Dawn of the Elements - Book 4: Future Rewritten

Chapter One: A Torn Future

The Kingdom of Elements had been torn asunder. What was once a beautiful kingdom, was now a ghost, a fraction of what it once was. Ravaged by legions of Vampires, and a manner of other Dark Creatures tore through the country, only held back by a few members of the Elemental Resistance.

Toxis Thrune, Elemental Master of Poison, and Grenadine Morningstar, Elemental Mistress of Spirit, being the last surviving members of the last Elemental Council, looked out at the horizon, watching as Dark Creatures stormed towns, slaughtering what few townsfolk remained.

"This is not good." Toxis said, looking at his companion. "With Raigan's forces running amok, and Caius in control of the kingdom, we don't have much left to hold onto, do we?" Grenadine went to respond, but was cut off, as a group of children ran up to the two battle worn Elemental Masters.

"Aunt Grenadine!" A black and purple haired sixteen year old girl shouted, running up, out of breath. She held out an object. "We found it! We have the Unwinding Clock!" Grenadine smiled, for the first time in a very long time.

"Melody, Xander, children." She said, taking the object. In her hand sat a pocket watch, the size of a side plate at a dinner table. "Your parents went looking for this years ago, not long after my sister, and brother-in-law's wedding. Unlike you, they were unsuccessful. With this, we can fix everything. With this, we can stop Raigan's reign before it even begins."

A black and blonde haired sixteen year old boy approached. "Mel should go." He said, looking at his twin sister. Melody looked her brother in the eye, worry in her eyes. "Oh, don't give me that look. I know that look. You're worried that we won't be able to survive without you. We're the children of the Six. We can keep Raigan's forces at bay long enough."

"Xander." Melody said, hugging her twin brother. "I'm a scholar, not a fighter. If anyone should go, it's you." When Xander shook his head, that was when she knew that arguing with him was a waste of time. "Fine, I'll go."

"It's set to take you to the castle, not long after your parents returned to the castle, sixteen years ago." Xander stated, taking the Clock back from his aunt. He handed the Clock to his twin. "Don't worry about us. Carlotta and I will keep our family safe while you're gone." He looked at his golden haired cousin who, with a confident smirk, nodded.

"How do I make Father believe that I'm from the future?" Melody asked, looking at her aunt. "I know he was the smartest kid of his generation, but after hearing your story about our parents never finding the Unwinding Clock, I doubt he'll believe that I have it."

"Show it to him." Grenadine stated, putting her hand on her niece's. "He knows what it looks like, having been teaching young children about ancient artifacts like it. Plus, you both share his powers. He will notice that you're special."

"But what will you all do without a Doctor?" Melody asked the group. "I'm the only Doctor we have left." A black and blue haired sixteen year old girl walked up to her cousin.

"I learned everything I know from you." She said. "I'm a nurse, like my mother before me. Your father trained her, and you trained me. I'll care for everyone while you're off saving our family."

"Serenia, thank you." Melody said, hugging her cousin. "They'll be in good hands with you. Much like my father was in good hands, when your mother helped attach his prosthetic arm." Serenia smiled, then backed away. "I'll try not to be too long. I promise."

Melody took a deep breath, and pushes the button in top of the Unwinding Clock. "I love you all." She says, as she vanished. Xander then turned to face his cousins.

"Mel is going to save our parents, and stop this  all from happening!" He said, power in his voice. "We can't falter! While she's risking everything, we have to do the same! Uncle Caius may be in control of the kingdom, but we will not let him keep it!"

Xander watched, as his cousins cheered, then went to their tents, to get a quick rest, having not slept since leaving for the Unwinding Clock. Turning to face the town below, he watched the horde of Dark Creatures ravaging it.

"Your mother and father would be proud of you two, Xander." Grenadine said, putting her hand on his shoulder. "As am I." Xander smiled, then looked at his excessively exhausted aunt.

"I hope you're right about that, Aunt Grenadine." He said, a stern look looming over his face. "Because if this doesn't work, I don't think we have another option."

"Lady Grenadine!" Toxis shouted. He ran up to the two Elemental Masters. "Caius sent Alberon, with a horde of Vampires!" Xander turned to face the Master of Poison, a look of horror on his face.

"If Alberon is here, then Caius is onto us." Xander said. "Toxis, wake my cousins. We need them, if we're ever going to stand a chance." Toxis ran towards the tents, as he watched the horizon.

'Hurry Mel.' He thought. 'We may be way more over our heads then we thought.'