Chapter 70: The Tribe of Flying Birds

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

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

Chapter 69: Ash's Past

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

Author's Note:
Long chapter is long. ouo

Chapter 68: Treebranch's Pups

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

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

The Bending Tower Character Quiz

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

Anyways, I created a character quiz! :D

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

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

ASH

[x] You were once a loner.

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

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

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

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

[] Most people seem to respect you.

[x] You joined a group.

Total: 5

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

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

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

Have fun!

Sorry the quiz is a bit long!

ASH

[] You were once a loner

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

[] You are a leader.

[] You supposedly have a big destiny.

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

[] Most people seem to respect you.

[] You joined a group.

Total:

AIRIA

[] You are very different from everyone else.

[] People often stare at you.

[] You try to fit in.

[] Your father was an important person.

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

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

[] A lot of people know who you are.

Total:

CHARLOTTE

[] You have an older sister.

[] You can be shy and quiet.

[] People underestimate you.

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

[] You're girly.

[] You smile a lot.

[] Despite seeming positive sometimes you can be sad.

Total:

COMET

[] You are not interested in what others like.

[] You're interested in medical things.

[] People sometimes consider your interests boring.

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

[] You're not a fighter.

[] You are pretty smart.

[] You're eager to learn.

CRYSTAL

[] You're gentle.

[] You giggle a lot.

[] You and your sibling often hang out together.

[] You've run away from something.

[] You have been in very serious pain before.

[] Your friend can be protective of you.

[] You appear fragile.

Total:

DUST

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

[] Sometimes you find your sibling annoying.

[] You'd love to be a leader.

[] You can be sarcastic.

[] You're eager for revenge.

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

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

Total:

ECLIPSE

[] Your eyesight is terrible.

[] You love to help out others.

[] Your siblings hate you.

[] You only have one parent.

[] You are very intelligent.

[] You hate to see others in pain.

[] You always try to help the helpless.

Total:

LIGHT

[] You're very witty.

[] You can be incredibly stealthy.

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

[] Being alone helps you survive more.

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

[] You feel like you're forever alone.

[] You're a tomboy.

Total:

RAOUL

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

[] You're proud of who taught you.

[] You hang out with the guys a lot.

[] Guys before girls.

[] People often call you a wimp.

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

[] You easily forgive others.

Total:

RUSTY

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

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

[] You're not very bright.

[] You can be a clutz.

[] You have a twin.

[] Your parents are still together.

[] You are best friends with someone popular.

Total:

SLICE

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

[] You can hold onto grudges.

[] You moved at some time in your life.

[] Thunderstorms scare you.

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

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

[] People have fought over you.

Total:

SPOTS

[] You love to have fun.

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

[] You want a peaceful world.

[] You hate it when others argue.

[] You've been on a long journey.

[] Everyone likes hanging out with you.

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

Total:

STONE

[] You always seem to be grumpy.

[] Others respect you.

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

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

[] Fight, don't flight.

[] You switched sides.

[] You're extremely loyal.

Total:

STREAK

[] Your father is dead.

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

[] You aren't very serious.

[] You're always very eager.

[] You find your mother overprotective.

[] Adventures are very fun.

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

Total:

TWIG

[] You're very sarcastic.

[] You're rebellious.

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

[] You believe your opinions are best.

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

[] You've been in danger before.

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

Total:

TWISTER

[] You're good at giving advice.

[] People know not to mess with you.

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

[] You can be quiet.

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

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

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

Total:

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

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.