Chapter 12: Facing the Enemies

The bushes rustled as Tiggerpaka hopped through them. "On a grub hunt, on a grub hunt..." he hummed. "Silly Mistake. I can defeat the whole team for her single-handedly. I'll find the other team." He looked at a log to see a grub crawling along. "Ah!" Tiggerpaka then grabbed the grub and took a bite of it. "Grub hunts," he said. "I'm the best grub hunter of all."
Suddenly, there was a rumble. Tiggerpaka, chewing the rest of the grub, looked around. "Who iff fhere?" he asked, voice muffled by his eating.
Then, out from the bushes stepped a black figure, shaped like a wolf. There was fire-like bits flying off its pure black pelt. Its white eyes stared at Tiggerpaka menacingly. It opened its mouth, revealing a long tongue, and hissed. "WHERE ARRREEE THEEEEEYYYYY!" it snarled.
Tiggerpaka shrieked and darted off.
"MUSSSSST FINNNNND THEEEEEMMMM," the figure hissed, disappearing in a shadowy vortex.


"So here they are."
Misty and Bracken walked to the prison, guarded by Spot, Leafy and Patch. They had no prisoners yet, but Rhett and Koro would make a good addition. Misty smiled. Wait till the other team hears about us imprisoning these two, she thought.
The prison was in the fallen trees, making it difficult for prisoners to get out. Misty thought this was a good choice. Spot, Leafy and Patch sat around the entrance as guards.
"Nice," Spot nodded, as Rhett and Koro came up. Rhett looked a bit ticked off, and Koro had a blank expression on his face. Misty examined the leg where Rhett bit her. Did he really have to do that? Misty asked herself. Like really...
"Bring 'em in here," Leafy nodded, looking at the brothers with mischief in her eyes.
Misty pushed Koro. "Get in," she giggled.
Koro glanced back at Misty and walked into the prison. With a small growl, Rhett followed.
"We'll guard them," Patch assured them.
"Thanks," Bracken said. He turned to Misty. "Let's set off. Look for more intruders."
Misty nodded at her friend and ran off. She looked over her shoulder to see Bracken running in the other direction.
Suddenly, something slammed into Misty. With a yelp, Misty fell to the ground and felt claws digging into her. With a gasp, Misty realized Light - Koro and Rhett's mother - had pinned her to the ground. Light growled. "I'm taking my sons back."
Crap, Misty thought, feeling scared. Light was one of the best Benders - unlike an ordinary mother, she hadn't quite developed a kind and loving personality. Instead she was tough, mean and was someone you definitely wouldn't want to fight. Misty felt like she didn't stand a chance.
"You can't. They're in prison," Misty replied, trying to hide her fear.
"Misty, I play to win. Which means I don't give that they're in prison," Light hissed.
Misty kicked at Light with her hind legs. Light growled, loosening her grip, but fought to keep on Misty, who squirmed, but couldn't get out from under the larger she-wolf. Light snarled and pushed down Misty. "Where's your prison?!" she demanded.
"I...can't...breathe..." Misty wheezed.
"Tell me where your prison is and I'll let go," Light insisted.
"Breathing...is...essential...for...life...to...continue," Misty protested.
Light pushed down harder. "The prison!"
Suddenly, Misty watched Light get blown to the side. Misty quickly got to her paws and breathed heavily. She realized Starlight had tackled Light, and Audrey was running over as well - Audrey stopped at Light's body and hesitated, looking nervous.
Light growled and pushed Starlight off of her. "You stupid apprentices."
Audrey flinched. Starlight took some steps back. "...Retreat!" Starlight decided. She turned around and darted off. Audrey gathered her paws together and went to run after her friend, but Light put her paw on Audrey's tail. "Not so fast, sweetie. Where's your prison?!" Light demanded.
"Starlight!" Audrey shrieked. "H-Help!"
Misty jumped onto Light's back. She pushed her paws into Light's sides and tried to use all her weight to try and push Light down. Light growled, and then Starlight burst back into the clearing, and kicked at Light's leg that was holding Audrey down. Audrey, scrabbling, took off and Starlight didn't hesitate to run after her. Misty sprang off of Light's back and scurried away.
"Sure, retreat!" Misty heard Light howling.
Quickly, Misty turned to a tree, worried Light was going to give chase. Can Light climb? she wondered as she clawed her way up the tree, trying to get to the top. It was difficult, but Misty could manage it. Misty climbed into a branch and dug her claws into it, surveying the area and panting. Misty paused to sniff the air. She couldn't detect anyone coming by, much to her relief. Maybe I can relax, Misty thought gratefully. She'd have to get back to patrolling - Lifebreeze knew that Lephos and Sidew would probably let plenty of animals by - and try to catch some more enemies.
Misty looked around. The sunlight dazzled through the trees, and she could hear birds calling out songs to each other. The sun was warm on her back, but the air was a bit chilly. Getting cold, Misty thought. She shifted her weight, relaxing back in the branch. It can't hurt to chill for a while.
Misty then stiffened as the bushes rustled below. Twister padded out, alone. She perked her ears and sniffed the air. How many enemies are in here?! she thought. Is anyone on the other side...?
Bending, Misty told herself. Since Twister was just standing there, Misty realized it must've been a good time to test her Earthbending skills. Alright... she thought, breathing in. Misty closed her eyes and imagined the earth rising up beneath Twister, throwing her into the bushes. Hit Twister. Hit Twister.
There was a small rumble. Misty opened her eyes to see Twister rising slowly up. She looked at the ground, confused. The earth stopped however, leaving Twister just standing there - it didn't do any affect.
Twister then turned around to look at Misty.
Dang it! Misty thought, leaping off the tree to run off.

Author's Note:
Eh, she tried. .3.
Check my new blogs please! OnO I need followahs. 

Chapter 11: Capture the Prey

Out in the middle of the woods, everyone gathered around Ash and Raoul at a large boulder that everyone liked to call "Kabu's Boulder" - Airia had explained to Misty that the former deputy always hopped up on the boulder when The Bending Tower had a meeting in the woods.
"Alright!" Ash called. "Here's how you will play 'Capture the Prey'."
Misty, sitting next to Campbell, perked her ears forward to listen better. I gotta come up with some plans. That way we can win! she thought excitedly.
"There are two teams, as you know," Ash explained. "Apprentices and mentors. Now, there is a deer for each team." Ash nodded at two dead deer laying by him. "The deer will be hidden by each team in their own territories. To win, one team have to get the other's prey and get it to their side."
"Now, if you find an enemy in your territory," Raoul said, "if you attack them and they surrender, then they're your prisoner. And someone from their own team has to rescue them."
"Oh. That makes sense," Campbell said.
"You can do anything possible to try and win," Ash added. "But no killing or inflicting any huge injuries. And do not leave The Bending Tower's territory."
"Any questions?" Raoul asked.
No one said anything.
"Good. If you have anything to report - any rule breaking or whatever - come to a senior Bender. And remember, newbie Benders get to choose their team. Good luck!" Ash exclaimed.
Misty then watched as the mentors all got together, along with most of the newbie Benders. Of course. They don't want to be with the "stupid apprentices", Misty growled to herself. Well, when we beat them they won't think we're weak anymore.
"We must be the only newbie Benders here."
Misty turned to see Leafy and Patch sitting there. "Well, no matter," Leafy shrugged. "We'll shred the mentors."
"Yeah," Patch smiled.
A bunch of running sounds reached Misty's ears. She whipped around to see the other team scurrying off into the forest. Well, there they go, Misty thought.
"We're gonna need a leader," Spot commented. "Sort things out and all."
"Well, who'll it be?" Malroy frowned.
"Obviously us," said Lephos, glancing at Sidew.
"Um, no," Ryker, Lephos and Sidew's other brother said. "You'll get us all beaten," he said with a snicker.
Lephos and Sidew gave Ryker an unimpressed look.
"Maybe it could be Liberty," suggested Starlight. Misty glanced at the she-wolf, seeing her sitting next to her best friend, Audrey. "She's a natural leader."
"Agreed, we could win with her as leader," Sparky nodded.
Misty noticed Campbell stiffen. "Shh. It's just a matter of who's leader," Misty hissed to her friend.
"Yeah...but everyone always picks Liberty," Campbell muttered.
"Why? You want to be leader?" Misty asked.
"No," Campbell said. "It's just that I'd like to see someone else do something important rather than Liberty, she can't always get to do everything..." Misty glanced at Lephos and Sidew, noticing the twins looking at Campbell and whispering. Ryker then gave his brothers a look, and Sidew gave Ryker a "what did I do?!" look back. I can only guess what they're talking about, Misty thought, narrowing her eyes at the brothers.
Misty sighed. "Hey, Liberty!" called Spot.
Liberty, who was sitting alone, perked her ears and made her way over. "What?"
"You wanna be leader? I think we all agree you should be," Ekaj said.
Liberty glanced at her sister, as if she were saying, "I'm pretty sure she didn't." But nevertheless, Liberty shrugged and said, "Yeah, sure. Whatever."
"Nice," Malroy said, stepping forward. "Got any plans?"
Liberty was quiet for a moment, then nodded. "Yep."
She then stood in front of everyone, and the apprentices - plus Leafy and Patch - all stood around to listen.
"Okay. I think we'll need to divide up into jobs, based on our strengths," Liberty suggested. "First job should be those who need to guard our prey. They'll have to be quick, alert and pretty strong."
"I will!" Ekaj exclaimed.
"You're not strong," snorted Ryker teasingly.
"Oh hush," Ekaj hissed.
"Yeah, okay," Liberty nodded. "Someone else'll have to be guard, too."
"I can do guarding," Sparky got to his paws. "I'm big. Ish."
Starlight giggled, "'Ish'? Sparky, you're--"
"It's muscle," Sparky growled at his sister.
Misty knew Sparky was buff, but he wasn't fat or anything. Oh well. Siblings, she thought with a shrug. Not that I'd know what it's like to argue with a sibling, of course...
"Yeah. The next rank we'll need are guards for the border. In case the mentors attempt to cross."
"We can do that!" yelled Lephos and Sidew at about the same time. They ran up to Liberty.
"I'll join you for that," Liberty said, giving them a look. "You'll probably get distracted by something like a butterfly."
Lephos looked a bit offended, and Sidew scowled. Misty heard Ekaji snickering.
"Next we'll have to have some animals patrol our whole territory, in case someone happens to slip by. Which I'm sure'll happen," Liberty said, giving Lephos and Sidew a look. Sidew rolled his eyes, while Lephos gave Liberty and unimpressed expression.
"I'll do that!" Misty said.
"Me too," Campbell nodded, but didn't seem eager to do her sister's bidding.
"I guess I could," Malroy shrugged.
"Ooh! Ooh! Me!" Bracken exclaimed.
"Audrey and I volunteer," Starlight called. Misty noticed Audrey giving her friend a "what?!" look.
"Alright. Final rank is to guard the prisoners that we catch. Spot, Patch and Leafy, that job's for you. You can choose where our prison can be. Now, prey guards, take the deer and hide it somewhere, and let's go!" Liberty exclaimed.
Everyone all broke up. Liberty pulled Lephos and Sidew aside, and Misty notice her hissing something to them, looking a bit ticked off. She's probably expressing how important their job is, Misty guessed.
"Come on!" Bracken said to Misty. "We need to start our job."
"Alright," Misty nodded. She took off with Bracken, and Campbell caught up to Misty's other side, giving Bracken a disliking look.
The three were then alone in the forest. "Oooh, this is gonan be fun!" Bracken exclaimed.
"Shh! You'll give us away!" Campbell hissed to the young bobcat.
"Campbell, I doubt anyone's crossed into our territory yet," Misty replied to her friend.
"We don't know that. The border's all the way back there!" Campbell whispered, pointing her tail in the direction they came from.
"She's right," Bracken agreed. "Let's split up. We'll get our jobs done better that way."
"Okay then. Good luck guys," Misty whispered, and the three broke up, going in separate directions.
Misty looked around, debating about where to go. Towards the border. So if any mentors come over, I can catch them quickly, she told herself. Misty trotted for the border, but then stopped herself. Be quiet. Element of surprise! she thought. Misty then walked slowly back for the border, being cautious about stepping on any sticks.
Suddenly, Misty heard rustling. She jumped. Someone's here already? she thought. She then growled, preparing herself to haul the trespasser off to the prison.
But, out came Tiggerpaka from the bushes. "Ah! Hello."
"Tiggerpaka...! We're busy!" Misty hissed.
"I understand you're playing 'Capture the Prey', eh?" Tiggerpaka said.
"Yes, but we're right in the middle of it and you might alert others that I'm nearby!" Misty whispered.
"I can help you though!" Tiggerpaka exclaimed. "I am the greatest warrior in the land, after all!"
"Sure," Misty murmured, "go into the mentors' territory and tell me what you find."
"Good! I'll return from my reconnaissance mission momentarily," Tiggerpaka puffed out his chest and took off.
With a sigh, Misty kept walking along. Hopefully he'll bring something important back to me, Misty thought. She kept trotting, then looked up at the trees. Some of these should be kind of easy to climb, maybe I can spy from up there...
Misty walked up to the tree and dug her claws into it and heaved herself up. Climbing is heavier than it looks! she thought with a grunt. She kept climbing though, with determination. If I wanna help my side I gotta be willing to do stuff, don't I?
Misty then perched in the branches, hoping the leaves covered her well. She scanned the area. Wow, you can see so high up from here. She smiled. I need to climb trees more often.
Suddenly, Misty heard voices. "I think it's this way..."
Misty stiffened, and dug her claws into the branch to prevent herself from falling. The bushes rustled and Koro came out from them, with Rhett with him. No surprise there, Misty told herself. She kept watching.
"We'll find the apprentices in no time," Rhett snorted. "They have no way of hiding well or covering up their tracks, honestly."
"Don't underestimate them, they're devious little guys," Koro shrugged.
Yes we are, Misty thought. She then bunched her legs together and leaped, jumping onto her mentor with a growl.
"Holy--!" Koro exclaimed as Misty pinned him down onto the ground.
"I can hide pretty good, I think," Misty said.
She then felt something tugging at her and next thing she knew, Misty was thrown off Koro and landed on the ground with an "oof". Misty realized Rhett had gotten to her. "And obviously you don't plan ahead," Rhett said with a grin.
Koro got to his paws, a slight smile on his face. "Sorry, Misty. Just...passing through, y'know."
"Yeah. We'll be on our way," Rhett said with a laugh. The brothers turned to walk away.
Obviously you guys know not to turn your back on an enemy, Misty thought. She then jumped at Rhett this time and pushed him into the ground. Rhett, looking startled, bit on Misty's paw. Misty yelled and flinched her leg away. With a growl, she pushed Rhett into a tree nearby, but it didn't affect him much.
Suddenly, Misty was slammed into the ground by Koro, and he put his paw down on her back, forcing her on the ground. "Nice try, Misty, but I think we win this round--"
The weight lifted off Misty unexpectedly, and she looked to see Bracken looking at Koro. "Hey, don't do that!" he protested.
Rhett got to his paws. "Oh. That guy," Rhett snorted.
Misty turned and gave Rhett a glare.
"Can you not just let us go?" Rhett rolled his eyes.
"Oh, is that a surrender I hear?" Misty smiled.
"No, I--" Rhett began.
"Yep, you surrendered. Come with me," Misty said simply.
"I'm not going to prison!" Rhett protested.
"Yes you are. Both of you. Or you'll have to fight Bracken and me," Misty insisted.
Rhett and Koro exchanged looks.

Author's Note:
Yaaaaaaayy. Fighting stuffz.

Chapter 10: Goodbye to Tiggerkat

The next morning Misty's eyes opened and she found Lephos and Sidew standing over her.
"GAH!" she cried, jumping back in alarm.
Sidew kicked Lephos in the leg, making his brother double over. "Bug-brain! You told me she probably wouldn't wake up!"
"Well how am I supposed to know?!" Lephos growled at his brother.
"What were you guys doing?!" Misty yelled.
"...None of your business," Sidew said flatly.
Misty got to her paws. "Well, after that, I don't think I'll be very sleepy."
"Oh, don't be such a bore," Sidew snorted.
"I think I need something for my leg," Lephos grunted.
"Anyway, I think you need to see what's going on," Sidew shrugged. "Tiggerkat's leaving."
"She is?" Misty frowned.
"Yeah! She's telling everybody goodbye, down at the yard," Lephos said, examining his leg.
Misty stretched. "Alright, I gotta see--" she then stopped and looked at the brothers. "Wait, this isn't a prank is it?"
"Look, from the bottom of our hearts, we hereby are telling the truth," Lephos promised. "Lephos-and-Sidew-swear."
"What?" Misty said.
"One, I thought it was 'Sidew-and-Lephos-swear," Sidew glanced at Lephos. "Two," he turned to Misty, "it means pranks are off and we're not lying."
Misty rolled her eyes. "Yeah. I'm going down to the yard."
She then left the room as Sidew called after her, "We're not faking it!"
Misty trotted down the stairs and rounded the corner, only to bump into Rhett.
"Ahg!" Misty jumped back. "Oh. Sorry."
"If you could watch where you're going, that'd be nice," chuckled Rhett.
"It was around a corner!" Misty protested.
Rhett smiled. "Hey, your friend's all good by the way. I walked by the Medicine Benders' room. She's up."
"...Alright," Misty replied. Rhett grinned and continued down the hallway. Misty glanced at him as he went, then turned back to walk towards the yard. I'll check on Campbell later. I need to see what this whole "Tiggerkat" thing is about, Misty told herself.
Misty then headed out into the yard to see Tiggerkat sitting there. She had a huge bundle of leaves, and Misty could see it was stacked to the top of what she heard Tiggerkat call "reese cups". Around her was Wyki, Sirius and Mirage.
"You're really leaving?" squeaked Mirage.
"I have found my reese cups! I need to embark elsewhere before they run off!" Tiggerkat exclaimed.
"But we don't want you to leave!" Wyki protested.
Tiggerkat patted Wyki's head. "Maybe we'll meet again someday, little Wyki, but for now I am going on an adventure!"
"Good riddance!" shouted Tiggerpaka from across the yard.
"We're gonna miss you!" Mirage cried.
"I will, too! You guys are my best friends!" Tiggerkat said.
Misty trotted up to Tiggerkat. "You're really leaving?"
"I need to find more reese cups elsewhere, Misty!" Tiggerkat said. "But don't worry, maybe I'll see you again someday!"
"You've stayed here for a long time," Charlotte said, trotting over. "Are you sure you're ready to leave?"
"Of course! I got the reese cups from those Firebenders - that party was awesome! Free reese cups for me. Maybe there's more out there I can be given!" Tiggerkat beamed at Charlotte. "Everyone here are my best friends, but like I said. I'm going elsewhere."
"'Best friends'," snorted Max, who was nearby.
"Oh, hush," Raoul hissed to his friend.
"Well, I'm taking my leave," Tiggerkat sighed, getting to her feet. "Goodbye! And may you all find reese cups too someday!"
"Byeeeee!" cried Wyki, Sirius and Mirage.
Other animals nodded and bid goodbye to Tiggerkat as she went, and sure enough, Tiggerkat left the yard and went off into the forest.
"I'll bet a moon's worth of my lunch she'll either get killed or come back. I'll give her a day," snorted Akumu.
"I'll give her until lunch," Stone muttered.
After a while of waiting for Tiggerkat to come barreling through the entrance to rant about pretty flowers she saw, animals began to realize she wasn't faking nor returning - at least not anytime soon. They began to break up and continue their duties.
"I can't believe she's gone!" Mirage exclaimed.
"Oh, she'll be back," Akumu assured her son. "She'll be back."
"Has she ever left and returned?" Sirius asked her mother.
"Actually, yes. Dust tricked her into leaving and our old leader Goldwing made the whole Tower search for her," Akumu chuckled.
Misty walked over to her mother, Airia. "Hey, mom."
"Hello, sweetie," Airia licked Misty on the forehead. "Are you gonna miss Tiggerkat?"
"Yes, of course," Misty nodded. "But...will she come back?"
"I don't know," Airia looked at the exit, as if she expected Tiggerkat to jump through. "Her mind seemed pretty set on leaving..."
"I never thought I'd see the day!" exclaimed Rusty, walking by. "No more annoying outbursts of--"
"Rusty!" cried Charlotte, sitting next to Airia, "have you any respect for Tiggerkat?"
"Well hey, she was annoying," Rusty insisted.
"She saved us from the Firebenders!" Charlotte pointed out.
"Please. That doesn't make her any less annoying," Rusty retorted.
Misty thought Charlotte was going to hit Rusty, but luckily they were stopped.
"Benders! Gather!"
At the sound of her father's voice, Misty whipped around. The Benders were, sure enough, coming up to Ash for a meeting. Misty hared after the crowd, wanting to sit with the rest of them. Hey, it's my first apprentice meeting! Misty realized.
Several animals rushed out of the Tower as well - Starlight, Spot, Snakeseye and Sparky.
"Are the rumors true?" Snakeseye demanded. "Tiggerkat's gone?"
"Yes, Tiggerkat has left," Ash announced.
This sent whispers and conversations through the crowd of gathered animals. Misty was pretty sure she was the only one who noticed Rhett and Campbell walking out into the yard through the Tower door, both of them discussing something Misty couldn't hear. Misty perked her head, trying to make herself visible above the crowd. "Campbell!" Misty exclaimed. When Campbell turned in her direction, Misty mouthed, "Over here!"
Campbell made her way over to Misty. "What's up?"
"Tiggerkat's gone," Misty said.
"She is?" Campbell said in disbelief.
"Excuse me!" Ash exclaimed.
Everyone stopped and turned Ash's way.
"Ahem. Yes, Tiggerkat is gone," Ash confirmed.
"WONDERFUL!" Tiggerpaka cheered.
"Shut up!" someone shouted.
"So anyway," Ash continued, scanning the crowd, "on a happier note, we are planning something fun to do."
"Ooh!" Starlight exclaimed.
"Raoul and I have designed a strategic game for the apprentices to play. It'll be good for training, and the apprentices should enjoy it," Ash explained. "We call it 'Capture the Prey'."
"'Capture the Prey'?" Misty hissed to Campbell. "What's that...?"
"Mm-mm-mm," Campbell shrugged.
"Capture the Prey will take place on half moon, which should be in about three days," Ash went on. "It'll be after lunch, and we'll divide up teams - mentors vs. apprentices. Newbie Benders will participate too and they get to choose which team to go on."
"Sounds interesting," remarked Malroy from nearby.
"But how do you play?" called Ryker, Lephos and Sidew's other brother.
"You'll find out at half moon," Raoul said.
"Be prepared, and remember. After lunch!" Ash exclaimed. "Meeting over."
Everyone began taking their leave.
"Wonder how that's all gonna go down," Misty said, turning to Campbell.

Author's Note:
Wheeeeeew. TFEOB version of Capture the Flag! :'D
Check out my new blogs please. :3

Chapter 9: Helping the Wounded

The earthquake quickly shuttered to a stop after that. Everything stood still. The only thing that had fallen over was the big oak tree.
The oak tree that killed Dust and Campbell.
No, no, no, no, no, Misty thought frantically. This couldn't have happened!
"D-Dust?" Rusty called, looking horrified. He slowly made his way for the tree. Misty got to her paws and ran for it, however. My friend can NOT be dead, she thought. She can't be. She can't be.
"Campbell!" Misty called. She then hopped on top of the tree and grew wide-eyed.
Both Dust and Campbell were laying there knocked out. But the tree was laying next to them; it hadn't crushed them after all. Misty let out a sigh of relief. "They're both okay!" she called happily out to the others. Misty hopped down and pawed at her friend. "Campbell? Wake up. You're fine."
Campbell slowly lifted her head and moaned. "M-Mom...?"
"N-No, Campbell. It's me. Misty." Misty replied.
"Ohhh..." Campbell's head dropped back to the ground.
"I think they need Eclipse," Misty commented.
Koro swiftly jumped over the tree. Misty turned to him. "I got Campbell. Dust's a bit too big for me." He nudged Campbell, picking her up and setting her on his back. Campbell made no comment, laying with her eyes closed. "Someone get Dust," he called to the others, and trotted off. Misty watched as Nzuri ran after Koro.
Misty turned back to Dust, and nudged him with her front paw. "Hey. Get up."
Dust just laid there.
Rusty came over. "H-He's alive, right?"
"Yeah...I'm sure..." Misty said hesitantly. I actually don't know, she thought with worry.
Rusty put his paw on Dust and moved him over. "Ahem. Dust. Dude, you gotta get up."
Dust didn't respond.
"Y-You can't play dead, Dust. Stop worrying me," Rusty stammered.
Misty then put her paw on Dust's chest and felt around for his heart. "Where is it..." she murmured.
After a few moments of fear, Misty finally found his heart. "It's beating!" she announced.
"Oh my Lifebreeze!" Rusty howled. "I thought he was dead...!"
"He's still alive," Misty confirmed.
Rhett made his way over. "Dude. I don't think this guy can be picked up."
"We can try right?" Rusty frowned.
"Well, I'm not breaking my spine over it," Rhett snorted. "We could probably get backup."
"If only Kabu was still here. That guy could pick Dust up easily," Rusty remarked. "Misty, Rhett, head back to The Bending Tower and get some reinforcements, will you?"
"Sure," Misty shrugged.
"C'mon," Rhett said to Misty, and took off. Misty stared at how fast he went, then bolted after him, as quick as she could manage. However, Rhett was already way ahead. Misty picked up the pace, going as fast as she ever went in her life. She finally caught up to Rhett, panting.
"Man you're weak," Rhett laughed.
"Well excuse me," Misty snorted.
They entered the yard, where animals were all crowded around, talking to each other. Talking about the earthquake, Misty told herself. She then went to follow Rhett into The Bending Tower, but felt herself being lifted up off the ground. "Hey!" she exclaimed.
"Misty! Are you alright?" came her mother's voice. She then set Misty back down and Misty turned, looking up at her mother. "You could've been killed. You're so lucky to have survived!"
"Mom, mom!" Misty exclaimed. She glanced at Rhett and saw him snickering. Misty shot him a glare.
"I'm just glad you're okay," Airia sighed.
"Yeah. Go fret over Adele now. She won't mind," Misty muttered.
Airia gave Misty a look.
"I'm not making fun of her disability!" Misty protested.
"Anyways," Rhett trotted up, shooting a teasing grin at Misty, "Airia, we need your help. Dust is out cold, and we need someone to carry him back to The Bending Tower."
"Oh. Sure," Airia nodded. "Come on Misty." She bent down to pick her up but Misty flinched away.
"I can walk," Misty said.
Airia frowned. "Okay then," she shrugged. She then flew up into the sky.
Rhett smiled at Misty.
"Shut up," Misty pushed him with her paw.
"I didn't even say anything," Rhett grinned.
Misty rolled her eyes. "You know what I mean. C'mon, Mom needs to follow us."
"Alright." Rhett then trotted off for the forest. Misty followed him.
Misty and Rhett headed back towards the location Dust was. Misty looked up to see Airia flying above them, looking down to see where they were going.
They then stopped at the fallen tree area, and Airia swooped down and looked at Rusty. "He's over here!" Rusty called.
Airia darted at where Rusty was, going by with a swoooosh of her wings. Misty and Rhett followed, watching as Airia picked Dust's body up with her wing and set Dust on her back. She then took off into the sky, flying back for The Bending Tower.
"Now all we do is pray he doesn't fall off," Rhett snickered.
"I...think that's enough tour for today," Rusty gulped. "L-Let's head back."

Author's Note:
Check out my new blogs - War of the Wolves and Art Unlimited!
Oh, and also there's a new place for where you can sign-up on the sign-ups page. .3.
I'm hungry. e3e *runs off to eat*

Chapter 8: Dangerous Trees

Later, Koro, Nzuri, Rusty and Dust took Misty and Campbell out for a tour of the territory, despite Misty had seen most of it already. They stopped at the fallen tree clearing.
"So these are the fallen trees," Rusty said. "They came when a horrible storm created by Ironfang struck us. It meant to kill most of  The Bending Tower but failed, leaving behind all of these trees. It's good for obstacle courses, and apprentices train here."
"Yeah, and shadows come here too," gulped Campbell.
"Campbell, there was no shadow," Dust insisted.
"There was so, dad!" Campbell hissed.
Dust sighed. "You'll have to give up on it sometime I guess..."
"Read my mouth. There. Was. A. Shadow. Figure!" Campbell growled.
Nzuri gave her apprentice a look. "Apprentices don't talk back to full Benders."
Campbell started mumbling to herself.
Rusty then sniffed the air. "Smell that?" he turned to Dust.
"Yup," Dust nodded.
"Stop, guys," Rusty turned to the apprentices and Benders. "We gotta catch something."
"Wonder what they got," Koro frowned, padding up to Misty.
"Lifebreeze knows," Misty shrugged.
Rusty and Dust crawled for the fallen trees. Misty then realized what they were looking at: a rabbit, who had somehow got itself to the top of the trees. It looked to be nibbling on something. "Oh. There's a rabbit," she whispered.
"Watch them," Koro suggested. "You could learn a bit of hunting."
Misty then watched as Rusty and Dust split up and went on either side of the tree pile. The rabbit perked its head and looked around, but must've figured that it was nothing, because it started licking its back and shook its pelt.
Suddenly, the twins jumped. Misty watched as Rusty, growling, lunged up the fallen trees. Dust did the same and they both grabbed the rabbit at the same time, and it squealed in protest. Misty then gasped as the twins literally teared the rabbit in two.
Misty, Campbell and Nzuri squealed. "GROSS!" they harmonized.
"Ooh. Bit gorey," Rusty grimaced.
"Rusty?"
Misty, Koro, Campbell and Nzuri turned to see Crystal, Lephos, Mistletoe and Audrey all together, most likely on a patrol. "What is going on?" Crystal asked.
"Oh...Hey," Rusty said. "Um...you look nice today, Crystal."
"Rusty, I don't want you scaring these girls like that, okay?" Crystal asked.
"Ewww!" Audrey shrieked, seeing the torn rabbit.
"Come on Crystal, it wasn't our fault," Dust insisted.
"Be more dignified while catching prey. No one needs to see those...intestines," Crystal's nose wrinkled.
"Love you, Crystal," Rusty called out innocently. Dust gave Rusty a look and snorted.
"Rusty," Crystal gave her mate a look, then turned to Mistletoe. "C'mon, let's go."
The patrol trotted off.
Misty turned back to the twins to see Dust punching Rusty. "You're such a suck-up."
"Well hey, I don't need to get in trouble," Rusty replied.
Dust sighed. "Whatever." He turned to the others. "So moving on--"
Suddenly, it was back.
The earth started rumbling.
"What is this?!" Rusty yelled.
Misty flinched as the area began shaking. She struggled to stay steady, and looked nervously at the trees as they began swaying back any forth. "The trees!" she exclaimed.
Campbell tripped and fell over her own feet. The earth then got louder and the trees looked like they were about to fall.
"TAKE COVER!" Dust howled.
Misty hit the ground and tasted blood in her mouth. She felt something on top of her, and realized Koro had his leg over her, protecting her. Misty saw out of the corner of her eye Campbell was stumbling and she tripped and fell. Dust ran to her daughter and attempted to pick her up, but a tree slammed on top of them.
"CAMPBELL!" Misty shrieked.
"DUST!" Rusty yelled at the same time.

Author's Note:
Short-ish chapter. :<
Oh, please check out my new story, too! 83