Creating the Fire Monster
The Old One pulled a scroll out of his sleeve and unrolled it. On it, were 15 different symbols. "To create the creature of fire, you will need targets. At least 15. And those 15 targets must have these symbols on them in this order. And the targets must be made of sticks and leave."
"So now you want me to make 15 stick and leaf target with symbols on them?" I asked.
"The symbols must be painted on, to say, with this magic powder. Then they must be set ablaze." He said. "I'll explain more once you are done making the targets."
I sighed and got to work. Making targets of sticks and leaves to stand on stilts isn't easy, but I managed. Once I was done making the targets, I took the white powder and smeared it onto the front of the targets in the shape of the symbols. When I was finally done with that, I stepped back the Old One's side. "Now what?"
"Observe." He swung his arm swiftly in a great arc and flames flew from his fingers. "I told you I could control the four basic elements." The flames hit the targets and the sticks burst into a glorious display of lights and sound. He continued throwing the fire until every target was consumed in flames. "Now for the final trick." He reached into his sleeve again and pulled out a small disk. He threw this into the air. In the sky, it hovered and then started glowing red. A red beam shot down from the disk and hit the first target. The beam then continued to spread from one target to the next like it was playing connect the dots.
Once every target was connected, the beams also erupted into flames and smoke. Smoke that blocked the flames from view. Then stepping out from the smoke came a creature that walked like a man, but was made of the fire. "Behold, the fire creature." The Old One said.
"That's the fire creature?" I asked.
"Slade, now that you know how to make it, do you know how to destroy it?" The Old One asked.
Quickly, I held my hand toward the river, and the water started to bulge. I flung my arm forward and a blast of water slammed against the fire, the creature cried out in pain, but it soon went out. "You have done it." The Old One said. "I have taught you all I can."
It was then that I heard the whirr of bike engines. "Uh, oh. We need to hide." The Old One and I climbed into the bushes to await the intruders. As the wound came closer, I reached into my belt and pulled out a two-sided blade.
Two bikes came into view and Shaun and Master stepped off. "I know I saw that fire thing here." Shaun said.
"Are you sure? What makes you think Slade is down here?" Master asked.
I was to overcome with the sight of them, I forgot I was supposed to be hiding. I placed the weapon back into my belt and stood up. "Shaun, Master!" I said.
They both looked at me in surprise. "Slade." Master said. "Where have you been?"
"Do not fear, Masked Warriors." The Old One said, as he stood up. "I have been keeping an Eye on him for these past days."
"Ah, good to see you again, Old One." Master said.
"Slade, before you go I need to give you a few things." Old One led me back into his house. He handed me two yellow disks, two small sacks of powder, and a short staff. "These will allow you to create the fire creature and control water. Use them sparingly, for it will be very difficult to acquire more. And take this." He handed me the scroll. "So you will know of the symbols you need."
With that, I bid the Old One a fond farewell, and rode away with Shaun and Master back to the Masked headquarters.