Randy sat cross legged next to Tengu as Nobu walked behind them with a bamboo stick. He had his eyes closed and his hands put together in a meditative pose with Tengu doing the same thing. They sat down in front of an open field filled with blades, weapons, rocks, and a large waterfall that Randy had used for training from time to time. He wondered what they were doing there instead of training and fighting. But he knew that he had to trust his masters or else he'd have to learn outside the hard way and he'd had more than his day's fill of humility and consequences. He felt that he had an itch in his right ear and as he reached to scratch it, Nobu smacked his hand away with the bamboo stick.
"Ow." Randy snapped.
"Do not lose your focus. You two must get into the same level of connection. Being able to be in the same wavelength will help us see how the power is distributed between the two of you." Nobu explained.
"But you didn't have to smack my hand like that." Randy muttered, earning another smack on the head.
"That's what you get for talking." Tengu snickered only to get a smack on the head as well. "The heck man!" Only getting another smack with the bamboo stick.
"Enough talking. You two must understand your connection. Now, focus on each other. Allow the energy that now binds you two to flow freely between you." Nobu explained. "Keep your eyes closed and focus on each other."
Randy could feel Tengu roll his eyes at the idea that he now was stuck with a human and that there was a connection between them. He didn't like it anymore than he did, but now they had to make due with who they are and how they are now stuck with one another. Randy closed his eyes while Tengu grumbled under his breath. They started taking deep breaths together and focusing on each other. It was as though they were each in the back of each other's minds, getting a sense of what the other was thinking. Similar to when you know there is a very important test coming and you know that it is in your worst subject, and even if it is far away you can't help but think about it.
Randy and Tengu were finding themselves in sync. Their breathings matched each other and they could feel each other's bodies. Randy could feel the emotions that were running around in Tengu's mind, anger, rage, isolation, a desire to fly freely and cut loose from the world that had bound him, but he also felt a fondness for the world he lived in. Tengu could tell that Randy held his position seriously but was still young and his mistakes were taking their toll on him, but the love of his friends and family was keeping him together. They opened their eyes and found themselves in the burning fields once more, looking at each other.
"So, you feeling anything?" Tengu asked.
"Same as you, I guess?" Randy replied with a snarky remark. "We're back in this weird place that we met the first time. Never got the chance to ask where we are."
"You could say this is the inner workings of your mind. Gotta say, this place is much cleaner than your friend's mind. How funny that a guy with so many girlfriends and that has fought so much darkness hasn't completely turned his mind into Mad Max land." Tengu explained with a slight chuckle.
"Would it kill you to show me some respect?" Randy asked, getting up to his feet. "You said it yourself, I've faced way worse than the other Ninja's before me. So what's it going to take to earn your respect? Because that's how we're ever going to get anywhere."
Tengu tapped his beak with one of the feather fingers, almost as in deep thought.
If they weren't connected, Randy would've said that he was just pretending to think it over. But he could tell that the demon bird's mind was buzzing with questions and plans to make things go his way.
"Okay, if you beat me in a fair fight then I'll listen to you." Tengu replied, snapping his fingers.
"A fight?" Randy asked, feeling like he was missing something. "That doesn't sound too difficult. What's the catch?"
"If I win, I get control of your body and you get to be the annoying voice in my head." Tengu said. "If you win, and that's a pretty big if, I'll gladly give you all my power and knowledge and be your partner. So? Ready to rumble?"
Now it was Randy's turn to think. He knew that he couldn't make a blind deal with Tengu, but the offer was solid. So he'd have to put in his own conditions to give himself a fighting chance against the stronger demon bird.
"It sounds like a good deal. But… we can't fight yet." Randy said.
"What? Why not?" Tengu asked.
"We need to strengthen our bond first and I need to learn how to control my new suit, with it being a part of me now and all. Once we do that we will have a small fight, which will end when one of us admits defeat against the other." Randy explained. "And just so you don't try anything funny, the terms are non negotiable. If I will, you will help me defeat Revolta and become my partner. That means no backstabbing or rearranging our agreement. And if I lose, you gain control of my body to do whatever it is that you want. Sounds good?"
"He he, I'll make you eat that stupid grin on your face kid." Tengu said with a smirk.
Randy and Tengu opened their eyes and found themselves back with Nobu.
"So, I take it that you've started making a foundation on your new relationship?" Nobu asked.
"You could say that." Randy and Tengu said at the same time.
"Well, I don't entirely agree with your settled terms, but I guess they'll have to do. Now, it's time to learn how to control the suit once more." Nobu said, pointing to the battlefield.
Randy followed Nobu into the battlefield, wondering if he would have to battle his master as a form of training. But instead, Nobu instructed Tengu to stand with Randy while Rosalyn stood on the other side of the field. The demon bird dropped down in a bored position before scratching his stomach.
"So what's this? Weapon practice with ladies old enough to be considered cradle robbers?" Tengu asked. "Or is it how to take the clothes off a woman in five seconds with a sword without leaving a scratch?" He chuckled.
"You wished you overgrown feather duster." Rosalyn sneered. "I'll have you know that this body is as unblemished and as desirable as when I was still with a physical body. And it drove most men wild with passion."
"Immortality or not you're all a bunch of monkeys to me." Tengu muttered.
Randy and Nobu decided to ignore the conversation and crude commentary.
"What I seem to understand is that the suit now responds to your emotions." Nobu said, grabbing one of the buried blades. "Now, you've managed to keep them under control but now you have to maintain the warrior mentality to summon the suit at a moment's notice."
"How so?" Randy asked.
Nobu swung the sword directly at Randy, with speeds that would've sliced a bulldozer and its driver within the blink of an eye.
Randy's training and warrior instincts took over. He jumped back, holding up his arm as the ribbons quickly manifested into the sleeve of his suit. The ribbons that had yet to form into the rest of the suit had stopped the sword like the tendrils made out of steel.
Nobu jumped back, allowing Randy to observe what he'd done.
"Oh, I think I get it." Randy said just as Nobu attacked him once more.
Randy rolled out of the way of the sword as the ribbons formed his suit once more. He pulled out his sword before jumping in and clashing with his mentor. The power that flowed through him was like fire coursing through his veins. Every muscle was moving faster and stronger than before. The ground cracked under his steps.
"Good, Randy. You must maintain the suit at all times." Nobu instructed as they continued battling.
They clashed swords with great speed, but the brand new power that fueled Randy made his attacks far more destructive than they normally would be. The swing of his sword, effortlessly sliced a tree in half and the fire it carried left a trail that made it look like he'd dipped it in oil and set it on fire. Randy's head felt light as he moved so fast and clashed blades with his master, who was capable of parrying and blocking the attacks.
"You can't just swing so wildly. You must now make up for all the extra power that you now possess." Nobu explained, as he redirected one of Randy's slashes. "Keep your breathing stable. A lot of your strength comes from it. Take in the air as I am, it'll help you from passing out."
Randy stopped himself as Nobu showed him how to breathe in the same manner that he was. The young Ninja filled his lungs with air, expanding his chest and causing the flames to lessen in rage but more stable in power. His head was now getting less dizzy and his suit was feeling much better on him. He had always been taught that the suit didn't make the hero, but now he had to get used to it actually being a part of him. Something that every Ninja before him had to forget but now he was forever linked to this legacy by his actions and his choices.
"I think I've got it." Randy said, assuming a battle position. "Let's continue."
"Good. Now, keep that breathing as you battle." Nobu instructed, holding up his sword like a samurai.
Time seemed to blur as Randy continued training. He didn't know if he'd been clashing blades with Nobu or stopping to practice breathing the way he instructed him. It was thought the rest of the outside world was standing still while they were preparing. He made sure to focus like he'd never focused before. Randy dug his heels as he stopped his skidd.
"I need a breather. How long have we been doing this?" Randy asked amidst his panting.
"We've been at this for five hours, while it has only been five minutes in the physical world." Nobu explained.
"What? Really?" Randy asked.
"It is something that only the deepest parts of the Ninjanomicon have been able to do. Time becomes condensed inside these parts, making a day inside be only an hour outside." Nobu continued. "Ancient masters would sometimes use this as a way to increase their training if the need ever rose up. They could cram down 20 years of training into only a week."
"Wow. That sounds like something that's very useful." Randy mentioned.
"It is useful. But doing this taxes the body and the mind more than the usual training sessions." Nobu explained. "This is only reserved to those that have gotten strong enough to withstand it. Right now I need you to get back to practicing full concentration breathing." He said, lifting his sword with both hands.
Randy did as he was instructed. He was stuck repeating the same moves that Nobu was doing. With time no longer being an issue, he could focus on what he could do. He needed to figure out how to defeat Revolta. He couldn't just attack her front and center, she would expect her. Randy spun channeling the fire from his new power as more ideas poured into his mind. A fight with Revolta and his new powers would be too much but if he could focus the fight somewhere else, then he'd have a chance to go all out. But he was not going to go to the Land of Shadows just to duke it out. He needed to separate her from the Sorcerer's Orbs of power and then put an end to the fight. As his blood flowed faster, making his body go beyond what he was capable of.
"The energy that flows through you must not be taken lightly. If you lose control then it can be used against you. Keep your mind clear from distractions." Nobu explained.
"I think I've got more than any other highschool student." Randy commented. "How can I defeat Revolta and go back to my normal life?"
Nobu stopped. He looked at his apprentice before sighing silently.
Randy had known his mentor long enough to know that sigh didn't mean anything good. Nothing would ever be the same. He had not only defeated the Sorcerer but his actions had caused waves all over the hidden world of monsters and now he was bonded to the Tengu himself. He could feel him at the back of his head as much as he could feel himself in his.
"As you've guessed, the world has changed. We've played a part in it despite our lack of knowledge of it." Nobu explained. "The rules have changed, but the mission is still the same. You must forge your path with these new values and powers without forgetting the lessons of the past."
Randy pulled back the suit, seeing his normal face, and how he had changed. But he didn't regret all his choices. He had friends and people around him that he loved. He would do this all over again if he could. He called back the suit, now it was as easy as breathing.
"Let's continue. I can still fight." Randy said. "I will defeat Revolta once I'm ready. And then I will figure out what to do next."
Nobu smiled under his mask. His apprentice had grown so much since he first put on the mask.
"Are you ready to proceed?" Nobu asked.
"I am." Randy replied, lifting his sword once more.
Randy and Nobu went through the different sword forms while keeping the special training going.
As time moved on, Randy was put to try other forms of training to increase and replenish his strength.
The young Ninja was then put to run through the dark forest with his eyes blindfolded and with Rosalyn putting traps and things on his way. Randy jumped and rolled out of the way of a flung bamboo spear. He got back to his feet and stopped himself just in time as a pair of kunai knives flew past him. He ran fast, jumping over a hole as it opened before him. As his feet touched the ground he felt something coming towards him. He thrusted his hand forward, catching the arrow that had been fired at him. Randy pulled off his blindfold to see a smiling Rosalyn, looking at his progress.
Randy couldn't deny the bitter work he was going through, but the results he was feeling were more than he could ever ask for.
Three days inside the Ninjanomicon had passed. The routine remained the same, with Randy training with Nobu and Rosalyn while Tengu played with the scribbles that loitered the Nomicon. But the time for the confrontation had arrived.
As Randy and Nobu continued training, clashing swords like in an ancient battlefield in the ancient and mythological Japan, Tengu grew bored at the sight rather quickly. He was all for going out and having a go at the real world once more, but he had to get rid of the watchful eye of the vampire spirit. If he had his way he'd set her on fire and take off, but that would bring the two warriors down on his feathered hide. He then thought of merely tricking her. How hard would it be to make this old hag fall for one of his elaborate ploys and power.
Tengu opened his beak to speak.
"Don't even think about it." Rosalyn quickly cut off. "Say anything and I'll pluck you."
"Sheesh, you know how to hold a grudge." Tengu said.
"You called me an old hag, women tend to hold that grudge." Rosalyn remarked. "Besides, you won't have time to trick your way out of this."
"And why not?" Tengu asked.
"Because you're about to enter the training." Rosalyn pointed to the fight.
"Ha, you wish." Tengu said only to be met with Randy landing on top of him with Nobu next to him.
Randy and Nobu stepped on top of Tengu as they clashed blades over and over. Similar to how two angry men stepped on top of their enemy as they continued to clash. It would've been comedic if this wasn't part of proper training for the battle against the evil witch. Randy and Nobu stepped off of Tengu just as he got angry and shot out of the ground.
"Okay, now I'm mad!" Tengu snapped.
Tengu flew at the two fighting warriors, wanting nothing but to make them suffer for using him as a rug. He swiped his massive wings at them, forcing Nobu to jump back and for Randy to duck. The demon bird continued attacking Randy while the young Ninja parried Tengu's sword-like wings with his new powers.
"You two must be in sync. Even if you are at odds you must know how to work together." Nobu explained. "Your powers are linked and must be ready. When one is weak the other must be strong. Power is power and as such it is up to the user to wield it as they see fit." He added, giving one final bit of advice.
Randy hated to admit it, but the best way for him to defeat Tengu was to train with him and beat him. The demon bird was able to stand up to Revolta far better than he could after she powered up, and now she was going to go into overdrive. He needed to master this power before it was too late for the people he cared about and his city. But he couldn't think about that, with them being linked now any thought could be used against him. He ducked and spun behind Tengu, landing a kick behind his back. Tengu then spun around and struck Randy's sword with his talons. Randy rolled back before regaining his footing as Tengu hovered in the air, flapping its wings like a bee hovering ready to strike against any bear foolish enough to eat its honey.
"You wanna do this now, punk?" Tengu asked, cracking his neck like an experienced fighter.
"Ready when you are." Randy replied, holding up his sword like he was about to lead an army.
The air grew silent as Randy and Tengu stared at each other like two samurai warriors waiting for the chance to strike.
"Are you guys just going to be watching the whole time?" Randy asked, breaking the tension for a moment.
"This is your trail. You must overcome it." Nobu replied.
"Sorry, hon. Also, you might wanna keep your eyes on the birdie." Rosalyn said, pointing to Tengu.
Before Randy could reply or turn around to face the demon bird, he was tackled away by Tengu into the sky. Randy felt like a deflated balloon being dragged by a battering ram through the forest. He felt every branch breaking against his back as the demon bird pushed him back. Gathering his strength, the Ninja of Norrisville pushed himself on top of Tengu, wrapping his scarf around Tengu's neck. He pulled the scarf upwards, leading Tengu to where he wanted to fight.
"Get off of me!" Tengu cried out, shaking his body to throw off Randy.
"Ok, my turn." Randy replied, letting his lungs fill up with air.
Randy put his sword away while he wrapped his scarf around his right hand. He reeled back his left arm, forming a fist. The wind spun around his fist, preparing his attack.
"Air Fist!" Randy called out, landing an Air Fist on the back of Tengu's head.
Randy reeled back his arm once more, channeling the power of the suit once more. He punched the demon bird again before repeating his actions. With each punch Tengu started going down. Every punch got them closer and closer to the ground. Randy jumped off of Tengu's back as he crash landed against some of the trees. The massive demon bird crushed and snapped them like they were twigs until he stopped himself. As Tengu started getting up, Randy landed on top of him. This time he started blasting Tengu over and over again with both of his fists being used to unleash his signature wind attack.
"Air Fist!" Randy called out, as he landed another hit on Tengu's chest.
"That all you got?!" Tengu asked as Randy landed another punch on his chest. "I've gotten more hurt from cases of heartburn than that!"
"We'll see about that! Air Fist!" Randy screamed.
Tengu was slowly being buried by Randy's constant punches. He laughed at first as Randy landed blow after blow on his chest, that would have crushed any other creature or a weaker demon.
Randy panted, feeling like he had just ran a marathon with his bare feet. He kept his guard up in an attempt to see if he had gotten the demon bird or if he was playing possum.
"Good. Very good!" Tengu called from within the hole that Randy had buried him.
The ground shook underneath Randy's feet. He jumped back as Tengu shot out from the hole like a bat out of hell. The demon bird spread his wings in a mighty flap. The air grew hot and nearly suffocating as Tengu landed abruptly before Randy.
"Ha ha, I haven't felt like this in ages. I gotta say kid, try to make this last. I am in no rush to relinquish my freedom once more." Tengu laughed.
"You are the one that has to submit to me, remember?" Randy asked, narrowing his eyes at Tengu.
"Oh yeah. We did agree on that." Tengu said, punching Randy backwards.
Randy barely had time to hold up his arms to protect himself as he felt the full strength of Tengu's fist. He was sent backwards, rolling in the ground back to the edge of the forest until he found his footing once more. He looked up to see Tengu coming towards him like a bird of prey going for its meal. Randy pulled up his sword, channeling the power he had through his body. He ran towards Tengu, meeting him half way before his fire coated sword clashed with Tengu's fiery wing. The flames that appeared illuminated the area, like to fires clashing over the dominion of the forest.
Randy and Tengu spun around, as their gazes clashed once more. Randy rushed forward once more with his sword, spinning in an upwards circular slash. Tengu met the attack with a punch to it, sending waves of fire and energy around them. The Ninja spun in place, going under the massive feathery fist. Once he was close to the demon bird, he planted his left foot forward, jumping with an upwards slice. Randy left a burning trail on Tengu's chest, causing the demon bird to cry in shock. Flying back, Tengu snatched Randy's foot with his talons before flinging him up like a ragdoll.
"Don't die on me yet kid!" Tengu called out, flying after him, beak open with fire coming from inside his throat.
Randy spun around in the air, trying to keep his eyes on Tengu as best as he could. He saw Tengu coming at him ready to strike with fire of his own. Adrenaline and the training allowed him to move fast and counter the attack with his own.
"Ninja Tengu Fireball!" Randy called out as his suit became bright red.
A large fireball appeared in Randy's hand. He flung the attack directly at Tengu's open mouth, causing a large explosion that sent Tengu back, sprouting black smoke from his mouth.
"That was a cheap shot!" Tengu called out, coughing from the smoke.
"It worked, didn't it?!" Randy called from the air as he plummeted down through the black smoke.
Randy could see that this would only continue. He and Tengu were at odds and if they kept this up they would be stuck in this fight forever. Then the words of his mentor made sense to him. Their power was linked and were not going anywhere. That meant that he needed to reach a balance with the demon bird, and that meant beating him in a way he wasn't expecting. Randy spun his scarf in a circular fashion and threw it directly at the coughing Tengu. He pulled himself in, using both his scarf and the ribbons to pull himself in.
"Hey Tengu! How about a hug?" Randy asked.
"What?!" Tengu called out in confusion.
Randy grabbed hold of Tengu with both of his arms wrapping around the demon bird's body. His ribbons wrapped the demon bird in a tight bind that would've made any gift wrapped present envy with how tight it was.
"You think I'll go all hippie just because you've wrapped me like a present?" Tengu asked. "Ha! Nice try boy!"
Randy grabbed hold of Tengu with both of his arms wrapping around the demon bird's body. His ribbons wrapped the demon bird in a tight bind that would've made any gift wrapped present envy with how tight it was.
"You think I'll go all hippie just because you've wrapped me like a present?" Tengu asked. "Ha! Nice try boy!"
Tengu tried to stretch out his wings and snap the ribbons like the tiny and weak pieces of cloth that they were, but the ribbons and the scarf pulled them back. The demon bird tried again, this time setting his wings on fire, but although Randy got a mean burn, the ribbons remained unchanged. Confusion started to fill the demon bird's mind. He didn't understand why these dumb straps of cloth were not being torn apart by his might. He bit and pecked at the ribbons, trying to pull them apart. His talons barely reached them, leaving him hopping like a one-legged chicken. He fell on his back as he lit himself on fire but to no avail.
"What is this witchcraft?!" Tengu screeched in rage, rolling in the ground towards the cliffside.
"These ribbons are made with the suit made with your own power! You can't break them anymore than you can break yourself!" Randy explained, pulling Tengu into a tighter hug.
"Why you!" Tengu roared.
Just then Randy landed a headbutt on Tengu's head. He grabbed hold of the demon bird before landing another headbutt, followed by another and another. Randy fought through the pain of headbutting the ancient bird and continued hitting Tengu with his head. As the demon bird was pushed back further and further, the cliffside got closer as Randy landed another headbutt on the demon bird.
Back with Nobu and Rosalyn, they saw that Randy and Tengu were getting a little too close to the long drop.
"You sure we shouldn't intervene?" Rosalyn asked.
"Of course not. Even if it isn't what I was expecting, Randy's got Tengu where he wants him." Nobu said, turning around. "Good luck on the next step of your journey, Randy. You will certainly need it."
Meanwhile with Randy and Tengu, the demon bird was barely hanging on to the edge of the cliff. He cursed that he was unable to do anything against this tiny mortal. He wanted to rage and rage some more. He would not be stuck for another 800 years. So now he was forced to use the last trick he had to get the kid off of him.
"Is that all you've got? I've gotten scratched by mosquitoes that have done more damage than that!" Tengu said. "Why don't you try a little more to the left? I have an itch there."
"You… got… it… Tengu…" Randy replied, feeling woozy from all the headbutts he had just unleashed on the demon bird.
Tengu just had to wait until the young Ninja was overtaken by all the head bashing he'd done and soon he'd be able to turn the tables.
Randy dug his hands on Tengu's head before landing another headbutt, square in the face of the demon bird.
And this was the last straw needed to send them both down the cliff. As they fell down the chasm the wind and the air were their only companions as they plummeted down to the endless abyss.
"What the hell are you doing kid?! There is no bottom in this damn place!" Tengu snapped. "We're going to be falling for the rest of our eternity! Let me go and I'll fly us both back to safety!"
"Too bad it sounds too good. Besides, weren't you the one that said you had centuries worth of talk you wanted to let out?" Randy asked, feeling a little at peace with the gust of air hitting his face.
"But imagine how boring the endless conversation would be like!" Tengu snapped. "I don't wanna die!"
"You know, there is a way in which I'll let you go and fly us off." Randy said.
"Well spill it kid! I'll do it!" Tengu snapped as the light from the Nomicon grew farther and farther away from them.
"Then swear that you'll be my partner and give me all that I need to defeat my enemies and protect the people I care about!" Randy stated.
Tengu wanted to roar in rage and beat the young Ninja within an inch of his life. He hated being tricked. And he hated being bested more than that. He tried to see if he could grab hold of the cliff but it was too far away and the light now looked like a far away star. His options were now less than what he liked.
"Alright! You win!" Tengu said as Randy smiled.
The ribbons around Tengu began to glow as the demon bird was absorbed into the suit. A bright red light illuminated the dark depths of the Ninjanomicon before Randy shot out from the light with a pair of black wings coming out from his back. His eyes glowed a bright yellow as he shot out of the depths of the dark chasm. Randy could feel the power of Tengu flowing through him but now they were as one. He got to the light and was finally back on solid ground. Randy pulled back his wings as he looked at his new whole body.
…And then the exhaustion caught up to him.
Randy fell down to the floor. The suit pulled itself back, leaving a miniature version of Tengu by Randy's side.
"You are one crazy kid, Randy!" Tengu said. "Ha ha ha ha ha ha! You won't make this boring at all!"
"Right on." Randy replied, giving the demon bird a thumbs up.
After getting used to being linked to Tengu, Randy went back to Nobu and Rosalyn. His two mentors received him with smiles and open arms. Rosalyn even grabbed him in a bear hug.
"I knew you could do it, Randy!" Rosalyn said, hugging her student against her chest.
"Thank you, Rosalyn. But could you please let me go, my head feels like it's about to pop away from my body." Randy said, blushing like a teen who couldn't keep a straight face with a woman.
"Oh, sorry. Just got happy is all." Rosalyn said, releasing Randy from her hold.
Randy picked himself up before looking at Nobu.
"Thank you for your teachings, Master Nobu." Randy said, bowing in respect.
"You've come a long way, and I am honored to have you as my student, Randy." Nobu said, bowing in equal respect. "The city needs their heroes. Go and fulfill your duty!"
Randy turned around with Tengu on his shoulder as a portal out of the Ninjanomicon opened a portal out.
"Let's go." Randy said as he and Tengu jumped into the portal.
Randy's mind slooped back into his body along with Tengu. He shot out of the sofa chair before falling face on top of Gothetta.
The return of Randy and Tengu made everyone jump a bit by. They all looked at the young protector as he slowly got off his girlfriend.
"Ow." Gothetta said, relieved her boyfriend was back and safe.
"Sorry, Gothetta. I think I had a bit of an extra bit on that one." Randy said, helping her off.
"Randy, are you alright? You were in there for hours." Gothetta said.
"Yeah dude, we thought that book ate you." Howard added.
"Close, but no." Tengu said, laying on the sofa like he owned it.
"Oh great. So, you find a way to get rid of the ird-bray?" Howard asked, gesturing to Tengu.
Randy and Tengu looked at each other.
"Something like that." They both said, looking at Howard.