Prologue

What’s going on, Galen? Is everything all right? asked Suoh. We never use this part of your cave unless it's an emergency.

Yes, yes, everything’s fine, Galen rumbled deep in his throat. He was an old dragon; his hide mutilated by many scars, still yet as handsome as ever. He was the last albino dragon and was well respected for his knowledge. The torches lining the tunnel walls glowed brightly, and Suoh could see the worrisome twinkle in his red, tired eyes. I have to show you something. I’ve brought Cadmus, Kaida and Alima to join us. This concerns all of you.

Once they got to the end of the tunnel, it opened up to reveal a big cave. Suoh could see in the torchlights the other three dragons, their scales sparkling. The cave had just the right amount of light, and had a slight breeze blowing through it from a little hole in the side. He saw Kaida, a bright red dragon, standing by an egg that had orange-red swirls glowing from it. He went to stand next to her and his own, which had different shades of blue. Looking around, he could see that Alima, a beautiful white dragon, was fretting over a white egg, constantly moving and adjusting it in more comfortable positions. After a couple of seconds, she would click her pearl-white claws on the floor of the cave, and then move it around some more. Camdus, who was standing over an egg with green whirls, clicked his fangs and leaned over to comfort her, with no luck. She just growled and snapped at him, getting back to her egg. Suoh shook his deep blue head, convinced that she would never stop worrying as long as she lived.

I have called all of you here today because your eggs are in danger. No, don’t worry Alima, there’s no need to panic, as long as you act quickly. Hecate has supposedly found out about them and is trying to track them down as we speak. Everything is going to rest in their hands when that day comes. I know it is an extremely large task for these four Elements who aren’t even hatchlings yet, but they should grow up big and strong so they can defend our nation as well as the humans. I have to know where you will be in case of an emergency so I can contact you. After you tell me, leave immediately and go separately. Cadmus, where will you go?

I will go to Bakers City. It’s near the coast. Cadmus's voice was deep, just like the color of his scales--a deep green, with a bit of lightness to it.

Alima, who had finally stopped fretting, cleared her throat that sounded like jingling bells. I know a person there who owes me a favor. She’s quite kind and will surely help me.

Are you sure she will want to take on that burden, Alima? asked Galen.

She nodded. She’s wanted a child for some time now, both her and her husband. The only problem is that she is unable to conceive. They need an heir to take the throne, and this child’s perfect for that role. I’m sure of it. Alima sighed, a bit of smoke billowing out of her mouth and nostrils. I know that I won't be able to have a hatchling of my own for some time, but as long as I can make my friend happy, it will be all right.

She looked sweetly down at the egg that contained the little boy who would one day fulfill a great destiny as one of the Human Elements. She touched the warm egg with her snout. The milky swirls sped up near where she touched it, and she smiled brightly. She was happy for her friend who was going to receive this child, but Alima felt a tang of jealousy. She had been hoping that this one would be hers, and hers alone. She knew better, unfortunately. The closest she could get to being a parent was to be a guardian for the Air child. That’s the closest any of them could get to being a parent to these Elements. Cadmus was in charge of the Earth child; Kaida the Fire child, and Suoh the Water child. Each was special in their own way, with certain powers that only they could control.

Good. Suoh, Kaida, what about you?

I’ll probably go to Talbe near Bakers City, said Kaida.

I’ll go to Bakers City, too, said Suoh. It’s easier to contact each other when we know that we’re close by.

Galen nodded. That’s fine; just know that it’s riskier. Now go. I will contact you if anything goes wrong. Stay close to the shadows. We don’t want any of Hecates’ spies knowing where you’re living. For that matter, nobody may know where you four are headed. Remember—the Elements are not allowed to meet unless it’s a dire emergency. Cadmus, Suoh, you two are an exception--those little girls need to stay together. I’m more worried about them getting hurt than leaving them alone by themselves. Anyways, if we leave you two alone with them in separate households, it will arouse suspicion. Now hurry.

Cadmus left first, then after ten minutes, Kaida left, followed by Alima and Suoh, each holding the egg they had been standing by.

Be safe, whispered Galen to himself, and stared down at the empty nest. The whole cave felt empty now. The quiet hum that had been vibrating through it was now gone. His task was complete until the next generation of Elements came.

Once Suoh reached the edge of the ledge from Galens’ cave, he could just barely see Alima in the shadows of the mountains. He looked around and saw dragons flying in the sky, swooping left, right, down, dodging others, and ducking into caves as the sun set behind the mountains, their scales bouncing light off one another. The air had a metallic tang to it from the fire and the smoke, and the sun shone brightly.

I’m going to miss this place for a long, long time, he whispered. Suoh spread his bright blue wings and jumped off the ledge in pursuit of Kaida, Cadmus, and Alima, with the Water egg clutched in his front claws.