Taking Control. (a Ninjago fanfic)

Chapter 96- Transparency

K A I

The courtyard was cold.

I hadn't really noticed it before — not properly — but it really bit at my skin now. We were nearing December, but this was such a stark contrast from the jungle it kinda caught me off guard.

Jay and Cole were off to the left.

Jay's lightning crackled unevenly, darker than it used to be, snapping sharp and loud and different. That must be so scary. To have something that you've lived with for so long just change with a snap of a finger.

Cole took it like a champ though, boots planted, grinning through the sparks.

"Dude," Cole said, shaking out his arm, "I felt that one bad."

Jay winced. "Sorry—! I swear it's not personal!"

"I hope not," Cole laughed. "Otherwise I think you're trying to tell me something."

I snorted before I could stop myself.

On the right side of the courtyard, Lloyd rolled his shoulders and looked at me. "You ready?"

"Yeah," I said instantly.

He tilted his head. "You sure? 100% after the jungle thing?"

"Totally," I said again, waving a hand. "Only needed to sleep to sort that out."

Lloyd didn't look convinced, but he stepped into position anyway.

We bowed.

I breathed in.

And that's when I felt it.

Not the usual warmth — not the familiar, obedient flame that coiled easy in my chest. This was heavier. Denser. Like something had been sitting there, packed tight, waiting for me to notice.

Oh.

The fire from the jungle.

The stuff I had reigned in so it wouldn't burn everything to the ground.

I hadn't let it out.

I hadn't even checked.

I laughed nervously, because that was what I did when I realized I'd messed up.

"Heh—" I rubbed the back of my neck. "Okay, so... funny thing—"

Lloyd stiffened. "Kai..."

"I might have a little extra fire stored up," I admitted.

His eyes widened. "How much is 'little'?"

I raised my hands, summoning the flames.

They roared to life instantly — brighter, broader, licking up my arms with way more force than I'd meant.

Heat slammed into the air.

The courtyard tiles shimmered orange.

Jay yelped from across the way. "WHOA— okay, that's new."

I hissed and pulled back instinctively, heart pounding. The fire surged, pushing against my control like it wanted out, like it had been waiting.

"Okay—okay—" I muttered, forcing a grin. "Just—just gonna—rein this in—"

Lloyd stepped closer, calm but alert. "Slow it down. Breathe."

I did.

In through my nose.

Out through my mouth.

I imagined the extinguishing instead of expanding. Like blowing out a candle.

It resisted.