The Elementals

Prologue

       Crickets chirped as the night died away to bring in the early morning sun. The full moon's light was so bright it almost seemed as if it was day. White, powdery snow covered the forest floor as six shapes began to emerge into a patch of moonlight.

      Each of the silhouettes formed a circle in front of a dark, gloomy cave. Inside the cave, a wall had a circle engraved in it. The circle was decorated with gems that represented each element; fire, earth, air, water, light, and dark. In the middle was a crystal. It glowed faintly with each color of the gems surrounding it. The middle was clear, and had almost no light being emitted from it, as if something wasn't activated.

       "Remind me why we were called to this 'important' meeting?" A smallish shape snarled through gritted teeth. "I don't want to be this close to pipsqueak over here," It swung it's muzzle in the direction of a smaller, more fragile creature.

      "Hey!" The smaller creature snapped. "At least we don't sound like psychopathic monkeys when we talk!" The creature's white eyes glowed with uncharacteristic rage in the moon's light.

       A much larger, more noble looking animal stepped into the patch of light with a small growl. "Now, now," He started, letting his tail lash slightly behind him. "Mati, Nasha, let's remember we are the guardians of these here tribes. They look up to us. They worship us," He continued, gesturing to them with a flick of his ears. "We shouldn't be acting like cubs now, should we? We're the gods and goddesses of these animals, and we should show respect towards each other,"

       Mati and Nasha glared at each other for a few heartbeats, Mati's mane bristling and Nasha's teeth flashing as she growled pitifully up at him.

       "My apologies, Kasai," Nasha  squeaked after a moment, her eyes still locked on the figure looming over her. Mati attempted to hold in one of his devilish laughs and slightly failed, making Nasha's red, bushy tail twitch in fear and annoyance, but she ignored him. Sitting back down, she bowed her head and used her claws to draw in the snow, her red and black fur shining in the late moonlight.

      As Mati watched her with a smirk, he got a glare from Kasai. He sat down reluctantly. Giving one last look of pure hatred to Nasha, he turned his attention back on the large shadow sitting in front of him. Mati's mane was matted, his neck long and hunched over. His short tail was still, though he was thoroughly satisfied that he had ruffled the red panda's fur.

       "Kasai," a more firm but kind voice sounded. "Please tell us what was so important for you to keep us from watching over our tribes?" Her slim frame was that of a deer. She seemed to leave behind little plants that eventually faded away everywhere she walked.

       A small, winged animal nodded before twisting to preen a spot on his wings, "Yes, please do," The bird was perched on a low hanging branch of an oak tree. His distinct feathers a creamy white with streaks of black and a hint of brown added to the mixture.

       Kasai was a large predator, but even his huge frame and fierce gaze didnt stop Mati and other unnamed others from snickering, "Who does he think he is? The King of the Jungle?" Behind his back. His mane was large and surrounded his face, while also covering his entire neck. He sat tall and proud, his red, fiery eyes were soft and full of wisdom.

       "Vivre, Kadilaan," The lion responded. "I called you all here tonight to discuss a topic that has been forgotten about for far too long," He paused for a couple heartbeats, then continued, "The six have been chosen,"

       The faces of the five other creatures now showed interest.

       "Who? Who are they?" A new voice inquired. Another creature's eyes were gleaming with enthusiasm as the conversation continued. Her small scale was hiding near a bush, her sleek brown fur glistening with little water droplets.

       The lion continued but acknowledged the otter with a glance, "We do not know who the six are just yet, Rayne, but we will know when the time comes," Glancing back at the cave, which was glowing faintly due to the light of the gems, he flew to his paws to adress his allies. With a stomp of his massive front paw, he roared mightily, "The lights have been activated! Soon enough, the six will figure out who they can trust, and what they must do to unlock the secrets that have been waiting to be discovered for moons,"