"Cunningham, this Ninja business is really cutting into our grave punching time." Howard complained.
"Howard, this is more important than punching graves."
Howard gasped. "There is nothing more important than punching graves!"
"Yeah but you can't punch graves if you're dead." Randy pointed out.
Howard gave him an angry look.
"Look, it'll just be one more day and then we can grave punch all the time. I promise!" Randy said.
"You promise?" Howard asked, still sounding a tad upset.
"I promise." Randy said gently.
"Fine..." Howard sighed.
"Maybe you can convince Heidi to play it with you."
"My sister..play video games?" Howard laughed. "Cunningham, she's not really into the whole gaming thing."
Randy reached into his pocket and pulled out some money. "Here...then go bribe her or something."
Howard's stomach growled. Randy reached into his pocket and gave him more money before leaving.
He waited till everyone was gone until he made his way to the basement as the ninja.
The rat paused in front of him and let out a little squeak.
"Were you waiting for me?" Randy asked.
The rat squeaked and headed towards the basement.
Randy was still a bit hesitant to go behind the wall. He inhaled and exhaled lightly. He nearly jumped out his skin when he felt a tugging. He looked down to see the rat, urging him to follow.
The and the rat went behind the wall.
"There you are, Ninja...I wasn't entirely sure you were going to show up."
"Heh...well I-I did." Randy said nervously.
"Let me ask you s-" The Sorcerer started.
"No, let me ask you something first." Randy interrupted, feeling some bravery shine through. "Where do you get off stanking people!?"
The Sorcerer didn't even seem fazed at the outburst.
"Stanking isn't really something I can control. It's an involuntary reaction to the pain of the others. When there is pain nearby I end up feeling it too and it takes control of my powers,causing them to become monsters. It drains a lot of my energy as well. Usually the only pleasure I got from it was the chance that they could finally, kill the Ninja. But,now..." He bit his lip slightly and didn't finish.
The Ninja looked at his feet trying to soak in this information. Why hadn't The Nomicon told him this? Did it not know? Or was it afraid he'd feel sorry for The Sorcerer and refuse to fight?
He finally looked The Sorcerer in the eyes.
"Now let me ask my question...I'm not entirely sure how to phrase it, but you are the Ninja...,but not the same ninja who long ago trapped me...I don't get why you're the ninja. This was a matter that didn't concern you at all."
"Every four years, they choose a freshman to be the new ninja." Randy explained.
"That means...you are merely a child!" The Sorcerer said, shocked.
"No, I'm a teenager."
"It's kind of puzzling though, Ninja, why they'd choose a teenager over an adult for this job. Other than the fact that teenagers are vastly less skilled and immature..the training would have to be re given every four years to someone new..and by that point my power could be intense enough that such an unskilled warrior wouldn't stand a chance."
"I'm not immature.." Randy pouted, ignoring everything else he had said.
The Sorcerer gave an annoyed sigh. "The point is..this system is flawed."
Randy thought for a moment. "I guess it kinda is."
"I should probably go..." Randy said. "I'll come back on Monday...I promise."
It was painful to say that. He had promised Howard this was the last day and now he was planning to come back. He could only keep one promise and he knew it.
He made the trek home and snuggled into bed. Right on cue The Nomicon glowed.
Curiosity may give you the knowledge you seek, but it can also cause great pain.
"Okay, okay, I get it this time. It's because hanging out with The Sorcerer is cutting into my time with Howard, and it'll cause strain on our friendship. Don't worry Nomicon, I'll talk it over with Howard tomorrow."
The NinjaNomicon kicked him out. Randy rolled his eyes and snuggled into his bed.