The Elemental Jewels

Chapter 1: Children of the Seven

    It was a clear and peaceful day in the village. There were few clouds in the sky and the sun shone brightly over the lands. There was a slight breeze to help cool down farmers as they tend to their crops.

On the hill to the east of the village there was a temple. There they were taking care of 3 women whom have mothered children but there is no father. So they allowed for the women to stay as long as they helped around the temple as well. The women agreed happy to have a home to raise their little ones in.

When the children were born the monks were shocked to see that they were adorned with the symbols of the notorious Shichinintai. The women had admitted that the children's fathers were members of the band of mercenaries. Troubled the monks hesitantly allowed the women to continue living in the temple. Once word got through to them that the men had been beheaded by a Northern Warlord their hearts felt heavy for the women.

--- 15 Years Later---

As time went on and the children grew up the monks could almost forget who their fathers were. They beamed with pride at the 4 teenagers but the head monk felt something evil was near. One day as he was praying to their statue of Buddha he had a premonition and what he saw made him fear greatly for the lives of the teenagers.

"Hanako, Kimiko and Mamoko I need to speak with the three of you," stated the head monk gesturing to the front porch of the temple.

"Yes, what is it?" asked Hanako as she looked into the head monks troubled eyes. He felt whatever it was it could not be anything good.

"You must take your children and flee. I fear evil is approaching and will come for them," he said as calmly as he could in order not to panic the women.

Shocked Kimiko asked nervously, "evil? How do you know this to be true?"

"As I was praying I had a vision. It greatly disturbed me and I fear for the safety of you and the children. A great evil will come for them to take a power they each possess," as he explained the women's faces all paled while they nodded their understanding.

"Where shall we go though?" asked Mamoko as Hanako grabbed her hand and squeezed it reassuringly.

"I suggest you go live in the village not to far from here for now then move again and just keep moving around," pondered the monk, "it may cause for the evil to have trouble finding you."

At this the women nodded and thanked the head monk. They were able to live in the temple peacefully for 15 years so they were happy for that. Now they must do everything they can to keep their children safe. They each went to their respected rooms and began to pack as Hanako collected the children to explain what is going on.

"Kyo could you please bring everyone here, there is something important I must discuss with all of you," she asked her son who raised a brow but went and did as he was told.

As the children piled into the room Mamoko and Kimiko came with their belongings packed and ready to go. The children all looked nervous and whispered amongst each other

Hanako sighed, "well as you all can see we have to leave the temple. It is no longer safe for us to stay here."

"Why what is going on exactly mother?" asked Kisa

"We have been informed that a great evil is coming. Our safest bet is to flee while we can and hide till it is gone or gives up trying to find you 4," stated Kimiko

The women were always straight forward with their children and never kept secrets unless it was for the safety of the group as a whole. Every one of the children turned to Kyo.

"Do you think we really should leave?" asked Haruhi nervously

"Yeah I mean this is our home...," stated Kisa, "I don't want to just up and run away."

"You guys we don't have much of a choice. We also don't want to put the lives of the monks here in danger," Kyo began, "they've been too kind to us when they didn't have to be. The least we can do is keep them out of the crossfire. So yes I think we should go."

At Kyo's decision the 3 nodded their heads in understanding and left to pack their things.

While Kyo was packing his belongings his mother came into his room, "Thank you Kyo, they listen to you better than anyone else."

He looked to his mother with his cobalt eyes and smiled warmly, "if you think we should leave I agree. It would be selfish to stay here."

As everyone was ready to take their leave the monks of the temple were there to see them off. They smiled at the 4 teenagers who stood in front of them.

"Kyo you are a natural born leader that is as powerful but gentle like the wind, keep your family safe," smiled the head monk

"Kisa there is a fire that burns within you full of passion and light, please never let it burn out," said another monk as he hugged Kisa.

"Takashi always calm and tranquil like the flow of a river," stated a monk who patted his shoulders.

"Haruhi continue to always stand your ground but try not to be so stubborn," joked the last monk as he smiled.

They all bowed to each other and the group set off down the steps of the temple onto the path toward the village they'd be staying in.