"Y-you're a lion..." Randy said, his voice shaky.

"Yes, I am aware of that." The Nomicon said taking a step towards Randy. "And you may call me Kiara."

Randy was still nervous. He'd been taught by a lion this whole time? He looked her over. Her fur was a beautiful golden orange, but she looked worn out and tired. Her fur was a little bit mangy too. He bit his lip as the lioness got closer.

"Don't be afraid." She said, trying to make her voice gentle, but it came out sounding more sad than anything. "I'm still the same as I always was."

Randy's shaking died down a little bit. "Ninja, look at me."

Randy did as he was told. "Nomic-...Kiara...is something wrong? Why are you showing me your true form?"

"Because..I couldn't take it anymore ninja." Kiara sighed. Her head fell.

"Couldn't take what anymore?" Randy asked.

Kiara raised her head and looked him in the eyes. "Being alone..."

Randy shifted uncomfortably.

Kiara continued, "I've felt so alone for 800 years."

"But..what about the other ninjas?" Randy asked.

"It's not the same. They just saw me as a book and not a teacher..or a friend..." Kiara said.

"You wanted a friend? But, you said, friendship is a weight a ninja cannot carry." Randy pointed out.

Kiara let out a small chuckle. It sounded very dry. "The Nomicon is the ninja's only true friend...I never bothered adding that part when I teach that lesson."

Randy was silent for a moment still trying to comprehend the things that had just happened.

"I'm sorry...this was a bad idea.." She sighed. "I can go back to being a book if that makes you more comfortable."

Her voice was so pathetic it broke Randy's heart. "Well, we could try it Nomi-Kiara."

He saw her give a small smile. It disappeared quickly. "Before we tell your friend about me, I want to try training with you."

"In the bathroom?" Randy asked.

"I just want to see how it works." Kiara said. "Now pay attention. This is an important lesson."

Kiara got on her haunches and let out an aggressive roar at Randy.