Negrazul Mountains, Central Province
Rey Zuc stood in the courtyard and peered up into the clear sky. It was the second month of spring, and word had reached them that all four Elemental Seekers, along with their apprentices, were nearing the Elemental territory border. This would be the first chance he would get to see the new apprentices in action. The only way in was to use your element to enter. He smiled. He was looking forward to the show.
"You've got that devious smile in place, Master Zuc. What are you plotting?"
He turned and chuckled. "My dear Jelena, I'm only amused by thoughts of the upcoming performance from our four newest recruits. It should be spectacular to say the least."
"Ah. So they have all arrived?"
"Yes. They should be making their way to the gates right now. Shall we go to the viewing pool and watch?"
"That is a wonderful idea, Master Zuc." Jelena slid her arm in his, and together the pair left to watch the outcome of the newcomers' arrival.
***
Earth Gate, Negrazul Mountains
"Amazing," Tamara whispered as she caught her first glimpse of the fabled Earth Gate. The gate's two pillars stretched high in the air and, according to Mistress Belena, went deep into the ground as well.
"Yes, it is. No,w please step inside."
"Step inside?" Tamara gave the gate's pillars a dubious look.
"Before you can become a trainee, you must pass the gate's test."
***
Fire Gate, Negrazul Mountains
"Test? You didn't say anything about that on the way here," Marisa grumped. She really, really hated surprises.
"I don't have to tell you everything. That's what it means to grow up," Melena countered. "Now, enough chatter. Get inside. It's time for you to focus."
***
Air Gate, Negrazul Mountains
Focus? How was she supposed to do that with both Mistress Yelena and Celena glaring at her? Jazmine didn't like the pressure they were putting on her. How she wished with her whole heart that she was back home with her family.
"We don't have all day, Apprentice. Step in and pass through to the other side. If you want to become a Seeker, you must prove your worth. Without it, you are nothing."
***
Water Gate, Negrazul Mountains
"Nothin' here interests me," Alea declared and sneered at the two giant pillars before them.
"I wasn't aware that it needed to," Mistress Telena retorted dryly.
"Look, Lady, I got you here. Now, I'm gonna go on my way...,"
"You'll do no such thing."
Before Alea could stop her, Mistress Telena pushed her hard, and she stumbled into the center of the pillars. She let out a scream as blue light shot up...
***
Earth Gate, Negrazul Mountains
...the green light was all around her, and it felt...wrong. Tamara screamed and tried to break free, but the grip...
***
Fire Gate, Negrazul Mountains
...was too strong. The pain, along with the blinding orange-red light, wrenched scream after scream from Marisa. She wanted free. She wanted...
***
Air Gate, Negrazul Mountains
...wanted this torment to end. Jazmine hated these powers. She couldn't control them, couldn't stand them. If only...
***
Water Gate, Negrazul Mountains
…the pain would stop.
Abruptly, the throbbing agony burning in her veins eased, and Alea opened her eyes. She blinked, rubbed her eyes, and stared. There was someone with her in the light.
ChildofWater,welcomeme.
Alea swayed to the musical voice of the call that calmed her racing heart. She wanted to be one with it. She stretched out her hand and touched the figure before her. She yelped as something grabbed her hand and jerked her forward into the swirling water where the person had once stood.
***
Earth Gate, Negrazul Mountains
Tamara gaped, shock stopping the next scream from leaving her mouth. That form seemed so familiar. It was reaching for her.
ChildofEarth,welcomeme.
She heard the rustling of vines and smiled. This was fine. There was nothing to fear here. She reached out her hand, touched the form, and screamed as she was pulled into the rising curtain of dirt and writhing vines.
***
Fire Gate, Negrazul Mountains
Huh? Marisa opened her eyes, which she had squeezed tight from the pain, only to find something shimmering within the raging flames. How could anyone be there?
ChildofFire,welcomeme.
She knew that voice. It was the one who had been in her dreams that time. She didn't want any part of that craziness. She turned to run away and felt hands on her shoulders, spinning her around. She threw a punch, but her fist went through the shimmering thing and into a flame that turned into a tentacle, hauling her into the roaring fire behind it.
***
Air Gate, Negrazul Mountains
Jazmine couldn't breathe because her body hurt that badly. Was she going to die in the middle of this tornado of hateful winds? The winds seemed to separate, and something golden swirled within their depths.
ChildofAir,welcomeme.
"Noooo!" she howled, slapping her hands over her ears. That voice brought nothing but trouble to her. She refused to listen to it. Suddenly, the golden swirl of light lashed out, latching onto her right wrist. She stumbled back and, before she could do more, was dragged kicking and screaming into the vortex of howling winds.
***
Inner Entrance, Negrazul Mountains
Rey Zuc stood with Jelena by his side. Before them were the four Apprentices, each one with her right arm extended and hand touching the greeting stone in the middle room.
"Greetings, Elemental Trainees."
Four pairs of startled eyes peered up at him. Rey grinned and gestured grandly around.
"Welcome to Negrazul Mountains."