Howard's POV

"What?" Randy cried. "Do you know what happens if this suit is destroyed? There is no way to protect this city and I need the mask."

Silver arched an eyebrow.

"Okay, maybe when the Sorcerer is defeated and there are no attacks—"

Silver stared.

"No. I am not destroying the mask," he decided. "I can do this on my own. I've got eight hundred years of training."

Silver groaned amd rolled her eyes. Howard was beginning to dislike this lady even more. Who does she think she is, anyway? It's a relief that she can't hear thoughts or he'd be dead.

"By 'destroying that mask,' I meant, 'stop using your old ninja methods.' This is a embodiment of ancient magic. Swords aren't going to do anything against magic!"

Howard whistled. "Oooh. So that's what you mean." His face collapsed back into its frown. "No, still don't like you."

NomiRandy slapped his shoulder.

"I've always fought my way through to the Sorcerer. What is this going to be any different? Wait a minute, are you going to fight against me?" Randy debated. "I don't want to hurt you, Celeste."

"Jesus Christ. If I wanted to kill you, I'd done it already," she snapped. "You are stupider than you look."

"Take that back!"

"No." Silver crossed her arms. "The only way you're ever going to destroy the Sorcerer is with light magic. The Tengu — controlled by you and you only; your Elemental Punches or whatever; and that's it. Only magic can fight magic."

Randy groaned. "Could I Ninja Rage your face?"

She glared. "Could I Stank your face?"

"You could do that?" Howard blurted.

"Shush!" the two hushed the Ginger.

NomiRandy stared at them like he was spectating a tennis match, watching then back and forth to see who was winning this ever so pointless argument.

What's the deal with magic, anyway? Why not just Ninja Bomb that old sack of farts? Why not just leave Norrisville?

"I'm going back in the book," NomiRandy declared. "Buh-bye."

Randy nodded and said see you later… if ever.

"I could fight my own Father, but I have to protect the rest of the world too. If I divide my attention to him, my Mother will probably take advantage from America and cause even more chaos," Celeste said. "Unless you could reunite them… but the damage isn't worth it."

"Can't you teleport? Them, I mean. I fought the Sorcerer for eight hundred years! Why is this any different? I know you come in good will, Guardian, but I am not breaking Ninja tradition of the use of magic. We rely on skills, not petty magic tricks," Randy deadpanned. "To even seek for it is to betray my own soul."

"Petty?" Celeste raised her eyebrows. "I am skilled both in combat and magic. I could sever your limbs and turn you into a dragon of pure destruction and kill you."

"Overconfidence is that one path that leads to your downfall," Randy argued.

"Thinking inside the box is that one path that leads to your demise," Celeste shot back. "Put it this way: a goddess never directly interferes with mortal affairs. Especially me, the Guardian of Balance and Magic. Do you think I want world destruction? That is what will come of if you keep being so incredulously stubborn."

Howard guessed that if the conversation didn't steer anywhere else, they would start an epic battle and he would somehow be involved in it.

So he did the most logical thing at the moment.

"If you're so powerful, then why don't you destroy the Sorcerer yourself? I mean, come on, stop acting all noble and stuff," he snorted. "You are just another part of history, lady. If you're eight hundred years old, then you're overdue."

Celeste raised her eyebrow.

"At least I know this boy's mind is stupid," she announced.

"Tell me about it," Randy groused.

"Hey!"