Four elements, four kingdoms. They had once gotten along, after all nature belonged together and all four together had the power to create life. But then one day it split…

“They can’t possibly expect me to show up to this stupid meeting” Jaren Ignasio the king of the kingdom of fire angrily stated to his advisor. His appearance matched his element, his eyes a deep fiery red that seemed as if they could pierce your very soul.

"Surely you must go, the kingdoms have been separated for so long you have to at least try." His advisor put forth as if trying to quell his fiery burst of indignation. Jaren noticed, his frown deepening.

"Vincent Terra is a fool to bring all four elements together. We'll never get along and it's begging for an incident. He's as softhearted as the flowers he grows." his face showed his disgust showing exactly what he thought of the king of the earth kingdom. "Honestly I'm surprised Vera and Ashalyn are attending. Ashalyn hates me more than anything. I can't imagine why she would even consider this." His disgust only grew deeper at the thought of seeing the woman whose family had always been against the Ignasios.

"Please your majesty. The other kingdoms see you as a wild monster they need no encouragement to create more rumors about our kingdom. " the advisor pleaded, hoping that the King's pride over his kingdom would inspire him to go. Jaren paused, his eyes softening. The advisor was right of course,he had his reputation to uphold. And the future of the kingdoms needed to be held with him. After all he surely couldn't leave it with all those softhearted idiots.

"Fine. I will go. If not to show that Ashalyn Aquae is a powerless pacifist with no ideals."

The thought pleased him, he wouldn't let the chance to humiliate the queen of the water kingdom if given the chance. The advisor quickly stifled his smile at the King's sudden consensus. "what's so funny? Get back to work" the advisor hurriedly left, knowing the King's mood swings better than anyone.

Vincent Terra looked out of his window, contemplating the millions of thoughts in his head. This meeting today.... Would it be worth it? He barely knew the three other elementals, only hearing stories of the feuds between the kingdoms. His father had told him that the kingdoms had split because of the pride between the four elements, each thinking they were the best. Did the meeting have any chance of succeeding? He had heard of the way the Ignasios ruled their kingdom with an iron fist, and the way the Aeris family could knock out a person with just changing the air pressure. Needless to say he felt underprepared and queasy at the thought of all the power that was going to be in this very room. His gaze shifted to a portrait on the wall, his throat tightening as he recalled what he had lost. Which is precisely why the elements needed to combine. Or all their kingdoms would fall. He startled at a knock on the door. Already they were arriving. His heart beat elevated slightly as Vera Aeris entered the room. She was dressed finely eyeing Vincent warily as if he might try to strangle her with a vine.

"Ah so I'm the first. Tell me Vincent, why do you think this is going to succeed?" she asked curtly ignoring the King's pained expression.

"Because it has to." he answered with a hint of anger. "Might you wait for the others to come before asking questions?" he asked with a hint of subtle annoyance.

"Relax. I'm not like the others. I have bigger problems to deal with than some meeting." she fingered her sword at her side. The queen of the winds was known for her gentle demeanor but also for her skills in fighting. She had the potential to be dangerous but was always calm. Both of their heads turned as next, Ashalyn Aquae walked in. She walked with grace smiling at the other two.

"Nice to see you again" she said sweetly. Vincent fought the urge to roll his eyes. Then lastly, Jaren Ignasio walked in. His presence demanded attention and made the very air tense as if something would explode. Ashalyn's gentle demeanor quickly passed as she stared at the fire king with utter loathing. Vincent cleared his throat having heard that the two kingdoms were on the verge of war and wanting to steer clear of the fight that would break out if they started arguing.

"Shall we sit? I am sure you are eager to hear what I have to say." he said trying to hold a collected demeanor in front of the other stronger elementals.

"Get on with it Terra." Jaren said, his patience thin as usual.

"You all know why we are here I want to reunite the elemental kingdoms." he stated bluntly.

"My kingdom is prospering. Why would i want to join with your kingdoms when yours are obviously not as peaceful or prospering? " Ashalyn boasted.

"If you mean that you aren't surrounded by a wall and you murder to keep that sense of peace" Jaren remarked amused.

"Let's stay focused."

"Fine. Then let it be said I'm never joining a hotheaded tyrant" replied Ashalyn angrily.

"This isn't about that! " Vincent yelled standing. "surely you all want what's best for your kingdoms."

"How do we know that this is what's best for our kingdoms?" asked Vera calmly. "Our kingdoms are very different from each other. Fire chaotic, water peaceful, earth creating order, and mine quiet but prepared." she paused. "There is reason as to why our ancestors separated." the room stilled at the words.

"Yes, but at one time they ruled together creating a kingdom where everyone despite differences could live together. A strong kingdom."

"Are you saying we are incapable of defending ourselves?" Jaren said curtly.

"No.... But I should tell you all something. " the earth king quietly murmured. "Something is coming. There is an element we have overlooked. One that the original elementals always sought to avoid and fight off. Darkness. " the room hushed. They like him had heard of Tenebrae the one person who had threatened to overcome life itself. "If we don't reunite life will be overcome by darkness. All the life that could have been created never made because the elemental leaders will be knocked down one by one. Together we have a chance. Alone we will all die." his words rang heavily. Despite each leader's pride and disputes, they couldn't let their people die.

"I say we call a vote." Vera put forth confidently. "I say yes."

"Obviously since this was my idea I say yes." Vincent nodded assuredly praying that it would work.

"I guess." Ashalyn said reluctantly shooting a glare at Jaren. Everyone held their breath for his response.

"Yes.... But I have conditions." he said remarkably calm for his fiery demeanor.

"See? He's so self absorbed!" cried Ashalyn.

"You're not far from that yourself" mumbled Vera.

"Hear him out." said Vincent tired of the constant arguing.

"Terra becomes leader of a council of us elementals." everyone stared at him in shock. For him to want to give up power.... It was very out of character.

"Absolutely not." said Ashalyn.

"Why not? He's the only one of us who can think rationally." Vera grumbled. "Two against one. I agree with Ignasio." silence stood for a moment.

"I accept to be leader. I promise I will keep all of our interests at heart. Now, we need to discuss how to defeat Tenebrae..." he looked around at the council. All were different, all powerful. But yet, reunited after years of fighting. His father would be proud. For if they could conquer a years of separation,they could defeat the coming darkness.