Warning:: Do not read this if you haven't read the Prologue, or this probably won't make sense ::

~Chapter 1~

Present Day, Mooresville, Indiana

Jack Kalund, a senior in high school, wasn’t looking forward to picture day. He had stayed up all night playing video games. When he woke up, he looked at the time. The bus would be at his house in five minutes! He rushed out bed, threw some clothes on, grabbed his bag and stumbled out the door. His hair was a mess and his clothes were all wrinkled.

Suddenly, the principal came over the intercom. “We are ready for students with the last names J through M come to the South Gym for pictures. Again, students J through M for pictures. Thank you.†The intercom clicked off. Jack groaned and slumped out of his chair. He walked to the gym and got in line. It seemed like an hour had passed before Jack was next up for pictures. He walked up and sat down on the chair. The man operating the camera looked at Jack and his eyes widened.

“Ok, Jackâ€, the man said, “look right here and give me a good smile.â€

Out of nowhere, a bright white light engulfed the entire gym. Jack had to shield his eyes. When the light faded, Jack looked up to see the world around him frozen in time. He was confused at first, and then he thought it was a joke. “Good one guys. You really got me goodâ€, he said. No one moved.

“This is not a jokeâ€, the man behind the camera said and stepped forward. “I have been searching for you for a long time, Jack. I have something I must tell you.†The man pulled up a chair next to Jack. “My name is Maros Teo. You are the chosen one.â€

“Whoa man. You’re crazy.†Jack started to walk away.

“Wait. Your necklace. It has the six colors.†Jack stopped and looked down at the necklace.

“Yeahâ€, Jack said, “so what.â€

“The elements, Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Life and Death. That’s what those colors mean. If you don’t believe me, look at your necklace and speak the elements.†Jack rolled his eyes. He looked at the necklace and the six colors. He sighed and spoke.

“Fireâ€, Jack said. Suddenly, the small red jewel began to glow. He was stunned as to what he just saw. He continued with the other five elements, until all of the jewels were lit, except for one. “Heyâ€, Jack continued. “The black one didn’t light up.â€

“That is where you come inâ€, Maros said, “Legend has it that a long time ago, the Guardian of Death betrayed his trust among the other Elemental Guardians, so they locked him up in his realm and the key, the Death Gem, was shattered into four pieces and scattered throughout the world. You must find those pieces and reunite them to rebalance the elements.â€

Maros pulled out a small key from his pocket. He gave it to Jack.

“What’s this for?†Maros took the key and grabbed the necklace. He inserted the key into the side of it, and the center of the necklace opened up. Then, a blue light shot out and projected a solid line across the gym.

“Follow the lightâ€, Maros said, “it will guide you toward the nearest shard of the Death Gem. Good luck to you, Jack. I must go now.†Jack stood up.

“No, Wait!†Again, another bright light filled the gym. When Jack looked up, the gym was filled with motion as students began moving again. He didn’t know what to do, so he took out the key, and the light vanished. He walked back to his classroom in silence.

Chapters are short for a reason. EDIT: Chapters are short for a reason because I want to make this story last without long drawn out chapters that would make people lose interest