Return of Doom (Ninjago in the future)

Part 6: Fire

An hour later, Ben knew everything.

"The Oni are coming?" He breathed, pacing. "Like, the Oni that almost took over this realm three hundred years ago?"

"I guess so," I replied. "I'm not sure how to defeat them like the Ninja did before, but I'm hoping Lloyd can help when we free him."

Ben nodded. "I think that's our best shot," he replied. "Do you know what's keeping him prisoner?"

I shook my head. "No. He hasn't told me."

I glanced behind Ben, where Umber packed her gear with quick, jerking movements. I could sense her anger even from here. I sighed, saddened that she was so angry at me for something I couldn't control.

"She'll calm down," Summer said quietly, coming up behind me. "She's probably just jealous."

I looked down. "I know. It's something she has to work through. I just wish I could help."

"You can help by getting a move on," Umber snapped loudly, having heard the last part.

I quickly packed my gear and shouldered my backpack, turning to face south. I walked in silence behind the group, the general mood soured.

Summer sided up to me. "So...about the water elemental thing."

I turned to her. "Yeah? What's up?"

"How do I use it?" Summer looked up timidly, holding her hands in front of her.

"I don't know," I admitted. "I'm sure Lloyd can teach you at some point."

Summer sighed and looked away. "Okay."

I frowned at her depressed tone. "Hey, perk up. We're making good progress. And Nya chose you! You, of all people in three hundred years!"

Summer giggled. "Thanks, Luna."

I ruffled her hair. "We'll figure it all out eventually."

I thought Summer was about to reply when she stopped short. I did too, smelling the strong, putrid scent of smoke.

"Fire!" Sparky cried, running in the direction of a faint orange glow.

I chased after him before I could think. We stopped at the edge of a river, the trees on the other side alit.

The fire stretched as far as we could see, black smoke choking the otherwise blue sky. The heat of the blaze was almost overwhelming even from the other side of the river.

"There's a village back there!" Ben gasped, pointing to a gap in the trees. Indeed, I could see the edge of a house peeking through the burning shrubbery.

Summer backed away slightly. "I could do something," she whimpered so only I could hear her. "I could use my powers, but—but—"

I hastily sat down and forced myself into my dream realm. "Lloyd!" I called urgently. He appeared in front of me, confused.

"What is it?" He asked calmly.

"I need your help," I replied, grabbing his hand and taking us into the real world. He shielded his face from the fire, instantly aware of the situation.

The Ninja ran over to Summer. "Summer, focus on your power," he said, earning a shocked look from my sister. "Imagine the water in the river doing what you want." After that, I heard him mutter, "Ugh, Master Wu had to teach Nya so much more than that when she became a Ninja."

Summer nodded frantically, holding out her hands. The river bubbled in the middle, but did not respond.

Lloyd looked around, spotting Sparky. He stood on the riverbank, holding his head as he stared in panic at the inferno.