Skyhawks characters

Tinder

Tinder was a male fiery Phoenix who befriends the Skyhawks in the first season but dies in the third due to old age. He appears as any other phoenix in Atmos.

Tinder was at first hostile towards the Skyhawks out of protection of his crystal having had a negative interaction with Aerrow, Piper, Radarr, and Ace (Dark Ace) several years earlier. However, he starts to like them and assist them in any he could. He dies of old age after having a fun day with the Skyhawks. Before he dies, he consoles his heartbroken friends by saying "I am not going away. I will live forever in your hearts. Just because one dies does not mean their loves goes with them." After thanking the squadron for being his friend, he retreats to his treasure room. A light on the wall emitted from his flames slowly fades away, indicating Tinder had passed on, leaving the young squadron to grieve.

Tinder was close to all of the Skyhawks but loved Aasira, Kaida and Jonay most of all. They were the most effected by his death. He even entrusts his crystal to Aasira.

Tinder had a bad start with Aerrow, Piper, Radarr, and Ace several years prior but he seems to have forgiven them.

Tinder had a very hostile rivalry with the leviathan.

Trivia:

Tinder is named after his fire abilities.

He is the first death (and offscreen death) in the series.

Tinder is the only character who's death wasn't a murder.

This is the first time we see any of the characters cry.

At the end of the episode, the Storm Hawks and Talon Resistance step out of the Condor upon hearing the mournful howls of the Skyhawks and stare in the distance in awe except for Ace who's suddenly changes to shock upon realizing what has happened.

The squadrons later reveal they have knowledge about Tinder's death (either Ace or the Skyhawks had told them).

Tinder is seen in visions and dreams Aasira has.

It's a popular theory that Tinder is really Aasira's grandfather Lightning Strike, reincarnated. Others have speculated Firebolt, Piper's father Phillipos, or Junko's father Jarl as being Tinder.