Aspect Elemental: By Amanda Flowers

In a dimension beyond human understanding, a place void of substance, of mortality, past the reach of the mere portal, a conference was held.

Presiding was an entity--as shapeless as the world around it, and far more emotionless than its mismatched colleagues at the long table. Darkness scattered around it, and few knew what they saw, nor felt any need to speculate, on the exact form of Eternity.

A green-faced woman rose from her seat, preparing to drop a motion among the assembled: a motion that exploded like a quasar in their midst. "I believe the time has come," she began evenly, "for my siblings and I to choose successors."

Murmurs ran through the great hall.

   "I agree," spoke one man, shrouded in a cloak of darkness. "I have had a choice in mind for some time..."

   "She is mad," another objected, a snake-faced female. "We have only begun our duties!"

   "Hear me out!" the first began, blue eyes flashing sharply with the command.

And Eternity allowed her to explain.

   "Just because we make the choice does not mean we have to abdicate our position, nor is that decision always final. I wish to choose now, while the choice is best made, and encourage my counterparts to join with me.

   "There are four brothers on the earth realm: young, heroes, and outcasts, and each strong in a separate, basic, element."

   "No!" a cry rang out. A tall man, hair and eyes of fire, rose from the table. "I object to this! I know the brothers of whom she speaks! Each strong in one basic element, but all strong in hers! By choosing them as our successors we increase her hold on the world! She comes to this conclusion only to further her own needs!"

   "Not true!" spoke another, just as vehemently, a winged woman with the manner of a bird. "I, too, ache to make this choice."

   "You would be as likely to choose a fool, and guile him into your service..." the man continued.

   "As I well might!"

   "As she shall," the green woman concurred.

Another being made a stand--a creature of pure and flawless silver, with a voice both even and sharp. "As we should. For I, also, have made a choice from this world, and, should the Tests be passed, I see nothing but fortune for all of us."

Though the man of flame sought to continue his argument, Eternity cut him silent. "I find this choice wise, and I already foresee the outcome." What form there was directed the next command at the water-eyed woman. "You may begin your choosing, and distribute the Tests as you will, Aquaria."