Kai sat on the windowsill staring at the world before him. The sun's first rays peaked over the eastern dunes, turning the brick homes and shops clustered together dark gold.

A gentle breeze gently tugged at him and the strip of ragged cloth that served as a curtain. Kai savored the moment. The cool of the night would last only a few more minutes before the full force of the desert sun bore down on the city.

Muted sighing came from behind him. Glancing backwards, Kai saw his younger siblings still asleep in the corner. Though the day needed to get under way, he let them sleep for a few minutes more. Anything to delay the hunger pangs that would grip them upon awakening.

Nya rolled in her sleep, taking the blanket with her and leaving Cade's uncovered. The younger boy grunted, unconsciously reaching for the covering. Kai laughed quietly, but the sound died in his throat when a sunbeam fell directly on Cade.

Illuminated by the light, the roots of Cade's hair glowed a bright blond- starkly contrasting the reddish brown coloring the rest of it. Frowning, Kai knew- without looking- they were still without henna after the last dyeing. The only other alternative never went over well. He rubbed his temples. Might as well get it over with.

To decrease arguing time Kai scooped several handfuls of sand into a bottle. Then he poured water over the sand until he made a thin mud. Clay from the walls was added until the container held a reddish brown paste. Walking over to the pair Kai pulled the blanket away with a flourish. He was met with synchronized groans.

"Hey kiddos. Time to rise and shine."

"Five more minutes." Nya muttered, rolling away from Kai.

"Sorry, no can do."

"Ka-ai. It's too early to be up." Cade made grabbing motions for the blanket. His hands froze when he saw the bottle in Kai's grasp. "No. Not today." The boy furrowed his eyebrows in an attempt to look menacing- but it had more of the effect of a growling puppy.

"Nope. You have to today. I can see the lighter hair coming up. And you know if I'm able to see it, others can too."

"But it's disgusting." Cade whined.

"It's keeping you safe and you know it."

Cade frowned but didn't have a comeback for the true statement. "Fine."

He reached up and Kai handed him the bowl. With more grumbling than necessary he began to smash the mixture onto his scalp. Slowly his hair took on a more even red color.

Knowing she wouldn't fall back asleep, Nya sat up and rubbed her eyes. "What's the plan for today?"

"Namely finding something to eat."

Cade's hands froze and he frowned. "We don't have anything for breakfast?"

Kai raised a cocky eyebrow. "Not yet." The boy rolled his eyes but didn't bother responding. "We need food and-"

"-More dye." Cade sourly put in.

"Yes," Kai drew out the word, "I'll try to get more."

"Good because I am not doing this tomorrow."

Biting his tongue to keep from shooting off a response Kai turned to his sister. "Nya you were planning on heading back to the shop, right?"

She nodded. "Jay and I think we might get our newest project done today. If we do, and it works, this might be the break we all need."

'That would be helpful.' Kai didn't voice his thoughts, but a dangerous spike of hope rose within him. "Okay. Cade, get ready to go."

"Ugh can't I go with you today? They make me get stuff so they can make kissy faces at each other."

"Cade!" Nya's cheeks turned bright red.

Though aware of his sister's relationship with the young inventor, Kai couldn't help the disapproving frown that spread across his face. "Maybe Nya and Jay can play less kissy face, but regardless you are going with Nya today."

"But Kaiiiiiiiiii-" Cade dragged his name out.

Setting his jaw Kai glared at Cade. "You said you wanted more dye. That's at the docks. There's no way in the Realm you're coming there with me."

A sullen look fell over Cade's face but he didn't respond. Kai felt a little guilty for pulling that card, legitimate that it was.

"You've been helpful at the shop and I know today you will be too." Kai gave both his siblings a pointed stare. They mumbled their assent. "Good. Keep your eyes out for food on your way. Since it'll take me awhile to get to the docks I don't have time to find something for us. But make sure you're both back before dark."

Nya rolled her eyes. "We're not five."

"I know, I know. Just be careful okay?"

Cade snorted and set down the jar of dirt. "When aren't we?"

It was Kai's turn to roll his eyes. "Let's keep it that way. Come here so I can check your head." Dragging his feet Cade moped his way to Kai. A quick inspection showed no visible blond hair. "Looks good."

"I could have told you that."

"Uh huh, sure. Now get going."

Nya finished her morning routine and steered Cade toward the door. The boy scampered from the room but Nya turned back to face Kai. "Don't worry, he'll be fine. I'll keep my eyes on him."

Without another word she also left. Kai stared at the empty doorway for several extra seconds. Even though he had, for years now, sent them out alone, anxiety as to what they could face gnawed at him. 'They'll be fine.' He reassured himself.

There wasn't any more time to waste on what if's. He had errands to run.

Once he was sure Nya and Cade were on their way, Kai walked to the corner holding their few possessions. His eyes locked on a brick with practiced familiarity. Digging it out of the wall he turned it over to reveal a hollow center. One silver coin rested inside.

Kai stared at it for a moment, internally weighing how much food he could buy with it. But, with forceful finality, Kai wrapped his fist around the coin. Cade's safety trumped hunger any day. Grabbing his worn cloak Kai wrapped it around his shoulders and slipped into the day.

The streets were beginning to bustle with people- merchants hawking their wares, laborers heading to work, children running the streets. Kai drifted among them, blending in with the crowd. Many people pressed in close. Kai kept a tight grip on his coin. This environment would be perfect for pickpockets and thieves. Kai would know- he'd often used it to his own advantage over the years. But now was not the time to score another prize. Here especially people had reason to look over their shoulders.

Heavy footfalls thumped on the ground. Men and women scattered as guards clothed in black with red snakes embroidered on the back marched down the road. Kai gripped his cloak and ducked around a corner. Shouts came at some unlucky soul who didn't get out of the way in time. The crack of wood on flesh followed by an anguished cry resounded.

Kai clenched his fists, but the need for self preservation had long since squashed any thoughts of intervening where the King's guards were concerned.

The seconds dragged on as Kai waited. Gradually the ruckus faded and the general commotion of normal life returned. After an additional minute Kai carefully resumed his trek.

Eventually shabby hawkers booths gave way to sturdy wood. Kai's worn cloak drew more glances, but he wasn't any worse for wear than the sailors filling the docks. Merchants called out their wares- imported cottons, silks, jewelry, fruits. But the added value of imports brought about an added number of soldiers.

Kai held his breath as the fifth patrol in almost as many minutes stalked past him. Casually Kai sauntered to a booth and pretended to look at the jewelry it held. The tender, a woman with graying hair, gave him a sharp frown. Her eyes cut knowingly between him and the guards.

"If you're not going to buy, get out of my customers' way."

Ducking his head in outward meekness Kai continued on. A quick glance over his shoulder showed the guards were no longer present.

He walked through the docks. The most expensive booths were housed on the outer ring of the wharf. Items value, and merchant's social station, decreased closer to the loading docks. However, there was one small booth that seemed to stand apart from the rest. Not from proximity- it was placed in the fringes of the outer ring- but dark wood and subdued colors of the jars on the table didn't encourage gawking unless a purchase was going to be made. Kai's grip tightened one last time on the coin before he walked purposefully to the booth.

"Brann, I thought you had left me for another." A deep rich voice called out to Kai.

Kai scoffed, unable to catch a glimpse of the owner. "Why would I do that Tynan? You're the best supplier I know."

"Oh the jokes, you know I am the only one to carry such fine mixtures." Almost as if he appeared from the shadows, a tall man with darker skin than Kai's stood behind the table. His black clothes only helped to accent his mysterious aura. "Only one of your standing can appreciate such quality." Tynan grinned, gold and ivory teeth gleaming.

"A compliment?" Kai placed a hand over his heart. "If I didn't know better I'd say you were going soft."

The older man gave him a halfhearted glare. "Did you come to browse or to mock a poor old man?"

Rolling his eyes Kai set the coin on the table. "Neither poor nor old describe you, but I will have the usual."

The coin disappeared quick as a blink and a small clay jar stood in its place. "The finest henna for you. Hope it serves you well and remember, even miracles can take a little time." Tynan's level stare cut Kai straight to the core.

"Thanks." Scooping up the jar, Kai gave a nod and rejoined the crowds.

Kai had long since given up wondering how Tynan seemed to know the things he did. He was never sure if the man's knowledge kept him from asking questions, or if he just made it his business not to ask. Whatever the reason it'd led to a mutually beneficial relationship over the last few years. 'Though,' Kai reflected as he patted his flat pockets grimly, 'Tynan seems to have the better end of the deal.' Having tried once to steal the precious liquid, that wasn't a mistake he ever planned to repeat. Yet for whatever reason Tynan chose mercy. An action Kai didn't understand but was thankful for- more for his siblings' sake than his own.

"Well what have we here?"

A menacing voice broke Kai out of his thoughts. He jerked his head up to see four dirty men surrounding a beggar a few yards away. Though he didn't plan on stepping in, Kai's eyes trailed the scene. His blood froze when one man picked up the beggar. The man's sleeve had fallen past his elbow and a grimy tattoo of a blue snake became visible. Turning his back, Kai walked as fast as he could in the opposite direction.

'Cade is never joining me here.' Any guilt Kai had felt about saying no that morning completely vanished.

Kai didn't breathe easy until he was a half hour away from the docks. Even then he had to force himself not to continually look over his shoulder. Drawing undue attention to himself right now wouldn't help anything. It was another hour, nearly midday, when Kai made it back to the broken building serving as home. Practically collapsing on his mat, Kai leaned against the wall.

He didn't know why seeing some of the Hypnobrai today shook him so badly. It was far from the first time he'd been near the gang members. Maybe because he really had wanted to say yes to Cade this morning? The thoughts of how that might have resulted weren't ones Kai wanted to dwell on.

Forcing himself upright Kai set the jar next to their other supplies. Kai frowned at the corner. Time to get out of whatever funk this was and get back out on the streets. They all needed to eat today.

So Kai took a quick sip of water and walked back outside. The heat slapped him in the face. Sighing, Kai pulled his hood back over his head to ward off the sun. The action also helped conceal his face. Anonymity greatly increased the chances of survival in his line of 'work'.

Heading south Kai waited until he was a couple miles away from home to start finding something for dinner. Market stalls boasted varieties of fruits, nuts and meats. Kai passed many of the flashier booths without a second glance. But, here and there, his hand snagged a few walnuts from one stand. A couple figs from another soon joined them in his pockets. Kai was just about to start for home when his ears caught a nearby conversation.

"-emental coming to the palace!" One woman excitedly told her companion.

"What's so special about that?" The dismissive tone was heavy in the other woman's voice.

"My cousin works there, and she said he's supposed to be the earth elemental!"

Kai felt his eyes widen at that statement.

"What?!" Apparently he wasn't the only surprised one. "If that's true he's going to be treated like a prince."

"That's the thing- he's already a prince."

"If that's true what's he doing coming here of all places? You know what people have been saying-"

"-Shush!"

The first woman shot a furtive glance around the plaza. Kai quickly looked away. Seconds later he felt the weight of someone's eyes on him. He meandered off but his mind spun with questions.

Why would a legendary Elemental choose this dust bowl to visit? Though given his double status, whoever the guy was he could probably do whatever he wanted and no one would question it.

'Another jerkface who can waltz in and exploit us more.' In the desert the Elemental Master of Earth would be a force to behold. Kai's stomach churned at the thought of him partnering with the king.

Trumpets blared nearby. Kai scurried toward the sound only to catch a glimpse of a black haired young man riding atop a beige gelding. Two guards rode before and behind him but he had no other entourage. Frowning Kai watched the small procession disappear in the direction of the palace. 'I wonder what this'll mean for the rest of us.'

A/N- thanks for checking this out :) new (familiar) characters to come in ch 2 ;)