That's a wrap, folks!

TFEOB Series 1 is all done!

But the story shall continue!
Click here to see the second series!

Until next time,

Epilogue

Ash sat down in the young den, watching in amusement as a small black wolf pup tripped over her own paws and fell with an "oof", landing on her back. She struggled to get back to her paws, yet lost her footing again and tripped.
"Oh, Misty, why don't you try playing with Campbell?" Airia giggled.
The little wolf pup - Ash's daughter - walked up to Airia. "No," she said.
"Well, why not?" Airia asked.
"What if Campbell doesn't like me?" Misty asked.
Ash looked at a light gray wolf pup, who was looking at a white pup that was pouncing on a squirrel.
"Campbell looks lonely," Airia remarked. "She could use a friend."
Ash looked at Charlotte, who was watching the white wolf pup with amusement - Campbell and the white wolf pup were her and Dust's daughters.
"I wish I could play with Adele," mumbled Misty.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Airia said apologetically, pulling the white-and-gray pup at her paws closer, "but you know you can't, sweetie."
Dust then came in. "Charlotte? Is there anything I can do for you?"
"Daddy!" exclaimed Campbell and the white pup, darting over to Dust.
"I'm fine, Dust," smiled Charlotte.
"You should go for a walk Charlotte. Campbell and Liberty must be a pawful," Dust nodded.
"Daddy! Can I go out to the yard?" Liberty squeaked.
"No, Liberty," Charlotte insisted.
"But everyone else can play there!" Campbell protested.
"Because the other young are older than you," chuckled Dust.
"Mommy, can I go to the yard?" Misty turned to Airia.
"You're not old enough," Ash said, playfully nudging his daughter.
"But I'm bored!" Misty cried. "Is it dangerous out there?"
"No, it's safe--" Airia began.
"Then I can go out there!" Misty exclaimed.
"Misty, honey, there are animals practicing down there. The last thing they need is a wild wolf pup running around," Airia said. "The older pups are very mature--"
"Yeah, right! Lephos and Sidew tricked Stone and made her trip over Eclipse's herbs!" Campbell snorted.
"How did you find that out?" Dust demanded.
"I have my ways," Campbell smirked.
Airia sighed. "Misty, Lephos and Sidew...well, they're just not as smart as you."
"That's my deputy's kids you're talking about," Ash chuckled.
Airia gave Ash a playful glare.
"Please mom? Please?" Misty begged.
"Misty, no, and that's final," Airia insisted.
Just then, a small bobcat came into the room. "Misty?"
"Hi Bracken!" Misty cried, running up to the bobcat.
"What's up?" Bracken asked.
"Trying to plead my case about going out to the yard," Misty replied.
"Misty, I believe Bracken needs to keep attending his apprentice duties," Ash mumbled.
"Oh. Your dad's right," Bracken nodded. "Bye, Misty."
The bobcat then left.
"What was that for? It's the apprentices' lunch break!" Airia hissed.
"I...Something about Bracken makes my pelt crawl," Ash muttered. "He's Ironfang's son."
"So? You know Bracken. He's one of the sweetest kids I ever met!" Airia exclaimed.
"But...I'm just worried. He knows I killed his father. What if he takes it out on Misty? Or Adele?" Ash fretted.
"Why would he? He's Misty'a best friend," Airia said.
"But Adele--" Ash began.
"Ash. I know Adele will have troubles--" Airia whispered.
"Yeah...I'm going to get lunch," Ash sighed, beginning to walk out the door.
Ash walked out of the room. Adele was his other daughter - she had wings like Airia, and was pretty healthy.
Except for one problem.
Adele was deaf.

Author's Note:
Misty will be the main character in series two. :D
Here some (very miniature) spoilers - Campbell will be a close friend of Misty in series two, and Lephos, Sidew, Liberty and Adele will be in it too.
So will all other characters in this chapter.
Um...that's all.

Chapter 75: After the Battle

That afternoon during resting Ash fell asleep. He woke up on Peacebender territory, finding himself face-to-face with his father, Lightning - a light gray male wolf. Ash perked his ears. "Dad!" he exclaimed.
"Well done," Lightning smiled. "You did good."
"Dad, why did I Firebend?" Ash blurted out. "I'm not a Firebender."
"You're not. I was," Lightning said.
"You were?" Ash gasped.
Lightning nodded. "I ran away though. I wasn't evil. You have Firebender blood, Ash. But since you didn't learn Firebending, you could never master Firebending moves."
"But I used fire--" Ash began.
"I believe your instincts told you that since there was no water it decided to resort to fire," Lightning nodded.
"So...Ironfang is dead?" Ash murmured.
"That is kind of the way it goes," Lightning chuckled.
"I just can't believe I beat him," Ash admitted.
"We're proud of you, Ash," Lightning said.
"And what about Rusty?" Ash couldn't help asking.
"He's not dead," Lightning said, "but badly wounded. Eclipse healed him though."
"Then he wasn't the third animal?" Ash cocked his head.
"No, he wasn't. Tiggerkat was."
Silence for a moment. Then, Ash spoke. "Tiggerkat?"
"Yes," Lightning confirmed. "As shocking as it may be..."
"She's really a Reese Cup Bender? And...Reese Cups exist?" Ash gaped.
"Yes," Lightning sighed. "I find it hard to believe myself."
"Eclipse and Rusty barely helped me...what was the purpose of three?" Ash asked.
"With Rusty almost dying, it gave you a bigger urge to kill Ironfang. Eclipse was a skilled enough Healer to prevent Rusty from joining to Peacebenders," Lightning said.
"What happened to the Dragon of Time?" Ash wondered.
"It made its way back to the land of Yin and Yang," Lightning replied.
"And what's Yin and Yang?"
Lightning smiled. "You'll find out soon enough."
Ash sighed. I shouldn't have expected a straight-out answer.
"The world shall celebrate this day," Lightning sighed, looking at the bright sun, "You did well."
The world began to fade around Ash.


Ash woke up - the sun was just rising, so Ash figured he must have slept until the next day. He slowly rose up to see The Bending Tower grouped together. The Earth Kingdom, Water Tribe and Tribe of Flying Birds had all went their separate ways to go home.
The Bending Tower were grieving; they had lost several animals: Kabu, Ice, Spots, Stella, Zapada, Eris, Clover, Lily and Ember. We lost so many, Ash thought regretfully.
But you achieved so much more, said Lightning's voice in Ash's head. The land will be at peace for many moons to come.
Ash sighed at sat down, looking at The Bending Tower animals: all had a mixture of sadness and relief. He stretched. It would be quite a while to get back to The Bending Tower, so Ash decided that today would be a resting day.
Comet was laying next to Lily's lifeless body; she was his sister, and Ash noticed he looked the most sad out of everyone. Ash looked to see a little ways away from the grieving group was Eclipse standing over Rusty, who, frankly, looked exhausted; he was asleep and had a long scar on his side and had dry blood on him. Crystal was standing above him, looking down on Rusty with sadness.
Sylvia was sitting with Eclipse and Rusty, her belly swollen, and had her head on her paws, looking terrible; Spots had died, so Sylvia would be raising a pup without a father. Ash felt sad for her.
Eclipse trotted over to Ash. "Three of us? Nothing happened. You killed Ironfang yourself!"
Ash sighed. "I was told in my dream that Rusty was hurt to encourage me to kill Ironfang. So I could avenge him."
"But they shouldn't mess with Rusty's life like that!" Eclipse blurted out.
"The Peacebenders know what they're doing," Ash shrugged.
Airia trotted over. "You killed Ironfang."
"Yep," Ash smiled.
Airia gave Ash a lick on the head. "Nice Firebending by the way."
Ash gave a weak smile. "But I'm still a Waterbender."
"Of course," Eclipse agreed. "He may have Firebended that one time, but he's still a Waterbender."
Charlotte then wandered over. "Hi," she murmured.
"Hi Charlotte," Airia nodded.
Charlotte looked at Ash. "Who will be your new deputy?"
"Hmm?" Ash said.
"Rusty is in no condition to be deputy," Charlotte pointed out.
"She's right," Eclipse agreed.
Ash sighed. He got to his paws. "Benders! Gather!"
The Bending Tower animals then gathered around Ash.
"Right now Rusty is in no condition to be deputy," Ash said.
Murmurs rose in the crowd.
Ash scanned the animals. "I will choose the new deputy."
He looked around. Who would fit the job? Ash looked around the animals, who were all looking at Ash expectantly. He began thinking. Not Stone...Dust, no...Hazen just doesn't feel right...
His eyes then laid on Raoul.
"The new deputy will be Raoul," Ash announced.
Nyla - who had chosen to stay with The Bending Tower - nodded at Raoul and murmured something to him. Raoul, looking surprised, began to trot forward. "I chose Raoul," Ash began, "because he is loyal to the end, and hard-working."
Raoul then stood next to Ash. "Thank you. I had no idea I'd get a role as b-big as this...I'll...try to do my best."
Cheers came from The Bending Tower.
"We will start going back tomorrow," Ash nodded. "Hunt and rest."
The animals then broke up and began talking to one another.
"Why did you choose me?" Raoul asked, turning to Ash.
"Because why not?" Ash smiled. "I personally think you'd be a great leader."
Raoul nodded. "Thanks, Ash."
Raoul then trotted towards Max and Miguel, who began congratulating him.
Ash looked up at the cloudless sky. The sun was shining brightly.
Peace for many moons to come...

THE-END

Author's Note:

MAN I hope I didn't forget to write anything. D:

Second series to come! :) I'm probably gonna make the blog today just to work on the sign-ups and Meet the Benders page.

The epilogue will be posted in the afternoon. :3

Chapter 74: Sparks Ignited

Ash gaped. The Peacebenders didn't tell me I'd have to face the Dragon of Time! He looked at the huge monster. Its eyes were about the size of Ash, and it was night-black. It had huge, powerful-looking wings and claws. The Dragon flapped its wings, sending a rush of wind, and screeched.
"Kill him," Ironfang spat.
Somehow, the Dragon obeyed Ironfang and flew towards Ash. Ash yelled out in alarm and flopped into the shadows, hiding from the Dragon. The Dragon landed on the ground and looked wildly around, roaring. Ash studied it: he was surprised with its size that it could actually fit in the building. Its wingspan was ginormous. Synor said it guarded Yin and Yang...but what are Yin and Yang? Ash thought.
The Dragon lifted its huge head and then looked down at Ash and did a deafening screech. Ash tried to run away, but the Dragon grabbed Ash and flung him across the room. Ash landed hard, and was surprised he didn't get any broken bones. However, the Dragon blew fire out of its mouth and darted towards Ash and lifted a giant claw.
The last thing Ash saw was the claws making contact with his head.


The gate to Ironfang's den creaked open slowly. Ironfang stepped out of it for the first time in a while. The wind blew hard, making Ironfang's fur ruffle, and thunder crashed overhead. He then easily trotted down the steps and towards the crowd of fighting animals and let out a growl to stop them.
Immediately the Firebenders stopped fighting and turned to look at their leader. The other animals turned to see what made them stop, and all of them gaped at the sight of Ironfang. Some even screamed.
"What do they call him?" snorted Tiggerpaka's voice. "'Lucky'?"
Fortunately for Tiggerpaka, Ironfang didn't hear him. Ironfang stood there for a while. Voices began murmuring.
"Is that--?"
"It's Ironfang!"
"He's hideous!"
Ironfang then spoke, his icy voice calling out. "Ahem...Ash, his orange friend and the former Firebender wolf, Feather's adopted daughter all came in to challenge me."
Silence greeted these words.
"And you know what happens when an animal challenges me?" murmured Ironfang. His long claws hit against the stony ground, making the sound of him walking echo around the area. "They do not make it out alive." The bobcat scanned the animals with his one eye. "That orange wolf was killed. And so was Ash."
Silence came from the crowd.
Then, the Firebenders burst out in laughter.
"You rebellion-types thought this would work," Ironfang went on. "But it didn't. And you know why?" he stayed quiet for a bit, then spoke. "Because you all trust in the Peacebenders to answer your every problem. And they don't really care for you." He walked closer towards the crowd, making some animals nearby grimace. "They turned their back on you. All of us," Ironfang added. "And the Firebenders thrive while you Peacebender-believers suffer. That's because we don't trust in them. We believe in ourselves. Since your so-called 'savior' is dead, maybe you should join the Firebenders. And if you don't..." he bared his huge teeth, "you have to answer to me."
Everyone glanced at each other.
"The Firebenders are destined for greatness," Ironfang insisted, giving the rebellion animals a cold glare. He began walking through the crowd, animals jumping out of his way as he walked. "We rule the land. What better option than to give in? Any who refuse shall be killed, of course."
Still, silence.
Just then, however, from the gates of Ironfang's den, stumbled out a dark gray wolf, with a few scars on his head. No one noticed, though. The wolf looked around nervously and spotted Ironfang. There he is, the wolf thought. He was feeling weak, but the job had to be finished.
"I-Ironfang!" he called trotting over to the bobcat.
Ironfang quickly whipped around and his eyes grew wide. "Ash? How--"
Thunder boomed and lightning lit up the sky, turning Ash's pelt silver.
"The Peacebenders are a help, that's how," Ash growled.
Ironfang snarled. "Well, let's finish this," he spat.
Lightning struck the ground nearby, making the thunder louder than ever. The Firebenders launched into attack again, fighting the rebellion-animals, and Ironfang lunged at Ash. Somehow, Ash managed to dodge Ironfang's attack by what only seemed like a hair.
If there's water in the clouds like it's going to rain...Maybe I can Waterbend! Ash thought. He quickly spread his paws on the ground and pushed them forward, using a form that Creature had taught him back when Ash was an apprentice.
No water came, and Ironfang lunged at Ash. But, something struck Ironfang. Ash grew wide-eyed as he saw what it was: fire.
Ironfang screeched as he caught on fire. Ash grimaced and looked wildly around. Who Bended that? he thought.
"You're a Firebender?" Ironfang roared. "That's impossible?"
"I what...?" Ash said in alarm. He tried Bending again, and, sure enough, fire flew towards Ironfang instead of water.
Ironfang yelled out. "Ash! How can you possibly be doing this?"
Ash didn't reply; truthfully, he was as clueless as Ironfang was about this.
Ironfang snarled and tried to speak, but Ash Firebended again, making fire fly onto Ironfang again. Ash then bit down on Ironfang, luckily not catching fire, and Ironfang laid still.
I did it, Ash realized. I killed Ironfang. I avenged Rusty, Spots, Midnight, Lightning, everyone I lost...
A yell came from the animals. "Ironfang's dead!"
Ash realized it was Fang who had called out. He was gaping at Ironfang's lifeless body.
"That means Poisonfang is our leader now...?" murmured Firetalon.
Poisonfang's voice called out. "We cannot stop fighting! Continue!"
What?! Ash thought in alarm. I thought the Firebenders would give up!
The animals kept fighting. Ash growled. Come on, Peacebenders. Help me out here! he began to lunge for the nearest Firebender.
Suddenly, some sort of objects started pelting the Firebenders. Ash couldn't tell what it was. They were round and small and were brown, but they hit all of the Firebenders and it bounced away from them.
"Retreat!" cried Wildfire.
The Firebenders quickly ran out of the Fire Nation.
"Don't ever come back!" called Ash, although he wasn't sure why they fled.
Everyone at once looked to where the mysterious objects bounced back to. It lead back to Tiggerkat, who was sitting there and chewing.
"What?" she said, her voice muffled. "I like to eat my reese cups by having them bounce off of others!"

Author's Note:
Nothing to do here.

Chapter 73: Meeting Ironfang

Meanwhile, in the fighting crowd...
Stella and Kirin were both taking turns clawing at Dansel, a female leopard. She kept throwing fire at Stella and Kirin, but they managed to dodge each of them; it appeared Dansel was getting frustrated. "You'll never win!" she roared, scoring a claw rake at Kirin. Kirin yelped out and tried to land a scratch back at Dansel, but the Firebender easily dodged it.
Dansel kicked Kirin aside and bit down onto Stella's neck and easily threw Stella's body into the crowd, leaving her lifeless. Dansel growled at Kirin. "Where's your partner now, eh?"
Nearby, Zapada and Nyx were working together, blowing air onto Firepit and Seafall. They both screeched at the two and began pushing fire against the air, trying to make it reach Zapada and Nyx. That made both owls just blow air harder, but Firepit and Seafall kept working for it. Eventually, the fire managed to get to Zapada and Nyx and it made Zapada fly back and land with a sickening crunch. Nyx darted over to Zapada. "She's dead...!" Nyx yelled. A fireball rushed over her, and Nyx narrowed her eyes at Firepit and Seafall, and darted for them to avenge her friend.
Kabu - who was bleeding from the head - was clashing against Orion, both of them roaring and swiping their large paws at each other. Orion bit down on Kabu and Kabu shook himself and bit hard down on Orion, making the bear roar out even louder and claw at Kabu's shoulder. "You're quite good for an elder!" Orion spat.
"I've spent a long chunk of my life fighting cowards like you!" Kabu snarled, biting down more harder.
Orion growled and rolled sideways into Kabu, crushing him. Orion quickly got up and growled at Kabu, but the lion just laid there, stunned.
"Kabu!" yelled a voice. Kabu's mate, Shell, ran up to him. "Kabu, your old body can't handle this fighting...come on, let's get up and take you to Nightgale and Comet so you can rest," Shell said.
However, Kabu only shook his head. "Shell, it's my time to leave..."
"Kabu, stop being silly," Shell insisted, although her expression showed fear, "you're fine."
Kabu, however, was closing his eyes. "We'll win," he whispered.
"Kabu?" Shell grew wide-eyed. "K-Kabu?"


The gate creaked and closed behind Ash, Rusty and Eclipse. Ash's heart began pounding so hard he was positive Ironfang - wherever the evil bobcat was - could hear it. The three slowly began to walk through the room, their pawsteps echoing throughout the silent room. It appeared no one was in the room, but Ash knew  Ironfang had to be somewhere. Come on... Ash thought. I just wanna get this over with...
"Where is the little--er, where's Ironfang?" Rusty asked.
Good thing he stopped himself, Ash thought silently, or Rusty would've been Ironfang's breakfast.
Suddenly, there was a roar. Ash flinched. "Wh-What was that?" he called out.
Just then, an icy voice came out from the darkness. "Well, well...Fallen Fire, is it not?"
Ash shivered. "I-Ironfang?"
"Well, this is appropriate," whispered the voice. "The so-called savior destined to defeat me comes to me with an overwhelming scent of fear. This should be over quickly, and quite easy, may I add..."
"Ironfang, stand down," Rusty growled, although a note of fear was in his voice.
"Thought you'd get help Ash...? Well, I'd prefer it to be just the two of us," spat Ironfang's voice.
So quickly that Ash only just had time to take it all in, a breeze swept by Ash and all of the sudden Rusty screamed, but it was cut off. The silhouette that had rushed by fled back into the darkness, leaving Rusty laying on the floor, blood spilling quickly from his throat.
Rusty was dying.
"Rusty!" Eclipse cried. She quickly ran to Rusty's body and dragged him off, leaving Ash alone.
Ash heard Ironfang laugh. "Your 'helpers' seem to not be able to do what you think," he sneered.
"Well?" Ash said, using all the strength he could muster to keep himself from shaking. "Face me!"
"Face you, huh? Very well, guess I haven't shown my face in a while to anyone," growled Ironfang.
Ash blinked and all of the sudden he found himself face-to-face with the most hideous, battle-scarred creature that Ash had ever seen. He almost passed out from the sight: Ironfang had many scars and his ears were so torn they were almost gone. He was missing his left eye and his right eye was dark red. He had patches of fur clinging to him and his whiskers were crooked. Ash tried to stifle a scream.
Ironfang put his claws into Ash's right paw - the one that had broke before - and Ash yelled out in pain. "I believe this is the first time we meet in person?" Ironfang murmured, digging his claws in further. It was the worst pain Ash had ever felt; he screamed out. "Defeat me, will you? By the looks of it that's not going to happen."
Ironfang let go and Ash gasped out, relieved it was over; yet it still hurt. Ash whimpered.
"These two others that are supposed to help you? Uh-huh. One, Rusty isn't one of them. Never was. And two, only you can beat me, so they say. But you won't stand a chance."
"Y-Yes I will," Ash insisted. "I have the P-Peace--"
"Don't say that word," Ironfang spat. "The Peacebenders don't exist anymore. They turned their back on us - and me - moons ago. They hate the Firebenders, yet they let animals like you prosper. I could take all of these Peacebenders on right now. They're not on your side. Let them try to protect you!"
The ear-splitting roar came back. Ash looked in the direction of it. He could feel his right paw covered in blood.
Ironfang then bit down on Ash and easily tossed Ash aside, despite Ironfang being smaller. "If the Peacebenders were real, wouldn't they be giving you courage right now? I can throw you across the room and not feel a thing."
Ash growled. "You're d-deep in a dark path, Ironfang," he said, struggling to get up, "the Peacebenders won't help you because of that."
"I have the Darkbenders on my side," Ironfang snarled, baring long yellow fangs, "they're far more better than your pathetic Peacebenders."
"They're called Darkbenders because they couldn't be accepted into the Peacebenders!" Ash snarled.
Ironfang narrowed his one good eye. "Ash, there's some things your Peacebenders can't control."
Ash looked at Ironfang, breathing heavy due to his blood loss.
"Such as..." Ironfang gave an evil grin and zipped away, and the roaring grew louder. Soon, Ash felt the ground rumble beneath his paws, making him jump, and something began stomping towards Ash. The torches in the room began to light up - Ironfang was throwing fire onto them - and a huge, green eye came down, level with Ash. Ash yelled out.
"The Dragon of Time," came Ironfang's sneering voice.

Author's Note:
Ash vs. Dragon of Time.
Who wants to make some bets? 8D

Chapter 72: The Final Battle Beginning

Thunder crackled overhead as the gates behind the animals closed with a large bang. Ash turned to look at the sealed gates as lightning illuminated the area, making the animals glow in the light. Ash looked back in front of him to see the Firebenders all growling, baring their teeth and scraping their claws against the cold stone ground.
"Firebenders, attack!" yelled Poisonfang.
"Benders, attack!" Ash howled.
Ash was then overwhelmed by howls and snarls of fury and determination. Ash ducked as a fireball zipped over his head and tried to see everything going on: Airia was dive-bombing onto Fang and biting down on her. Streak, Nzuri and Patch were all clinging onto Darkclaw and nipping on her, Crash standing nearby to watch the kits. Miguel and Slice were fighting Clouds side-by-side, and Clouds threw fire at Miguel and he managed to duck and blow some air into Clouds using Airbending, making her fly back. Ember and Moonlight were fighting Graves.
An earsplitting yelp cut the air and thunder crackled. Ash looked in their direction of the yelling; Aimee was struggling in Firetalon's grasp; he was pinning her to the ground and sinking her talons in. Leafy jumped onto Firetalon to try and defend her friend. Ash ran for them to help - Aimee was losing blood fast - but he came to a halt as someone pinned Ash down, and Ash watched helplessly as Aimee fell limp, dead.
"No!" Leafy cried, and sunk her teeth into Firetalon, who screeched and dug his beak into her.
"If it isn't Ash," sneered Ash's attacker. Looking up, Ash realized who it was.
"Flyingbird," snarled Ash.
Flyingbird sunk his claws into Ash, but Ash gasped and saw Flyingbird fall to the side, Treebranch butting into him and pinning him to the ground, growling, a look of hatred in her eyes. Ash grew wide-eyed to realize Treebranch actually looked murderous.
"Treebranch!" Flyingbird gasped. "Y-You're here!"
"Of course I am," Treebranch spat. "Ash needs my help."
"Treebranch, you need to join the Firebenders," Flyingbird said quickly, "you'll be part of the strongest--"
"Never!" Treebranch snarled. "After what the Firebenders did to terrorize us? I'd rather die!" she then bit down into Flyingbird's neck, and he screamed out before falling limp, dead in his own mate's jaws.
Treebranch jumped back in alarm. "Oh no...what have I done...?" she whispered.
"He deserved it," Ash insisted. "You deserve much better than him, Treebranch. He was a traitor."
"And the father to my pups!" Treebranch screeched, but Ash could barely hear her over the sounds of the other animals yelling, "what will my pups think, about their own mother murdering their father--"
"Treebranch, calm down!" Ash exclaimed, "you still have your pups. They need you. Flyingbird might have even killed them himself in a fit of rage."
Treebranch looked at Ash, and then seemed to start calming down. "Right...I--"
There was a yell, and Treebranch perked her ears.
"Nightfire in trouble...gotta go..." Treebranch whispered, and darted off.
Rusty then made his way over to Ash, Eclipse following close behind. "Are we going to find Ironfang or what?" he demanded, ducking as a fireball hissed over him. "The sooner we end this, the better, you know, and as soon as we kill Ironfang the Firebenders might lose their arrogance!"
As another fireball came overhead, Rusty pushed Eclipse down so she could duck, and Ash looked on in alarm to see that the fireball hit Spots, who yelled out in terror as his pelt lit up."Spots!" Ash cried. He quickly made a motion with his paws, but no water appeared.
"The Firebenders must have gotten rid of all the water sources!" Rusty exclaimed.
Ash couldn't take his eyes off his dying friend, and Spots kept wailing out until Mistletoe ran up to him. "Spots!" she cried, "What happened?"
Spots tried to reply but couldn't. "Help!...It hurts so badly!"
Mistletoe looked around, and turned to Spots. "I can only help you one way..." she then quickly bit down on Spots's neck, and Spots gave out a yelp before falling limp, dead. Mistletoe looked down at Spots's body. "Goodbye..." she murmured. Behind her, Ash noticed the black wolf - one of the gate guards - was lunging at Mistletoe. He dug into her and she, looking enraged, bit down hard on the wolf. He yelled out.
Ash made his way over to Mistletoe, biting down onto the little wolf and easily throwing him into the crowd. "Mistletoe! You killed Spots?"
"You saw that?" Mistletoe murmured. "I had to, Ash. I didn't want him to die a painful death!...I decided to try and end his life, because the fire would get worse before it'd get better..."
Ash sighed. "I understand...I wonder what his mate will say though..." He looked at Spots. "You were a great friend, we only just got you back...Spots, you're dearly missed."
"That's it," Rusty snarled, "I think it's about time we take our anger out on Ironfang. Spots wouldn't die if it weren't for him!"
Ash then spotted Hazen running over, kicking out at Darkclaw along the way, who was trying to bite him. "Mistletoe! What happened?" he demanded, looking at Spots.
"I...I had to kill Spots!" Mistletoe wailed, "he almost died a painful death, I decided to help..."
Hazen leaned against Mistletoe, "It's okay...we'll survive, and then it's over..."
"Hazen?" Ash said, "I...need to take care of business with Ironfang."
"Really?" Hazen looked at Ash with wide eyes. "Seriously? He'll kill you!"
"I have to," Ash murmured. "Rusty and Eclipse are coming with me."
Hazen looked at Ash. "But what if you--"
"I won't die," Ash insisted. "I will come back alive." I have to, Ash thought, if I'm supposed to kill Ironfang...
"Ash, how can you be so--" Hazen began. He then sighed. "Fine. If you're so sure..."
Ash nodded. "Thank you." With that, Ash turned around. "We may as well go..." he murmured.
The three of them weaved through the fighting animals, trying not to cause attention; however, this failed as Nyra swooped down in front of Ash.
"I know what you're doing," she glared. "You're not laying a paw on my leader!"
Ash growled. "Try me," he said, and jumped at Nyra, biting into her chest. Nyra squealed out before laying limp, dead. Ash threw her body aside and looked at Rusty and Eclipse, both watching Ash with surprise - although Eclipse was blind, Ash figured she could probably have heard and scented what had been going on.
"You're really confident about this, right, Ash?" Rusty said.
"I just want to get it over with," Ash muttered.
"At least you're a bit angry, it'll help," Eclipse shrugged.
"I just want to avenge Spots," Ash replied.
"We'll avenge him," Rusty nodded determinedly.
"Where is Ironfang's den?" Ash wondered, kicking out as a small orange cat lunged at him from behind, making her fall back into the crowd.
"From what I understand it's in the middle of the Fire Nation," Eclipse responded.
They kept running along, dodging fireballs and biting Firebenders who stood in their way or tried to stop them, but kept pushing along. Ironfang, we're coming for you, Ash thought determinedly. Fallen fire will rise to defeat the evil...
"That looks like Ironfang's den," Rusty said.
Ash snapped back to reality. They had come to the edge of the fighting crowd. Ahead was the hugest building in the Nation that had a large pillar on the roof, and at the top was a giant flame. The front of the building had steps and a large gate.
The three stopped in front of the gate.
"Ready?" Ash said.
Rusty and Eclipse nodded.
"No turning back now..." Ash whispered.
He pressed his muzzle to the gate and it slowly creaked open.

Author's Note:
R.I.P Spots, Aimee, Flyingbird and Nyra. ouo
Wonder how Ash shall deal with Ironfang~
And what's with the lack of comments people. |U

Chapter 71: Face-to-Face

"This is it...the Fire Nation is nearby..."
Ash breathed in slowly. Today was the day that they took back what was theirs...the day that the Firebenders surrendered...the day the land would be free. He looked at the group of animals. All of them had a mixture of determination and nervousness. Rusty and Dust, both standing side-by-side, looking ready...Spots, supporting Sylvia, a determined gleam in the eye...Streak, Nzuri and Patch, looking eager...Light and Kodi, standing close together; Light seemed nervous but Kodi had his usual laid-back look...Slice and Miguel, Miguel whispering things to Slice, most likely strategies...Zapada and Nyx, both smiling at each other...Akumu and Twister, both growling...and finally, Airia, who was narrowing her eyes at the Fire Nation in the distance.
They had left Nightgale and Comet in the caves nearby, Sylvia with them due to expecting pups, and they seemed ready. Eclipse stayed with the group, insisting she'd support any animals who needed to get to the caves, but she would actually sneak off with Ash when he needed to get to Ironfang.
Thunder boomed overhead; the whole land seemed to be preparing for the fight. Ash shivered. "What a day."
"Well, it's only morning...are you ready for this, Ash?" Treebranch asked, a mischevious gleam in her eyes.
"Of course," Ash nodded. "This is the day we win."
"Well? What's this strategy of yours?" Raven snorted. "If you think we can just barge in there--"
"We fight and never give up," Ash replied, giving Raven a look.
"Oh yeah? Ironfang will just come and murder us all," Raven rolled his eyes. "This is hopeless..."
Ash turned to face the animals. "Is everyone ready?" he asked, as lightning lit up the sky.
"No, I feel like I'm gonna throw up!" whimpered Patch.
"Remember, if any animal feels like they can't fight, hide in the caves," Ash said.
"My kits will be killed!" Rainbow cried.
"Mom, we'll be fine!" Streak insisted.
"No you won't. You only just became apprentices!" Rainbow insisted.
"Don't worry Rainbow. Your kits can stay near the senior Benders. They'll protect them," Ash nodded.
"Thank you!" Rainbow exclaimed.
"Let's go down there, then," Quake said. "Any questions?"
Thunder crackled overhead, but no one said anything.
"Good. Let's go, then," Ash nodded, turning to look at the Fire Nation. Here goes nothing... He then began walking down the hill, all the animals behind him following.
"I hope I get to see Tiredblade. I'll send him running!" Tiggerpaka cheered.
"Or you'll get killed," Moonlight snorted in reply.
"What are we all so worried about? This will be fun!" came Tiggerkat's voice.
"Yeah, about as fun as checking ourselves for ticks," Rusty mumbled.
Eclipse leaned in towards Ash, "So what do we do?"
"Fight ourselves into Ironfang's den," Ash replied.
Airia then walked up to Ash. "You're facing Ironfang?"
"Yes," Ash nodded.
"Be careful, okay? I don't want you killed," Airia said.
"Look, girl, if he's not going to be careful I'm a mouse," Rusty said sarcastically.
Airia gave Rusty a look. "This is no time for your jokes, Rusty," she insisted.
"We need jokes. We're all too up-tight," Rusty replied.
They then reached the bottom of the hill as thunder crashed louder than ever overhead, making Rusty jump, yelling out. "Whoa! Out of all the days, why do we need to get a big thunderstorm today?" Rusty demanded, growling to himself.
The animals then approached the gate, guarded by three small wolves, looking to be like newbie-apprentice age. All three of them were black, but one had a silver tail-tip and the other had white paws. They all grew round-eyed as the animals appeared.
"Who are you?" snarled the biggest one - a pure-black wolf.
"We're here to challenge the Fire Nation!" Raven declared, baring his teeth.
The white-pawed pup jumped in alarm at Raven's teeth, but the pup with the silver tail-tip pushed her back forward. "And you insist on winning?" growled the pure black one, "the Fire Nation is the strongest group of animals in the land. If you seriously think you're going to win against us, good luck."
"If I had a mouse for every time I heard that..." growled Rusty.
"Look, shrimps," Raven narrowed his eyes, "go get your Fire Nation. Bring it on!"
The black one snarled. "Fine." He turned to his siblings. "Now we sound the danger alarm."
The three wolves then did three sharp howls and then one big one. Tension prickled at Ash's pelt. We're about to meet our match, he realized. Oh great Lifebreeze...
The gates then slammed open and the whole Fire Nation appeared behind them.
"Oh, if it isn't the pathetic rebellion," sneered Poisonfang. "We've been expecting you guys."
Growls, hisses and roars erupted from the Firebenders, making Ash shiver.
"You have the chance to solve this peacefully," Ash declared. "Stand down and go away, and we'll not fight."
First there was silence, and then howls of laughter came from the Firebenders.
"We surrender to you?" Wildfire exclaimed, trying to stop himself from laughing. "Look kid, I'll bet seeing the number of us, you may come to your senses." He slithered forward. "You guys surrender and go back home, and we'll give you a few moons before coming to resume our positions at the places."
For a while, the animals Ash was leading were silent. Well, if we do surrender no one dies, no one gets harmed and we can go back to the way things were... but then, a growl rose in Ash's throat. Yes, the way things were when he lived in fear!
"No," Ash said. "We will never surrender. I'd rather die than let you and Ironfang win!"
The Firebenders all exchanged looks, then Poisonfang narrowed her eyes at Ash. Thunder raged overhead, and lightning lit up all the animals.
"Come on in," she hissed. "This battle will be legendary!"

Author's Note:
Yes, a cliffhanger.