Firewing

Emily-

"Comon boneheads! See if you can catch up!" Emily laughed as she surfed the tops of the trees using their branches like a surfboard. The other students were nowhere in sight. She stopped and slowly lowered herself. Where had they gone? She got down to the earthy floor and used the weeds underfoot to launch herself high into the air. She looked around. They were all gone.

Bong, Bong, Bong, Bong, Bong Emily turned her head. It never rang five times unless it was an emergency.

She ran to the hall, were a small group of kids were gathered. She wiped her hands on her pants, leaving dirty grass stains and walked in.

Robin-

I squatted down on the ground, eyes scouring for some Red Clover. It was the easiest sedative herb to find in this part of the forest, and I was running out of those. Perhaps I could find some Featherfoil while I was at it. It was good for treating inflammation, is edible, and can be used as insecticide. Those termites were chewing holes in the walls and I-

My head snapped up, hearing the sound of a gong. Five chimes, I counted. Gulping, I quickly put away what herbs I have collected into my pouch. Five chimes was only for the most urgent situations. What could be happening now? Hopefully, Jethra would have some answers.

As I dashed towards the audience hall, I tied the pouch around my waist. I probably wouldn't need it, but it's better to be safe than sorry. From habit, I tugged at my loose sleeves, pulling them over my hands. Nobody will see the scars, I told myself. They're covered by my sleeves.

As I neared the foreboding doors to the audience hall, I could hear some chatter from inside. It was barely audible through the doors. Strange. That would mean that there are only a few people inside, but that wouldn't make sense. All the Elites and trainees had to be in the audience hall.

Still confused, I pushed open the doors. They were heavy, though I've seen everyone else push them open with ease. Jethra told me that it was because my healing powers made me naturally weak, but I still felt inferior. Sighing, I entered the hall, eyes facing downwards.

I glanced up, just to take a small peek. When I saw what the interior of the hall, my mouth fell open in shock. Only a few trainees! No Elites at all! Knees shaking, I stumbled over to the nearest chair and collapsed in it. But- that wasn't possible. What happened to the Elites? What happened to Jethra?

Senra:

SEnra was really getting nervous now. There was no site of the Elites, no site of Kerren. She took a deep breath and sat down waiting for someone to answer the question that had been voiced more then once.

"Does anyone know?" She finally asked. Everyone kinda shook their head. She bit her lower lip.

Karren, where are you? She called in her head, knowing he wouldn't hear. No one could read thoughts that she knew of, and he never said he could. But she wished he could. If this was some sort of joke from the Elites she'd be really mad.

"What if something happened to them." She whispered. "Who rang the bells?"

Sorry about the delay. My internet ate itself last night and would not let me on for any reason.

Name: Indio

Age: 18

Gender: Male

Element: Fire

Ability: Indio has the ability to manipulate and control fire and heat. He can make fire with the snap of his fingers, or put out a burning inferno with a thought, but if he makes a fuel-less fire, the energy must come from somewhere. He can also radiate heat to warm a large room, or can burn through clothes without setting them on fire.

Weakness: Can't swim and absolutely hates water. Is also incredibly claustrophobic.

Appearance: Here. But here's a closer look. Shaggy black hair, and dark gray eyes with hardly noticeable red rings around the irises. He stands approximately 6' and is slender in build. He has black markings on his stomach and chest and his skin is tanned. Wears loose, thin clothing and can often be seen without a shirt.

Personality: Fiery, for lack of a better word. Indio has his good qualities, and his bad. He's charming without really meaning to be or trying, courageous, witty and bold. And at the same time, he's stubborn, reckless, loves to show off, and a bit too cocky and proud for his own good. He has a nasty temper and takes a while to cool down, but loyal to those close to him. He's used to people fearing him and his power and hardly notices anymore.

History: Indio was born and raised in a small kingdom with no knowledge of the rest of the world. When he grew older, he began to become curious. His parents always told him that it was a dark and dangerous place that would snatch him up and turn him into something he wasn't. But, of course, he didn't listen and one day his curiosity got the better of him and he left his home, traveling as far as what small amount of money he had would take him. He took up small jobs here and there, and it was while working for a performer within a city in a kingdom he had just reached, he was discovered by the Elite.

Other: Not really up for love.

---

The blackened, charred earth of the training field was familiar to me. As were the trees, some equally as burnt as the ground and some only measly black sticks. I was the only one there today, but I hadn't come here to socialize or gaze around at my surroundings. Pushing my sleeves up around my elbows, I summoned the fire to my hands and sent a small flaming ball at the target set up at the other side of the field.

After a few minutes alone I began to gather a rhythm and my fire grew in strength. My mind wandered to other things as my hands continued to send the flaming balls towards the target, hardly even aware that I was doing it anymore. I thought back to my last lessons nearly two days ago, when my instructor had shown us a new, more powerful way to control the fire. I had attempted it and failed at first, but eventually it came.

I cast my eyes back to the small stone statue, covered in scorch marks but still standing tall and proud, at the other end of the field. Drawing in a deep breath, I focused the fire back at my hands, forming it and shaping it with my mind until it was as I wanted it. Then, with a gust of heat against my face, the fiery whip lashed out like a striking viper, digging its flames into the statue and ground around it for a split second before disappearing again.

A small smile of triumph crossed my face, but was gone again a moment later as the distant, deep voice of a gong echoed through the surrounding trees. It rang five times before falling silent again, and with a sigh and a muttered curse, I began running back towards the Audience Hall. Five seemed to be the unlucky number around here, and could only mean trouble.

I slipped in through the back door where I had just seen another trainee enter and looked around. Usually, when the gong was struck, there would be at least one Elite waiting for us, but today was not the case. There wasn't a single one in sight, but only a small huddle of students and a spy sitting, arms crossed impatiently, in a chair.

The obvious question sprung to the tip of my tongue and stubbornly stayed there, but I resisted the urge to blurt it out and instead approached the other students, knowing that my question would already be passing from mouth to mouth. All I was concerned about was the answer.

What was going on?

A quick note, then we start- Darkness and Light are super-rare elements. There are only two of each in the Firewing complex. One darkness trainee and one darkness Elite; two light Elite.

Seline-

I shifted, trying not to talk to the bird on my shoulder to calm my nerves. I was still not used to mind-speaking with animals; I found it drained my energy. The Elite that trained me said I simply wasn't used to it yet, and I secretly admitted they were right. It didn't help that I only practiced mind-speak when they were around. I enjoyed animals' company too much to wear myself out talking to them. Even though I had learned everybody's name while we had been waiting, there were empty places on either side of me.

The spy shifted, nodding as the last element trainee came in. He motioned towards the empty seat, and the trainee, a Fire element by his eyes, took it. Just like every other trainee that had entered. I was surprised that a few people didn't seem to have powers. I recognized the healer; I had often seen him in the forest while I had snuck away. He had never seen me though, I often shape-shifted when other people were around. I was remarkably good at shape-shifting; I did it often enough. I always made sure to keep my talent hidden from the Elite though. The questions that would arouse from my talent being discovered were too painful to answer.

"You must all be wondering why you have been called here," the spy-- Vincent, said, leaning forward. I nodded along with everybody else.

"The Elite have been kidnapped."

The hall went silent from his words. The Elite? Kidnapped? It seemed surreal. I looked at the others; all were slack-jawed.

Vincent continued. "From what we have gathered, they are split between the surrounding kingdoms. We don't know how they were captured, but they were."

The bird on my shoulder whistled, drawing attention to me. He had picked up on the question in my mind.

I cleared my throat and spoke, "Why call us then?"

"Because," Vincent leaned back in his chair. "You are the ones who will rescue them. Normally Firewing would send slightly more advanced people, but they have been captured as well. As the top trainees, it is up to you."

"So, are you our leader then?" one of the apprentice's asked, apprehension hidden in her voice. I shook my head.

"No, but yes. In a way I am, as I will be telling you any information I get as to their whereabouts, but in another way, I'm just a comrade. I will be helping you in every way, shape and form." I answered, standing up. Pacing to the middle of the room, I put my hands on my hips and sighed. "There are three of us, including me, that aren't able to use magic. Cole, Robin, and in case none of you know me, Vincent. I know you haven't received extensive training in your abilities, but trust me, this journey could graduate you all up to the rank of elite, if you learn anything on the way."

"How are we going to travel?" the girl with the bird on her shoulder asked. I crossed my arms and smirked.

"There's only one way. Horses," I looked around at the people in the room; hopefully none were scared of riding. "The Firewing's have a small selection of horses who are... abnormal, so to speak. They are much faster, sturdier, and able to carry more weight than normal horses. When I became the spy, one was gifted to me. That leaves just enough for one each for all of you. Now, don't take this lightly. These horses are bred here and only given out by elites to elites. Considering the need here, it is very necessary. Now, let's all go find your horses, then pack up. Armor and weaponry will be supplied along the way. Any questions?"

"Yes, when do we leave?" a male voice asked.

"Tomorrow at dawn."

--

Okay, so if everyone could post their reactions and any answers Vincent might give(keeping him in character), then have them move onto the field, find their horse, then go to pack up, that would be great. Just please don't move the storyline to the next day and make it so we all leave until everyone has their horse ><

Senra:

Karren kidnapped! Her mouth went dry at the thought. He was the only one that knew how to help her with her powers.

"I'm so in!" She said firmly. "I don't care who these people are. I'm gonna help the Elite. They saved me, I'll try and save them."


*UGH, sorry it's so short my brainis in a mess*

Kyle-

"Um, I have a question," I said quickly. "How will we find the Elite? I mean, I don't think the kidnappers would be as careless as to leave a trail that we could easily follow."

"You are right, we won't easily follow them. But imagine that the world is a pond; wherever someone travels they leave a ripple trailing behind them. No matter how hard someone tries there will always be a ripple left behind them, it may be slight but it will be there. In the morning we will travel to Rasdont, I have a good feeling that we will find a few ripples left over from the kidnappers there."

Satisfied for the moment, I nodded to him and then left the hall to find my horse and to pack up.

Cale

Cale couldn't think of anything else to question about what Vincent had said. He could ride just fine - he'd been taught to quite some time ago by the Swordmaster. But the Elite's horses were a little intimidating. Vincent's description of them as 'abnormal' was an understatement at best.

Ripples leading to Rasdont, He thought with a smirk, Doesn't take a genius to figure out that they're the most likely to have kidnapped the Elites - they're the closest strong nation, after all, and they've wanted that power for a long time. But Vincent could say what he wanted, as far as Cale was concerned. Having a skill up on the Firewing cadets was pleasant from time to time, even if he wasn't supposed to feel that way.

He stood from the seat he'd taken earlier, clearing his throat, "I'm ready to leave as is, the swordsmen are required to be consistently prepared for a journey. I'll throw together some extra stuff, but I can give someone else a hand if they need it." He looked around at the others.

He wasn't actually telling the whole truth - he needed someone to talk to more than he wanted to help them, it would help him cope with the disappearance of the Elites and, more importantly, his parents. They'd been there since his birth, coming to terms with them just being gone was going to take some time. He wasn't about to admit his own little grievances, though. He was far too afraid of undermining his own strong outward appearance for that, and moreover, what if someone here was a spy working for the kidnappers? They'd twist it against him. Although he doubted Vincent was an enemy, and as for Robin...well, it wasn't exactly the cover their foes would be likely to choose, was it?

Robin-

Kidnapped? But how? They're so powerful, all of them! Who could have the power to do this? My mind numb with fear, I gripped the armrest of my seat tightly. Gulping, I fiddled with my sleeves. I was frightened, I knew I was. It was painfully obvious, the voice in the back of my mind.

"Just stay out of it. You know you aren't going to be much use there. Stay behind here, where it's safe," the voice spoke. It was so tempting to just obey the voice; it had gotten me out of dangerous situations before. I could trust the voice.

But Jethra?

Jethra, my mentor. He let me live with him, he let me learn from him. I had a house to live in, and everything I could need. He gave me a reason to live. He gave me a family. I couldn't just abandon him now. No. I wouldn't be able to bear living the rest of my life if I knew that I just sat there while Jethra was in danger.

"I- I'll go," I said, stuttering kicking back in. Eyes turned to me, seemingly startled at my intrusion. My ears burned in imaginary flames, the blood rushing to my face. I quickly ducked my head, not looking up anymore. "I'm going to go get my horse now."

I stood and all but ran out of the hall, headed towards the field where the horses were kept. I'd seen some of them before; they were magnificent creatures. More than one person had been injured because of the horses, mostly due to their carelessness. The bruising would last a few days, but only in few cases were bones actually broken. Hopefully, one of the more docile ones would be there...

"Stop. You're acting like a fool. Turn back, head back to the forest. Get back to picking your herbs, safe."

I can't. I have to save Jethra.

"Fine, be that way. You'll regret it in the end. If there is one."

I hated it how the voice was always right.

Seline-

I looked around as people began to drift to their rooms to pack. Seeing the trainees, knowing the Elite were missing, knowing I was to help save them-- I couldn't keep my powers under control. I felt the beast and forest calling to me, and my fingers twitching as I fought to keep my human shape.

It was a battle I could not win.

My body shifted in the blink of an eye. Before even I was aware of what was happening, I saw the sunlight, the world blurring around me as I ran into the forest. I could feel speed running through my veins as my cheetah-self kept moving. I didn't-- couldn't stop, not until I was back to my tree with the fox still beneath it.

Exhausted, I shifted back to human. My clothes were still on, as always. Quick shape-shifts had become so common-place for me that I had mastered that skill long ago.

I flopped back against the trunk, startling the fox. I hushed him and pulled him onto my lap. How could I leave this forest? The animals always came to me first, other then the Elite. Hardly any other trainees spend time in here to tend the sick animals. Without me, who would they turn to?

But the Elite....

My mind wandered back to the day I had been discovered. Alone in the woods with only animals to surround me, the hurt my parents had inflicted on me still fresh, I had sensed somebody both animal and human in the forest. The Elite had sensed me too, and knowing what my village thought of me made me agree to come. And now, when it was the Elite that needed help, I had run away?

Still weary from such a burst of speed, I picked up the fox and walked back to the audience hall.

"Alright, I'll do it."

Ebony

Ebony sat on her bed, thinking. She had to go, but could she? She still didn't know a lot about anything anymore. The Elites had told her she was exceptionatly talented in relearning the things she'd lost before her memory went black, but could she save her teacher?

"Ebony will go." She whispered, knowing then that she wasn't going to turn back. The water was her friend and she would learn to use it on their was to rescue her teacher; her friend.

Grabbing a small pack, she jammed it with a few clothes and a small purse that had only a few clinking coins in it. Without a second glance at her lonely room, she sprinted for the stables.

“Arilia.” Meela murmured the name, full of fright, deep worry and pain. She felt like everything was crashing in around her. The wind wrapped around her tighter as it felt her emotional turmoil and her hair began wildly whipping across her face.

“The Elite were kidnapped? They couldn’t handle their kidnappers, but you expect us to go after them?” The words squeaked out of Meela, spoken in a voice with the lightest tilt of an accent.

Vincent looked down on her with a tolerant smile. He seemed to be prepared for doubters. “You are the top trainees,” he gently reminded.

“Yes, but…” Meela snapped her mouth shut, and her eyes glazed over. Someone had opened the door and an impatient breeze had whipped in, shoving images in front of her eyes.

Two figures, fighting, one with huge glowing white wings, one with dark hair and round blue eyes. A shift, a toss, a small explosion, confusion, the winged one down, flurry of smoke, and then the attacker, a man, his face heavy, high-cheek bones, familiar markings along his upper cheekbones…

Meela gasped, stumbling forward, barely aware that everyone’s eyes had switched to her. She was trembling and pale, and slowly she started sobbing, quietly. “Kartaroff. He’s from Kataroff…” she cried through her tears. “He’s got Arilia.”

She felt a betrayal inside herself. A kinsman. Someone from her own country had attacked and taken her mentor, the woman she considered her mother. She fell to her knees.

“I’ll go.”

Indio

Instantly with Vincent's words, an image of Jaskar, red wings glowing furiously and fighting with his fire, flew into my mind. I could just picture his look of fury and feel the heat of his fire on my neck as he fought against his kidnapper. Whoever that might be.

Jaskar wasn't like a father to me, like so many other mentors were surrogate parents to their students. He was hardly even like a teacher. He was more of a friend than anything else. And I owed him enough to go and try to find him, friend or not.

"I'll go," I said firmly. Most eyes were still on the girl who had stumbled forward, Meela, I remembered her name was, but a few turned back towards me with my announcement. Vincent nodded his approval.

With nothing better to do, I went up to my room to pack. My bag was small, as I owned very little. Only two extra changes of clothes, a small book and a charm my mother had given me before I left. Besides that, I had everything else I owned on my person. A small glass bottle filled with sand, a bottle of ink and a quill, and a note from my father.

Glancing around my now empty room I sighed. I couldn't say I would miss this place. I had never been one to settle at one place for too long, and I'd already been here nearly three years. It would be good to get back out in the world and travel. Even the daunting prospect of where my road may end wasn't enough to sway me from my decision to go. If no one else went, I would.

With a grim smile, I bid my old home goodbye and shut the door behind me.

Now, to find my ride.

Senra:

Senra quickly gathered the few things she would need. Then hurried to the stables saddling up the pure white horse she normally rode. She put her small bag behind the saddle and then stood talking to the horse as she waited for the others.


**Sorry all I had**