During the next week, Randy had been visiting The Sorcerer every weekday and hanging out with Howard on the weekends. Every day when he got home The Nomicon gave the same message: Curiosity may give you the knowledge you seek, but it can also cause great pain. Randy still had no clue what it meant, but every night before bed he tried to figure out it's meaning.

Friday

"Hey, Sorcerer." Randy greeted with a small wave.

"Ninja." The Sorcerer said with a small nod. He looked over the Ninja and noticed how tired he was.

Randy was leaning over slightly and his eyes were mildly bloodshot. His breathing was slightly heavied.

"Ninja.." The Sorcerer wasn't sure how to bring the subject up. "...you look...worn out..."

"Y-yeah...I-I had to fight t-twelve s-stanks today." Randy panted.

The Sorcerer kind of felt bad for him. He didn't want him to think he was soft though. "You should...probably go home...then."

"What? No! I'm fine." Randy stood up straight. "I swear I'm..."

He yawned. "...fine..."

He fell asleep standing up and woke up. "Y-yeah...m-maybe I'm just a...bit...tired..."

"Yes...so you should probably go home.." The Sorcerer suggested.

Randy yawned really loudly. "I can't...my legs are too shaky..I won't be able to make it.."

The Sorcerer sighed slightly annoyed. "Ninja,..."

"You should probably sleep at the school then. They still have that mats out from gym."

"O-ka.." Randy suddenly fell asleep standing up. He slumped over and fell onto his side.

"Or here...I guess..."

The rat scurried over to him and snuggled by his side.

The Sorcerer approached the young warrior and put his hand on his head. His claws griped the fabric tightly and he was ready to pull. He saw Randy's peaceful expression and pulled his hand back. He picked up his rat companion and gently stroked his head.

The rat let out a sound similar to a purr.

The Sorcerer put his hand on Randy's face again and gently stroked it. The touch seemed to make Randy happy, even in slumber.

He started petting the rat again and sighed. "I can't do this anymore...I need to tell McFist our deal is off."

Saturday

"Ninja..." The Sorcerer said, nudging Randy slightly.

"Hmm,...uh..S-Sorcerer?" Randy was a bit dazed. "D-did I sleep here?"

"Yes." The Sorcerer replied simply.

Randy stared panicking a little bit. "Did you take off my mask?"

"What?" The Sorcerer asked, trying to hide any pain in his voice.

"D-did you t-take off my m-mask?"

"No." The Sorcerer said.

"Th-thanks." Randy said.

The Sorcerer thought about last night. He had almost taken off his mask. It wasn't meant for malice or anything, he was just curious about The Ninja. They had talked to each other after school, five days a week, but it was mostly about Ninja things. He had told him he had a best friend, but refused to tell who it was. The Sorcerer respected his urge for privacy of his personal life and understood why he wanted it. However that didn't stop his curiosity of who he truly was.

"Isn't today one of days where you hang out with your friend?" The Sorcerer asked.

"Oh no! It's Saturday! He's gonna be mad I'm late! Bye Sorcerer." He left and quickly headed to Howard's house.

"There you are, Cunningham." Howard said annoyed. "You're late. Let me guess, you were hanging out with your best friend."

"That doesn't make sense." Randy said. "It's not possible to be late to hanging out with you, if I already was hanging out with you."

Howard wasn't assumed. "Just, come on"

The two of them went to play Grave Punchers. "You reek, Cunningham."

"I didn't get to shower before I came over here." Randy said, sounding annoyed.

"Why?"

"I came straight from school to here."

"Why were you at school!"

"I...I fell asleep.."

"Where did you fall asleep?" Howard asked.

"..Under the school..."

Howard froze and stared at him. "He could've taken off your mask or killed you!"

"He didn't do either of those things." Randy said.

"Well it's obvious you're not dead, but how do you know he didn't take off your mask?" Howard asked.

"He-he said he didn't."

"And?" Howard urged.

"I trust him."

"You...trust him?" Howard asked.

"Y-yeah..."

"You...Trust him!?"

"Yes...I t-trust him." Randy said nervously.

"Did the Nomcion talk you about this already?"

Randy nervously looked at the ferociously glowing book. "N-not yet."

"Talk to it, it'll probably knock some sense into your head." Howard said.

Randy nervously grabbed the Nomicon and sloomped inside.

To lay within your enemy's grasp, could make your next breath your last.

Randy was secretly grateful that it had given a new lesson to focus on.

"I didn't lay near my enemy at all. What's wrong with you, Nomicon?"

The Nomicon growled and kicked him out.

"So what did it say?"

"Something wonky and confusing." Randy said. "Lets just play Grave Puncher."