Tocorazon, Central Province
Jazmine was excited and a little suspicious. It was three days after the night ceremony with her friends and here she was, following after Celena. She had been as surprised as the other three when the older girl had offered to sneak them down to Tocorazon. Only the older Apprentices and adults were allowed to visit the town at the base of the mountain. Tamara was skeptical, Marisa hadn't wanted to go and Alea had looked bored when she'd told them about the offer. After begging and pleading, the others had agreed to go with her.
So here they all were, following Celena into the town. People were everywhere and loud music played. It was the Fall Festival to celebrate the start of the harvest season.
"Isn't this exciting?" she whispered to Tamara who appeared concerned. "What?"
"I don't think we should've come."
Jazmine stared at Tamara in shock and then anger set in.
"Of course you don't think we should be here. You're the one who always says we should be obedient. If you didn't want to come, you could have stayed behind!"
"Jazmine! That's not what...,"
"Just forget it!" Angrily, she pushed by Tamara and shoved through Marisa and Alea.
"Hey, Airhead, no need to be rude!"
"Shut up, Marisa!"
Jazmine ignored Tamara's calls and lost herself in the crowd. Why couldn't they be happy to be out with her? Why did it always have to be this way? They were her friends, weren't they? They should like the same things she did. She finally stopped in an alleyway, slumped against the wall and started crying. A few minutes later, she had gotten her feelings under control. She'd better go find the others. She started to leave when she heard Celena's voice.
In a panic, she dove behind some empty crates. She prayed to the First Ones that no one saw her as she strained to hear the older girl's conversation.
"...I'm telling you, it's all ready. The brats are here in town with me. If you're going to make your move, you'd better do it now."
Move? What did Celena mean by that? She couldn't hear the other person, they spoke too low, but she felt fear when the person laughed. It was sinister; it was evil.
"...I don't care what happens to them. They can all die. I know where my allegiance lies."
Die? No! She gasped and jerked back, kicking a crate in the process. It rattled and without thinking she raced from the alleyway. She had to find the others and fast!
***
Negrazul Mountains, Central Province
"Master Zuc, it's time."
"Thank you, Jelena. It's been an honor serving with you."
"Master Zuc...no, Rey, I...,"
He touched his fingers to her lips, silencing her words. "I know. I feel the same. Now go. You have this last task to do."
Jelena whirled away from him, tears falling down her cheeks as she hurried toward her destination.
***
Earth Gate
Maydison smirked as she looked up at the huge pillars. "Bring out the Elemental wielders. I want these gates brought down, now! Let no wielder escape. Bring glory and honor to Queen Struwillia!"
The gathered troops roared their agreement as the bound Elemental wielders were brought forward.
"Do it," she ordered and laughed manically as the power began to rise.
***
Inner Sanctum
Mistress Telena stared at the Earth entrance. Soon the enemy would be arriving. The day they had all dreaded was finally here.
"Well, when I took this job, I never thought this would be the result."
She glanced over at Melena and chuckled at her friend's amused expression. "I don't think any of us did, Melena."
"I did, but then again, I've always known that darkness would one day come to this land. Destruction must always follow periods of restoration and peace," Belena chimed in.
Yelena sighed. "True, but it doesn't mean we wanted to live to be part of that destruction."
"It is up to the girls now. May the First Ones bless and the Elements protect them," Telena murmured.
The warning clang sounded and the four Mistresses called forth their powers as the enemy shattered the gates and poured into the Sanctum.