Elemental

Two- The Registry

Dragoon sighed. "That's right, I didn't tell you. The governments decided to integrate the fledging centers."

"Why?"

"In hopes of finding the prophecy children."

"The prophecy children?" Phoenix asked sarcastically. "That won't ever happen. The prophecy was made up Mom."

"Those in the government have exhausted all other resources in order to establish peace. Nothing has worked."

"So we fall back on old superstitions?"

"Apparently, yes. Now get out of the car. You'll only be here for a week."

"Fine." Phoenix slammed the car door and got in line behind a Watrea family. She studied the backs of their heads. The mother was typical, short, with translucent skin and thick, seaweedy strands of hair. The boy though, was odd. He was taller than Phoenix, with a muddy complexion and mossy hair which he was trying to hide under a hoodie.

"He looks like a swamp monster." she thought, giggling slightly. Dragoon glared at her, holding a finger up to her lip to indicate silence. The lines progressed until they reached the registry table. An Earthen woman was sitting behind the desk, and she started firing questions at Dragoon.

"Her name?"

"Phoenix Halflife."

"Age?"

"Thirteen, like every other kid here."

"I'm aware, but I'm required to ask. Date of birth?"

"October 20, today."

"That is all. Return for her on the twenty-eighth. Here's your pass." She handed Dragoon a small slip of paper. "As for you," she looked at Phoenix, "Go stand in group B-38. Over there." She pointed to the group comprised the Watrea boy from earlier and an Arie girl. Phoenix obeyed the Earthen, and walked over to their group.

"Hi!" exclaimed the Arie. "I'm Dryad, and this is Kraken."

He nodded in Phoenix's direction, looking out at the sea of fledglings.

"My name is Phoenix."

"That's a cool name!" Dryad said.

Kraken snapped back to reality. "Yes, it's very pretty."

"Thanks..." Phoenix looked up as she heard a voice over the loudspeaker. 

"Now calling B-38. B-38, come to the front desk."

"That's us!" said Dryad happily before heading over to the desk. Kraken and Phoenix followed close behind.