This story is rated G for general viewing.
I’m out for a brief morning flight, but suddenly I feel this desire to move closer to a stand of trees high on one of Kreg Mountain’s highest crags. Gently, I touch down on the peak, folding my wings across my scaly back and snorting with pleasure at the sight of the valley far below. I love flight, and I love to land up here and gaze on the valley, knowing that I am high above it all, buffeted by the winds. But even so assaulted by the elements, I feel at home. I turn to see a HUMAN, of all things, smiling at me. A Human, invading the domain of the Dragons! Crossed over from another dimension, no doubt. How dare she come here! I snort and think angrily, --Who are you? How did you do that?--
With a smile, she touchs my snout. I quiver slightly, but I do not move. Her hand is soft and gentle. --Do not be afraid, Krideth, I do not mean you harm. I am Terra, ElementMaster of this planet, Earth, and I have chosen you for a special task.-- Against his will, I am drawn to her. I cock my head.
--What is an ElementMaster? And what would one of them want with me?--
Terra laughs gently. --The ElementMaster is responsible for the well-being of her planet, Krideth. I am helped by five elementals. They are masters of their elements, Krideth, and they have great power. But this planet has been invaded by elementals of another world. They have killed my elementals and they would destroy me and ruin this planet for their own gain.-- I listen, stunned. Can any of this fabulous nonsense be true? --I must choose five people to be my new elementals, to join me in defeating these enemies. I have chosen you, Krideth.--
--Me? Why me?-- I cannot believe I am having this conversation.
--Because you are a telepath. Because you love the wind. I want to you be my air elemental. I offer you great power and great responsibility.--
I look at the woman out of the corner of my eye. I don’t think I trust her. --What must I do to get this power?-- There has to be a catch.
--You must find me a crystal.--
--I knew it!-- I think triumphantly. --What kind of crystal?--
--It is the crystal that holds the power of air. If you find it, and it accepts you as its elemental, you must journey with it to FiveCorner and place it in the FiveHolder with the other elemental crystals. Then we will have the power to defeat the Mars elementals.-- Terra explains.
--Great.-- I am totally confused! Is any of this real? --FiveCorner? FiveHolder? What exactly are you talking about?--
Terra sighs. She seems frustrated. At me? --I am not very good at explaining this. Normally there would be a much more elaborate qualification process, but there is no time. The crystals must be carried to my fortress at FiveCorner as quickly as possible.--
--What happens if they aren’t?--
--The entire Earth will die in Mars’ grip.-- Terra thinks grimly.
I sigh, exhaling a long breath of warm air through my nostrils. Why does everything have to be so confusing and complicated? --Tell me once more. How do I know where this crystal thing is?--
--It will draw you to it. You must follow your instincts, Krideth. You know the wind, and you must trust yourself to find the crystal. Do you understand?--
--I think so. I have to let my instincts guide me to this crystal, then take it and put it in some weird Fivethingie?--
--Yes, exactly.--
I grunt and look away a moment. What should I say? To have power over the air--it would be incredible. But I would have to do all those things, and it sounds hard, and complicated. --I have to do this alone?--
--Only the first part.-- Terra reassures me. --After you locate the crystal, you will be helped by the other elementals. Do you accept?--
I consider again. What to do....But this is a chance of a lifetime! Will I ever have this opportunity again? I doubt it. And if I am really the right one for this task, and I reject it, then what will happen? What will become of the Dragons under the rule of Mars? Besides, it’s an adventure, isn’t it?
Finally, I decide, and answer quietly. --I accept, Terra.--