outnumbered," Darner began, "here's a fighting move. Twig, Streak, River and Stone, all of you attack me at once. I'll show you."
Streak exchanged looks with Twig, then turned to look at Darner. "Seriously?"
"Yes. Attack me now," Darner ordered.
Streak sighed. "Don't see how he'll get out of this..." with that, Streak lunged at Darner, Twig quickly following. Stone and River joined in.
Streak fought to get a grip on Darner, but Darner began bucking. He landed on his front paws and kicked at Twig, who was behind him, and Twig fell back and landed hard. He then swiped at Streak who was in front of him, and Streak fell back. Darner landed on his front paws after swiping and kicked at River. Stone got onto his back and Darner rolled over, crushing Stone.
"Whoa!" Streak scrambled to his paws. "How'd you do that?"
"Requires balance," Darner replied, "but use all your legs when attacking."
Darner then demonstrated it once more, leaning on his front paws and kicking out, then landing on his back paws and swiping. He then got back down on all fours. "I'll teach Streak and Comet this. River, you handle Mkia and Airia, and Stone, you can help Raoul and Firefly."
Darner turned to Streak. "Okay, Streak, you're up first. Try doing what I did."
Streak nodded and studied his front paws. Here goes. He then jumped to land on his front paws but toppled over, face-planting into the ground. Comet snickered.
"Good try," Darner shrugged. "Try again though."
Streak got back to his paws. I'll show Comet what for, he thought determinedly. He instead reared up on his back paws, which Streak found easier than going on his front paws. Streak batted at the air, and allowed himself to fall down onto his front paws and kick out his back legs, but collapsed once more.
"Try once more," Darner said encouragingly.
Sighing, Streak got up. This time. This time, for sure, he told himself. He then got on his back paws, rising up, and swatted at his invisible opponent. He then let his paws fall down and gave a powerful kick out to the back, and jumped back onto his back paws and landed on all fours. "Did I get it?"
"Well done!" Darner nodded. "Comet, it's your turn."
Comet shook his head. "I want to be a Healer, not a fighter."
"Ah. But even Healers need to know some basic moves to defend themselves," Darner said, "try it out."
Streak was relieved that Comet made more mistakes than Streak did himself, but Comet learned it pretty well, and had the hang of it before long. Darner was impressed and seemed proud of the two of them. "Okay," Darner nodded, "now Streak, we'll try it out. Comet and I will attack you."
Streak got himself ready, bracing himself as Darner and Comet both lunged at the same time. Streak reared back on his hind paws and delivered a blow to Darner's head, making sure not to claw him. Streak then allowed his front paws to fall down and kicked at Comet behind him.
"Good job!" Darner said. "Now, we'll attack Comet."
This is for laughing during my first failure, Streak thought, lunging at Comet.
Comet looked a bit intimidated by the pair of them, and because of this Darner easily slammed into Comet, making Comet fall. "Come on. You need to focus," Darner scolded.
"Sorry!" Comet squeaked.
Darner sighed. "Let's try again."
Ha, Streak thought triumphantly, getting into pouncing position once again.
Once Comet was ready, Streak and Darner lunged at him. Streak headed for his front, and Comet reared up and swatted at Streak, knocking him away. When Darner jumped at his back, Comet got onto his front paws and kicked at Darner, sending him onto the ground.
"Good job," Darner grunted.
"Rotate!" called Quake.
"What! We only got to learn one move!" Streak protested.
"You'll be back," Darner pointed out. "We still got a few days."

Author's Note:
I used that move from Warriors. ouo
And check out my two new stories, click here to access my profile!

Chapter 66: Mountain of the Guardians

Ash looked around. Where am I? 
The mountain Ash was on rose very high above the ground. The sun was setting, casting blood-red stains throughout the sky. Ash looked around for Spirittiger, and saw him laying down next to Ash, looking off into the distance. "Do you know where we are, Ash?" Spirittiger asked calmly.
Ash shook his head.
"This is the Mountain of the Guardians," Spirittiger replied. "You know what a Guardian is, right?"
Ash nodded; a Guardian was the spirit that looked over you while you lived on Earth. When an animal died, its Guardian joined them which accepted it into the Peacebenders. However, evil animals' Guardians go to the Darkbenders, and that's what makes the evil animals join the Darkbenders instead.
"Yes. I want you to watch what happens here...secrets will be revealed to you," Spirittiger said, sitting up.
What secrets? Ash wondered. His stomach then lurched; perhaps he was going to learn about this past, where he came from. Ash looked around, expecting something to happen, but all that happened was a breeze swept by, ruffling Ash's pelt. Spirittiger still sat there quietly.
"Um--" Ash began, but suddenly he jumped as Airia appeared next to him, followed by an old-looking winged wolf. "Airia?" Ash looked at her, but she didn't respond.
"She does not know you are here," Spirittiger answered.
"You know the Firebenders are after you, Airia," said the winged wolf.
"Majaka, I know," Airia muttered. "Just because you're my great, great--"
"Not for that reason," Majaka shook his head. "I was a living Guardian, Airia. I walked on the land as a Guardian. They called me the 'Earth Guardian'; I was to protect the Earth while the Spirit Guardians guarded from the skies. If the Earth Guardian dies, the land can go out of balance from not being watched over."
Ash grew wide-eyed. What did this mean?
"The Firebenders want you," Majaka went on, "told hold you hostage. And that way, all the animals will surrender. They'll threaten to use you to destroy the world. Because of this, Goldwing and Airwing watch you very closely."
Ash turned to Spirittiger. "Is that why--?"
"Yes," Spirittiger nodded. "You were told to guard Airia with your life because of this. If she dies...the world goes with it."
"B-But why is that?" Ash asked. "I don't want her to die..."
"I know you don't," Spirittiger responded. "You must guard her. Protect her. Keep Firebenders away from her."
"But the Firebenders were after Goldwing and Airwing, too," Ash pointed out. "Are they also--?"
"They used to be. But the youngest descendant of Majaka becomes the Earth Guardian; this is so they are not too old to be an Earth Guardian," Spirittiger explained. "That's why Majaka found it important to have a mate; this was so the Earth Guardian could live on."
"You are to be with Ash, Airia," said Majaka calmly.
Ash's heart began pounding. What?
"What?" Airia said.
"The Earth Guardian must live on," Majaka murmured. "And he'll look after you well."
"But--" Airia began.
"Are there any other choices?" Majaka asked.
"Guess you're right," Airia sighed.
"You are reluctant about this?" Majaka questioned.
"No. It's fine," Airia gave a weak smile. "Thanks, Majaka."
"The Peacebenders watch over you, Airia," Majaka whispered.
With that, the world began to fade.
Ash woke up on the ground of the Alpha Ruins. Windfur was busy chasing her own tail, obviously she had gotten bored. Ash's eyes darted to Airia first thing; she was just waking up, her eyes opening slowly.
"You're--You're--" Ash began.
Airia gave Ash a look. "Excuse me?"
"You're the Earth Guardian?" Ash managed.
"You were watching?" Airia cocked her head.
"Yeah, I was," Ash nodded.
"Hey! No talking!" Windfur exclaimed, but quickly put her tail over her mouth.
"It is fine," said a voice; Ash jumped in alarm but saw it was only Spirittiger, he was laying on the Mother Stones. "Your meetings are over, you may talk as you please now and are free to leave the Alpha Ruins whenever you want."
"Thanks Spirittiger," Ash nodded.
The three of them then left the room.
"So you saw the whole meeting?" Airia looked at Ash.
"What whole meeting?" Windfur asked, although she was ignored.
Ash nodded. "Yes; from the minute Majaka said the Firebenders were after you."
"And the ending--"
"Mm-hm," Ash said.
Airia sighed. "At least it's you, though. I mean, I wouldn't want it to be Dust or someone else..."
"Yeah," Ash laughed.
"What are we talking about?" Windfur demanded.
Ash glanced at some hieroglyphics on the wall.
"Ooh, these are interesting!" Windfur bounded forward. "Here, I'll read them..."

After the magic of teaching Bending to anyone wore off, it is thought that only family members of the Benders could learn Bending. Each apprentice who finds one of the Bending places is related to a Bender. Non-Benders cannot find the Bending places. 

"Wait a minute..." Ash whispered. "This means one of my parents were Benders."

"Really?" Airia said. "Well, you know a bit about your parents, then!"
"But...supposedly...my parents were both loners..." Ash murmured.

"Maybe one of them left to become a loner?" Airia suggested.

"Or it could be your grandfather or grandmother or someone," shrugged Windfur.

Ash was puzzled; because of this news, he barely noticed where his paws were taking him and didn't say farewell to Spirittiger as he opened the tomb for them. Who in my family was a Bender? Ash asked himself over and over, trotting through the Forest of Spirits and ignoring the spirits zipping by.

They then exited the Forest of Spirits; The Bending Tower and Earth Kingdom were waiting for them outside.

"Well?" Rusty asked, trotting forward.

"Meeting!" Ash called, preparing himself to tell everyone the news.

Everyone gathered around in front of Ash; Rusty stood by his side, Windfur on Ash's other side, and Quake and Raven sat nearby, though not at the front.

"We went into the Alpha Ruins," Ash began, "and I talked to the Peacebenders."
With this, a few murmurs came from The Bending Tower section.

"They told me we need to prepare," Ash went on, as the animals talking her hushed by others nearby, "I was told that before we do face the Fire Nation, we need to train and prepare. We also need the Water Tribe to help us."
"Where is the Water Tribe?" called Slice.

"The Peacebenders said we'd meet them outside the Forest," Ash said, confused.

"Did someone call the Water Tribe?"
Ash looked; just then, a blue tiger came from the small woods nearby, followed by a black hawk. Some other animals followed, and Ash's heart leapt as he recognized the tiger. "Bluefall!" he exclaimed.

All the animals turned around; Dust looked at the tiger. "Hey, it is Bluefall!"
"Hi!" Rusty called, grinning.

Back when Ash and the others travelled to the Water Tribe, Bluefall was among the first Waterbenders they met; Ash always admired her for her strength and how loyal she was.

"But where's Waterstreak?" Slice blurted out.

Ash scanned the animals. Where was Waterstreak?

Bluefall sighed. "I have bad news. Waterstreak died...he was killed from starvation, as he was refusing to eat. He was going slightly insane from grief...he had lost his sister-in-law, Feather, and his own nephew almost killed him...his only family left is Swiftwing." She nodded at the hawk next to her, "who is now my second in command."

Silence followed this. Ash's heart sank. He had grown close to Waterstreak, and had known him as a very happy leader, one who could master any situation and was very wise; it was Waterstreak who told Ash he had to defeat Ironfang. 

"We're sorry for your loss," was all Ash could manage.

"Thank you, but this doesn't mean the Water Tribe is weak," Bluefall insisted. "We're still as strong as ever."

"What are we doing now?" Swiftwing asked.

"We're going to train for a few days before facing the Fire Nation," Ash replied. "We should be safe here. The Peacebenders told me to have us train everyone - even the full Benders, elders and the young - before facing the Fire Nation. Everyone must be prepared."

"How will we do this?" Quake asked.

Ash thought for a bit, and then an idea arrived to him. "We'll set up stations," he said, recalling the last day of Kabu training everyone really hard back when Ash was an apprentice, "each Bending place will have their own stations. For The Bending Tower, our first station will be the Bending station...Rusty, Dust and Charlotte can run that. You three, find a spot."
With that, Rusty, Dust and Charlotte trotted off.

"Next will be an herb station. It may be useful to learn about a few herbs just in case," Ash said, "although not all of them. Eclipse and Nightgale can run that station."
Eclipse and Nightgale - Nightgale looking very excited - both walked off to prepare.

"Fighting station will be next," Ash continued. "That will be run by..." he scanned the animals, trying to find who he thought were some of the best fighters. "Stone, Darner and River."

Stone, Darner and River nodded and set off to find a spot for the station.

"Next we'll do a hiding and spying station," Ash decided. He looked at everyone, trying to find some animals good at that. "Raoul, Firefly and Spots." He made a long journey; Spots will probably know a lot about fighting, Ash told himself.

The three of them then trotted off.

"Any other suggestions?" Ash asked, believing he probably got it all down.

No one replied.

"Alright," Ash said. "Everyone is participating. Break up, Bending Tower, and choose which station you want to go to first, but if it's too packed go to a different station. Everyone will be taking turns. And apprentices, same group as your mentors."

With that, The Bending Tower headed for their stations.

"Oh, Quake, it's you're turn," Ash nodded, trotting off to watch the groups.

Author's Note:
Fun chapter. :3

I deleted my two stories - sorry about that. D: If you want to own them, though, go here: [link]

And I plan on making two new stories to replace them, so check my profile often. ;)

Chapter 65: Into the Alpha Ruins

As soon as Ash stepped into the Alpha Ruins, a chill ran up his spine. Airia followed, looking nervous, and Windfur bounced in after them. They were in a circular room; ahead there lay two paths.
"Which do we take?" Ash asked, walking up to the one on the left; immediately he felt a rush of hatred and anger and jumped back. "Oh, that must be the Darkbender side..." he muttered. He then turned to the right and began to enter it; Ash felt calmness and happiness. "Here, this is the Peacebender side."
Airia followed Ash in. "Are you nervous at all?" she asked.
"Um...a little bit," Ash muttered.
The room magically lit up and it wasn't so dark anymore. Ash looked at the wall - there were weird symbols and drawings written on it and Ash couldn't understand what it meant. "What are these things?" Ash asked.
"They're hieroglyphics!" exclaimed Windfur, bounding forward in front of them. "Here, this is what it says...

Bending was given to four animals - a cougar, who looked like fire; a winged wolf, the only survivor the the Zambu Tribe, who looked like water; a cat, who looked like earth; and the final, an owl, who looked like the air. They found the Alpha Ruins and sat at the Mother Stones. Spirittiger, leader of the Spirits, granted them their Bending powers and enabled them to be able to teach animals of the land Bending, whoever they wanted to teach they could teach. The ones they taught would be called apprentices. The apprentices would be allowed to choose the power they desired. However, if they chose a Bending style they were not destined for, they would still have to seek what Bending they were meant to have. 

Ash looked at Windfur. "You can read that?"
"Yeah! Part of my training at the Air Temples," Windfur boasted.

I wish I could read hieroglyphics, thought Ash regretfully, looking at the markings on the wall. "And what's the Zambu Tribe?"
"Right here," Windfur nodded at some hieroglyphics next to the tale of how Bending began. "I'll read it..."

The Zambu Tribe was a Tribe of winged wolves. Winged wolves ruled the land before the Benders came along, but were all wiped out. Only one survived, as he was destined to help with Bending. All winged wolves today are descendant from the first Waterbender, Majaka. Majaka's mate, Peril, was a female wolf without wings, although their child inherited Majaka's wings.

"Airia!" Ash turned to her. "You're descendant from Majaka?"
"Yes," Airia nodded.

"That's awesome!" Windfur beamed.

"What else is on the walls here?" Ash asked.

"Prophecies," Windfur replied.  "Ooh, here's one..."

The moon is full. An animal lurks. The animal, pure evil himself, is out to strike. The fallen fire will rise and defeat the evil.

"Is that your prophecy?" Airia whispered to Ash.

"Uh...yeah," Ash nodded.

"Oh! We should get to the Mother Stones," Windfur said.

"We're going to the Mother Stones?" Airia asked, wide-eyed.

"Duh, how else is Ash supposed to talk with the Peacebenders?" Windfur snorted.

Airia sighed. "Okay...are we going or not?"
Windfur puffed her chest out. "Follow me," she said, walking down the tunnel. Ash followed, and Airia walked alongside Ash, looking scared.

"What are you scared about?" Ash asked Airia.

"N-Nothing," Airia replied; Ash could tell she was lying.

"You know you're lying to your leader," Ash pointed out.

"I have a right to not say what I don't want to say," Airia insisted.

Ash sighed and shook his head. I'll get it out of her sooner or later.

"The Mother Stones are in here," Windfur nodded sideways to a hole in the cave wall. "Follow me. Oh, and by the way, no talking when we get inside there. Considered rude."
Ash sighed. This is it. He stepped into the room, where a sudden chill washed over him. He looked in front of him and saw four big stones. That was them, the Mother Stones. Ash opened his mouth to ask a question, but quickly shut it, staring at the Stones. He turned to Windfur and made a meaningful look: What do we do?

Windfur then walked in place, and sat down and stared off.

What the--? Ash thought, but Airia bumped him and nodded at the Stones. Ash then tried doing what Windfur was demonstrating, he sat down at the biggest Stone and stared at it.

Apparently, Windfur was right, because just then, the room faded around Ash and revealed Peacebender territory.

This time, Spirittiger was there, along with Goldwing, Airwing, Feather, Cloudsky, Susan, and a cougar who looked like fire. That's the first Firebender? Ash thought, looking at the cougar round-eyed.

"Yes, I am the first Firebender," the cougar confirmed. "You are Ash? I am Synor."

"But...Firebenders are evil," Ash said, puzzled.

"Synor wasn't evil," Goldwing shook his head. "His grandson became evil."
Ash sighed. "Why am I to be at the Mother Stones when you can just visit me in my dreams?"
"Because the Alpha Ruins has a lot you can discover, Ash," replied Airwing. "You will find some useful things in these Ruins. You know, the prophecy saying you'd defeat Ironfang was written hundreds of moons ago. You just weren't going to be born  for a while."

"Anyway," Feather stepped forward. "Ash, before you enter the Fire Nation, you all need training."
"Why's that?" Ash asked.

"First off, you had Streak, Nzuri and Patch apprenticed and they haven't done any learning. Secondly, you need to be prepared. The Firebenders could do anything to win. They're very ambitious," Cloudsky explained.

"I should know," Synor muttered. "Summoning the Dragon of Time, who does that?"
"Excuse me?" Ash gave Synor a look..

"Ironfang has the Dragon of Time," Synor replied, narrowing his eyes. 

"The what?" Ash cocked his head.

Synor sighed. "You really know nothing, do you? The Dragon of Time helps to guard Yin and Yang--"
"What's Yin and Yang?" Ash asked.

"You'll find out later," Susan interrupted. "Can we cut to the chase or what?"

Feather gave Susan a look before turning to Ash. "You are supposed to defeat Ironfang."
"Um, I kind of know that already," Ash said.

"But you still need the Water Tribe," Feather said. 

"I can't go all the way back--" 

"They'll meet you outside the Forest of Spirits," Feather went on. "But you also need to find the Tribe of Flying Birds, Ash."

"But!...I can't go all the way back there. Besides, no one told me I needed help from them!" Ash protested.

"You don't just need Benders. Besides," Cloudsky said, "the Tribe of Flying Birds have a bone to pick with the Firebenders too."
"I cannot go all the way back to their territory, Cloudsky. We're close to the Fire Nation!" Ash exclaimed.

"Don't worry. You won't have to," Cloudsky replied.
"What do you--"

"Now, you need to know how you're supposed to defeat Ironfang," Goldwing said.

Ash nodded.

Spirittiger stepped forward. "When the strongest metal delivers its final blow it will be sheathed in darkness. Sparks will ignite an unlikely fire who will burn the metal."
Ash looked at Spirittiger, round-eyed. "Excuse me?"
The world suddenly began fading around Ash.

"There's got to be more!" Ash protested. "Why am I here if that's all you're--"
Ash then woke up beside the Mother Stones.

Windfur nodded sideways towards the exit.

As Ash turned to leave, Spirittiger suddenly came through the walls. "Airia? The Peacebenders would like a word with you. Come to the Mother Stones, child."
Airia looked from Spirittiger to Ash, and then walked to the Mother Stones, looking reluctant. She stared at it and then her eyes closed and she lay down.

"You, come with me," Spirittiger ran at Ash and ran in circles around him, faster and faster, until Ash awoke on top of a mountain.

Author's Note:
Supsensssse.

Who can decipher that prophecy? .3.

A Little Explanation

Hey y'all!

So in the battle with the Firebenders, I'm going to be killing off quite a few characters.

But that's because in the second series, The Bending Tower is going to be a bit...well, packed.

So if I kill off your character, it's not because you didn't comment (it could be though, if you haven't commented), or I hate you.

Basically, it'll be like your character came into the story, then they left the story.

Remember, the character you signed up for this is your first series character.

And if they do survive, it's possible that if I want to, they'll be killed off in the second series.

Please do not be mad about this, but it wouldn't be very realistic if the animals fought the most evil animals in the land and barely any of them died, would it?

~GREATSHOT/MISITU

(Signature unavailable)

Chapter 64: Forest of Spirits

"So where is the Alpha Ruins? It's got to be hidden well."

Ash was walking at the front of the group with Rusty, Quake, Raven, Eclipse, Nightgale, Windfur and Kodi. They were discussing the Alpha Ruins, how to find it and what they'd do once they got there (except Raven - he was grumbling to himself). 

"Not really. It's through the Forest of Spirits," Quake replied. "All the spirits lurk there. And the Alpha Ruins is a tomb blocked by an unmovable boulder. A spirit guards that tomb, and only if you're given permission may you pass. Sometimes they let you bring in some animals to accompany you."

"Where's the Forest of Spirits?" Eclipse asked.

"Right there, looks like," nodded Nightgale.

Ash looked ahead; indeed, a dark-looking forest had come into view. The front animals all stopped, and the animals in the back immediately started murmuring.

"What's going on?"

"Why'd they stop?"

"What's ahead?"
Ash looked at Quake. "What do we do? Do we travel alone now, just us?"
"I think only you can go, Ash," Quake replied.

"But, who am I supposed to--" Ash began.

"They'll tell you. Just walk up to the forest," Quake said.

Ash sighed and looked at the forest. Here I go. He walked slowly up to the forest, flinching as a crow flew up from the trees in there, calling out. Ash could hear the murmur and muttering of the animals behind him as he looked at the forest. "H-Hello?" he called into the forest.

No answer.

Ash stood as close to the forest as possible until he was just a pawstep away from it. "Um--"

Just then, a blue spirit whisked in front of Ash. Ash flinched and looked back at the animals behind them, expecting them to gasp and yell out, but they didn't seem to notice; in fact, Ash was pretty sure he was the only one seeing this spirit.

"Bring Airia," the spirit whispered, "and Windfur..." the spirit then blew away.

Ash turned around and trotted back to the group. May as well get this over with, he thought. "Um...Airia and Windfur? Can you come here?" he called.

Windfur immediately bounded forward. "Ooh! What's up?"
Airia walked forward, looking uncertain. "...Yes?"

"I'm supposed to bring you two into the Alpha Ruins with me," Ash said.

"What do the spirits want with me?" Airia asked, looking scared.

"Hey sister, no need to be scared," Windfur said, jumping up and down in excitement, "these spirits are awesome!"
"You've been here before?" Ash asked.

"'Course! Great place," Windfur grinned.

Ash sighed. "Let's go, then."
As soon as Ash stepped into the forest, he could no longer hear the animals talking from behind him. Airia followed him in, and Windfur bounded after, looking absolutely happy about this. 

The forest was dark with lots of fog. Ash perked his ears, looking around; it seemed to not have any living creatures in it except for the trees. Ash shivered. How big is this forest? he wondered, hoping to be able to get into the Alpha Ruins quickly.

Ash could hear Windfur humming. He turned to her. "You don't feel nervous at all?"
"Look, Ash," Windfur said, giving him a look, "if you're so scared, just breathe. It's not like you're going to be murdered, not here, okay? It's protected by the Peace--well, kind of."
"What?" Ash asked.

"Oh. Well, the Alpha Ruins is divided - Peacebenders' side, and Darkbenders' side. Depending on what side you're on, you can only enter the side you belong to. We can only go in the Peacebenders' side, so if the Firebenders are here, they'd never reach us," Windfur explained. "I can't wait to see Spirittiger again. He's so cool!"

"You met Spirittiger?" Ash said. Ash had met Spirittiger during the journey to the Water Tribe, where Spirittiger met him and told him about the prophecy about Ash having to defeat Ironfang - apparently, Ash was called 'Fallen Fire' in the prophecy.

"Of course!" Windfur grinned.

"Um, guys? We're here," said Airia.

And it appeared Airia was right; in front of them was a tomb, and a blue-like fog was sitting in front of it.

Ash stepped forward. "Hi...?"

Just then, a shape rose from the blue fog that looked like a tiger's head. "Ah, Fallen Fire!" it exclaimed.

"Actually, it's just Ash..." Ash muttered.

"Hi Spirittiger!" Windfur beamed.

"You're here for the meeting?" Spirittiger asked.

"Uh...yeah," Ash nodded.

"Enter," said Spirittiger.

The boulder rolled away, revealing the entrance.

Author's Note:
Cliffhanger~

Chapter 63: Riding Dolphins

"Well, here we are. The edge of the land."
Ash looked at the ocean in front of him. He could just see the land on the other side. The ocean reflected the sun that was beating down, making Ash have to narrow his eyes as he looked at the water. "How do we get across?" Ash asked. He looked around; there was no bridge in sight.
"Well, the Airbenders can get across easily," Rusty shrugged.
Windfur snorted. "Please. I got this, guys." She then stood at the edge of the land and made a bunch of clicking and high-pitched noises.
Ash and Rusty exchanged looks.
"Um...what are you doing?" Rusty asked.
"I speak dolphin," Windfur puffed out her chest.
"Excuse me? How is that gonna help?" Rusty snorted.
"Yeah," Raven grumbled, "It's not possible to speak--"
Just then, two dolphins jumped out of the water, arriving at shore.
"See?" Windfur smirked.
"What do we do with them?" Ash cocked his head.
"Just watch," Kodi grinned. He then hopped onto one of the dolphin's backs.
"What are they doing?" came Nzuri's voice.
"Apparently Kodi's on the back of a dolphin," responded Leafy's voice.
"Ooh? Really?!" squeaked Aimee's voice. "I can't see!"
"Watch this," Kodi said. He tapped the dolphin on the head, and the dolphin sped off towards the land on the other side, Kodi howling all the way with amusement.
Very quickly afterwards, the dolphin that took Kodi over returned.
"Ladies first," Raven looked at Rusty and nodded towards the dolphins.
"Coward," Rusty growled.
"Are you scared?" Windfur taunted.
"Am not," Rusty insisted.
"Then hop on, buddy," Windfur replied, pointing to the dolphins with her tail.
Rusty sighed and waded into the water. He then climbed on the dolphin and flinched first, but then eased onto it.
"Ash, go on the other one," Windfur ordered.
Ash shook his head. "Er...I'd rather let the animals of The Bending Tower go first."
"Scaredy-cat," Raven snorted.
"That's offensive!" came Streak's voice from nearby.
"Perfectly normal," Windfur shrugged. "Who wants to go?" she asked the crowd.
"I do! I do!" Streak squeaked, scampering forward. He was quickly followed by Nzuri.
"Alright munchkins," Windfur said, "since you two are small, you can both ride togeth--"
"We're not small!" exclaimed Nzuri and Streak at once.
"Um...right. Why don't you both ride the same dolphin?" Windfur suggested.
Streak and Nzuri didn't protest further; they both jumped onto the dolphin Rusty wasn't on.
"Ooh, this is gonna be fun!" Nzuri squealed. "Patch, you coming?"
"I dunno..." Patch shuffled her paws nervously.
"It's nothing to be worried about!" Streak insisted.
"I-I think I'll go with mom," Patch murmured.
"Suit yourself," Nzuri insisted. She then tapped  the dolphin on the head and it sped off.
"Well Rusty? You going?" Windfur asked.
Rusty sighed and tapped the dolphin on the head; as it sped off, he yelled out in alarm.
Patch and Rainbow came next, together, as a dolphin returned. They climbed onto it and Rainbow tapped its head and the dolphin sped off, just as the other dolphin came back for another ride.
Raoul had volunteered to go next. He stepped onto the dolphin, looking kind of nervous, and held on tight to the dolphin. He then tapped the dolphin's head and it sped off.
After Raoul, Max went; he was followed by Slice, and Miguel was right next to her, whispering encouragement. Slice went on and yelled out as the dolphin left, and Miguel tried to get on the dolphin returning as soon as possible to try and catch up to Slice.
Then Spots came up, supporting Sylvia, who looked very sleepy and not energetic at all.
"It won't take too long," Spots said reassuringly. "You'll be fine."
"Is she okay?" Ash looked at Sylvia.
"Um...She's fine," Spots replied, looking slightly nervous.
Ash lowered his voice, "If there's anything wrong, you can tell me," he insisted.
Spots sighed. "Um...Sylvia's expecting...my pups," Spots muttered.
"Well, congratulations then," Ash smiled.
"But she's worried she's slowing us down," Spots replied.
"Just let her stay near Eclipse," Ash nodded. "Eclipse will look after her well."
Spots then got onto one dolphin and Sylvia got onto the other. The dolphins then sped off.
Dust walked up. "Are you going or not?" he asked Ash.
"Um..." Ash began.
"Scared?" Dust snickered.
"Am not," Ash insisted. "Watch..." as the two dolphins returned, Ash climbed onto one of them. The dolphin's skin felt sleek and smooth. Ash's stomach lurched, half with excitement and half with fear; what would happen if Ash were to fall off? The dolphins seemed to go pretty quick...
Dust clambered onto the one beside Ash. "Ready? We'll have the dolphins race," he grinned.
"Alright then," Ash smiled, feeling like a carefree apprentice again.
"One...two...three!" Dust yelled.
Ash quickly tapped his dolphin on the head and it sped off, Dust's beside him.
It was amazing; the dolphin Ash was on just went faster and faster. The wind blew in Ash's face, as the dolphin sped through the water. Ash tightened his grip around the dorsal fin, not digging his claws in in case it'd harm the dolphin. It'd be cool to just be riding a dolphin forev--
Ash was cut off as salty water splashed his face.
"Hey!" Ash protested, looking at Dust, feeling his left eye begin to burn.
"Ha!" Dust sneered.
Ash then raised his paw and a waterball came out of the ocean and hit Dust on the nose.
"Gah!" Dust yelled out.
"Doesn't feel too good, does it?" Ash grinned.
Just then, the dolphins arrived to the other side.
"Good job!" exclaimed Slice. She ran up to Ash. "Isn't it fun?"
"Yeah," Ash chuckled, reaching his paw up to his eye to try and stop it from burning. He turned to Dust. "Thanks a lot."
"Well, you got your revenge," Dust muttered.
"What's wrong?" Slice cocked her head.
"Dust hit me in the eye with saltwater," Ash replied.
Then, Light came over on a dolphin and fell onto the land. Kodi ran over to her.
"There you go," he grunted, helping her up. "Wasn't so bad, was it?"
Ash noticed Light was smiling at him. "Yeah...it was alright..." she said, looking shy - which wasn't like Light at all.
Other animals came over, more and more, until Windfur then came over, riding on both dolphins at the same time. She then landed gracefully on the beach, and turned to the dolphins, making more dolphin noises, and the dolphins responded and swam away.
"Now that that's taken care of," Windfur said, "to the Alpha Ruins!"

Author's Note:
...It's technically morning.
Lol.

Chapter 62: Raoul's Friend Rule

Raoul watched as Ash, Quake, Rusty and Raven walked into the Air Temples. Raoul then turned to Max. "I wish we got to go in," Raoul said.
"Agreed," Max nodded. "I want to see at least one another place."
"Well, we'll be seeing the Fire Nation," Raoul pointed out.
Max shivered. "I dread the day we have to fight them."
"Same," Raoul agreed, ears drooping. "It'll be scary."
"Yeah, I don't wanna die!" Max nodded.
"Then we'd better do what we want to do before the fight," Raoul shrugged.
Max's eyes then drifted away, and Raoul saw Max's tail wag slightly. Raoul followed his friend's gaze and saw what Max was looking at: Stella, who was busy talking to Kirin.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Raoul exclaimed. "Not cool. Bros before does."
"Excuse me?" Max quickly turned back to Raoul, head cocked.
"Um, bros before does. Means your friends before girls," Raoul replied.
Max rolled his eyes. "That's not fair."
"Uh, yeah it is. I'm not losing my friend to a girl." Raoul insisted. "Besides, I thought you hated her."
"What do you mean?" Max shuffled his paws nervously.
"Um, you didn't seem very pleased with her when she was a part of the Fire Nation," Raoul pointed out.
"Yeah, but Light says you like Nyla, and she lives in the Earth Kingdom!" Max said.
"I don't like that wolf," Raoul grumbled.
Miguel then trotted over. "Hi guys!" he smiled.
"Um...hi," Max muttered.
"Hi Miguel!" Raoul returned the smile.
"Whatcha talking about?" Miguel asked.
"I tried explaining to Max about the rule 'bros before does'," Raoul replied.
"Bros before what?" Miguel gave Raoul a look.
"Does. Because a doe is what a female deer is called, so I used that," Raoul shrugged.
"...Right," Miguel muttered.
"Hey, Slice is mates with Miguel, and he's still our friend!" Max pointed out.
Raoul sighed. "Let's change the subject."
Just then, Twister walked over. "What do you suppose they're doing in the Air Temples?" she asked.
"Talking to their leader," Raoul replied. "Wonder what the leader is like."
"Probably very wise," Miguel shrugged. "The Air Temples are supposedly smart."
Just then, the gates at the Air Temples creaked open. Ash, Quake, Rusty, Raven, a fox and a husky walked through. The fox looked very happy and fun-loving, and the husky seemed laid-back and friendly. "We're back," Quake announced.
"Looks like it's meeting time," Twister remarked.
Raoul, Max, Miguel and Twister walked towards the gathering animals. Raoul saw the fox beaming at everyone, while the husky was scanning the animals. Ash stepped forward. "This is Windfur," he nodded at the fox.
"Hi!" she beamed at everyone.
"...And this is Kodi," Ash nodded at the husky.
Kodi simply nodded at everyone.
"Where's the rest of the Air Temples?" Darner called out.
"They wouldn't fight," Quake answered.
This sent murmurs rippling through the crowd.
"Wouldn't fight?!" Max exclaimed. "What's with them?"
"Remember, they don't like fighting," Twister replied.
"But still..." Max began, but he was hushed by Kabu.
"Meteor - the Air Tples leader - let Windfur and Kodi help us," Ash said.
"...And me as we'll!"
Just then, Tiggerpaka popped out from behind Rusty and jumped onto his head. "It's me!"
Some moans came from The Bending Tower animals.
"Why is he here?" Raoul asked.
"Dunno," Miguel muttered.
Ash sighed. "Yes, and Tiggerpaka is here too."
"Just get rid of him, he's annoying!" Stone growled.
"I love you too, Rock!" exclaimed Tiggerpaka.
"Her name is Stone," Darner insisted.
"Yeah, yeah," Tiggerpaka muttered.
"Next we need to cross the ocean and go to the Alpha Ruins. We leave tonight," Ash reported.
"Cross the ocean?!" Mkia demanded. "That's not gonna be possible!"
"There has to be a way," Ash shrugged. "It's been done before."
"Everyone rest up," Quake nodded. "We'll embark tonight."

Author's Note:
Slightly pointless chapter. ouo