I am actually really loving this story so far. I have so many thoughts that I need to go through, but I'm sure you guys will enjoy where I take this story. Any ideas on whether I should make this story more hurt/comfort or more like adventure-y? I will always try my hardest to include your ideas. Feel free to brainstorm.

Randy's eyes snapped open. He instantly remembered what had happened the day before, and he was fully awake to comprehend it better. He sat up, nearly falling off of the tree he had slept in. He lifted his arm and turned his head, just to see if he could. "Hello?"

He talked out loud to make sure that he wasn't stuck to talking inside his head like he was the day before. He looked down the tree and just then realized how high up he was. He wasn't afraid of heights. Not really, anyway. He also wasn't afraid of falling, because falling is just like flying but with a more permanent destination.

He scanned the tree again, still just a bit confused. 'What the juice? Where's the Tengu?' Feeling something deep in his chest, he had a feeling that the Tengu was still there.

Reaching into his pocket, Randy pulled out his mask. Putting it on, he felt something strange as it encompassed him. Adrenaline, freedom, flight... his skin started to tingle, and without even first thinking about it, he jumped out of the tree.

Plunging towards the ground, all he could think about was the Tengu. He felt it still inside of him, and he wondered why it receded to give him control.

Hitting the ground, Randy Ninja-sprinted out of the forest. Getting lost for a bit, but eventually finding himself out, he made his way to Howard's house. Ducking behind a bush, he unmasked himself. Sticking the Ninja mask in his jacket pocket, he looked around for people.

Seeing no one, he casually made his way to Howard's front door. He took a breath and tapped. He was surprised to find Howard open the door, as Howard would normally be sleeping at this time. Howard's eyes widened and his face broke out into a smile.

"Cunningham!" Howard hugged Randy, but pulled away, as they don't do it often. "Your mom called last night saying she got a call from the school. You skipped detention? I had to cover for you, saying that there was a monster attack and you got scared so you came here. Where have you been?"

Randy opened his mouth to respond but he heard a sharp 'ting' inside his head. His eyes seemed to be pushed into his skull, but there was no pain. He tried to talk, but nothing came out.

"Howard? Who's there?" Howard's mom called from the kitchen. Howard turned and called back that it was Randy and that they would be in Howard's room. He gestured with his head for Randy to follow him, but Randy still stood shocked. Howard rolled his eyes and grabbed Randy's arm, pulling him after him.

Upon arrival of Howard's room, Howard sat down on his bed. Seeing Randy still standing where Howard had dropped his hand, he raised an eyebrow. "Uh... Cunningham? What are you doing?"

Randy's head twitched, but he swiftly moved forward. He crawled onto the bed and sat with his legs tucked underneath him. Howard looked at him with an incredulous face, but shook it off. "So what happened?"

Randy said nothing, but he told him, "Robot. Fought it off."

Howard nodded and got up off his bed. He kneeled down in front of his TV to pick out some games to play. He didn't even have to ask Randy what game.

Randy felt something that he could only describe as suction, and his eyes once again felt like they were on his body. He looked at his arms and lifted them up. Licking his tongue, he spoke. "Howard..?"

"Yeah?" He didn't even turn around.

'Say nothing.' He heard his own voice speak from within him, and if he hadn't already suspected that the Tengu had taken over for a minute, then he might have been surprised.

"Nothing." Feeling a bit uncomfortable in the position he was in, he brought his legs down, but instantly tucked them back. He felt more secure that way.

'There is no need to tell him. He is only human.'

Randy was about to answer out loud, but he was still aware of Howard standing a few feet away, setting up the newest Grave Punchers. He bit his lip before thinking, 'Only human?'

'Yes. He is only human.'

Realizing that by thinking, the Tengu heard him. He spoke again inside his mind. 'And I'm not?'

'No. You are not.' Randy watched Howard as he turned and gave him a game controller. Randy grabbed it and sat down on the floor. He could barely focus on the game because he was preoccupied with questioning the Tengu. 'What do you mean I'm not?'

'You are the Ninja. We two together make something even greater.'

'What's that supposed to mean?'

'It means that by merging us, you are slightly less human, and I am slightly more.'

'Stop talking vaguely. It's annoying.' He heard a sharp and short pang of noise in his head, and only after he threw off Howard's curious glances did he realize that it was a squawk.

'Sorry.'

'That is alright. It is natural to question me.'

'Can you explain more?

'I figure that by giving you all the answers, you will understand nothing and act first ask questions never. I'll leave you to your deductions.'

Randy inwardly sighed, feeling the Tengu shut him out. He could tell that the Tengu was currently curled up inside a small part of himself, someone near his heart. That small area seemed to have a one-way door with Randy unable to get in, but the Tengu free to get out.

Glancing at Howard out of the corner of his eye, he knew he would not be able to inform him that there was something "not human" going on with him until he figured out a way to block that door. He knew the Tengu was not there to hurt him, but he was certain that it wasn't there for his benefit.