Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The Ninja Nomicon, or Nomi Norisu as his name once where, had chosen, trained, and fought by the Norrisville Ninja’s side for over 800 years.

He’d chosen them, not for their strength or their power. That could be gained later on, during their training, or through the ninja suit itself. No. Nomi Norisu, together with the first Ninja - his older brother Kurou Norisu - and the Messenger, chooses the ninja based on two things. They had to be pure of heart and be brave beyond reason. It was great if they were smart at the same time, passionate, or hell, even unstoppable. But it wasn’t a need. It wasn’t a must-have.

The Messenger would place the book and the mask in the little crate. He’d sneak it into their room, or house when they were unoccupied. And he’d leave, letting things go their way.

Nomi Norisu would train them and teach them everything they needed to know. The ninja air fist, the different types of ninja balls. He’d tell them the legends, the stories, and the myths. About the sorcerer, imprisoned deep under the school, transforming vulnerable students into monsters based on what they held the dearest. About the sorcerer’s balls, flung to four different corners of Norrisville. About the guardian in the temple, watching over the only ball that had been found before Kurou Norisu had given the title of Ninja to the next warrior. He told them about the fight against the Tengu, about how the two were connected, sharing strengths and weaknesses.

Some students caught on to the riddles quickly, learning with ease. While others, like their current ninja, struggled to understand the texts. But every one of them learned.

He prepared them to fight the battle against the sorcerer. To fight the battle against evil.

The Messenger watching over them, in plain sight, helping them from the shadows.

Sometimes Nomi would help too, revealing his human form. But those times were far and wide. Only a few, knew of his existence.

And when the 4 years were up, Nomi Norisu would show the Ninja on their way. Through the door to the ultimate lesson, what they had learned could be taught to the future students of the Nomicon. Their memories live forever in the book. Never to be forgotten, yet… never to be remembered.

The first ninja, the Messenger, Nomi… they’d all made mistakes before. Mac Antfee sprung to mind, clear as day. That had been if Nomi had to put it lightly, a shit-hole. Randy had done well against him, really showing his strengths and creative thinking.

Letting Howard keep his memory, had seemed like a mistake. At least most of the time. His late project though, had differently proven him to be a valuable ally, if there had been any doubt before. And, if Nomi had to be completely honest, there had been doubts about him. Doubts surely went both ways, if Howard’s way of acting was anything to go by.

There had been a handful of smaller mistakes here and there, too. Teaching a student too much, teaching them too little. But that was what could happen.

Nomi wasn’t perfect. Nomi’s latest mistake could prove that.

Nomi’s latest mistake could have cost a life.

Nomi’s latest mistake… was Randy Cunningham.

“Nomi?” First Ninja, Kurou’s voice echo’s over the currently fragile pages of the Nomicon, somewhere distantly behind Nomi. He doesn’t respond. He keeps his eyes glued on the waterfall in front of him, the heavy sound of the water acting as a reminder. He hopes, deep in his stomach, that Kurou will turn around. That he’ll walk away and leave Nomi to get lost in the memories of the past Ninjas. Of his past. In his blame. “Nomi” Kurou's voice is closer this time, “Debbie has been mind-wiped. The Messenger is with Randy”.

Kurou slowly, but surely sits down next to Nomi. The Ninja suit is on, but his mask is in his hands. “How is he?” Nomi asks, his eyes never leaving the waterfall. “Is he…?”.

“No… he… eh” Kurou shakes his head, “It’s… I won’t lie to you, Nomi. Messenger says it’s bad but cannot give any details. It’s… it’s simply too early to say anything yet. But…” Surou’s breath grows shaky, as Nomi for the first time looks up. There’s a painful expression on his brother’s face, one Nomi hasn’t seen since he was just a kid, since before he joined his brother in the Nomicon. He’d almost forgotten that look even existed. “But… Randy was in the water for a while before Messenger could get to him. Even if he does make it, he… Randy might never wake up again Nomi” Kurou’s voice breaks as he says it, and a low sob comes from somewhere deep in his throat.

Nomi knows what that means, he’s heard the word so many times in the newer Ninjas. ‘Coma’. He doesn’t understand the science behind it, or really how it accurses. He’s from another time, a time when medical options were limited. And Nomi isn’t a doctor, Nomi is a teacher in Ninja wisdom.

Somewhere, deep inside Nomi is in a desperate need to scream. A desperate need to cry, and sob. And be hugged close by his older brother. Because Nomi might be 800 years old, but his mind where still that of a teen. Of a child.

Nomi doesn’t scream, at least not out loud. Instead, he whispers, “It’s my fault”.

“Your fault?” First Ninja’s voice sounds so confused, “What are you talking about, what happened today wasn’t your fault. It wasn’t anybody’s fault. Accidents happen. People make mistakes. We can’t blame ourselves” he pauses, “Don’t blame yourself for something you couldn’t control, it’s not always your fault”.

“I… Kurou, you don’t understand. I should have helped him. I should have been there, advising him, teaching him, and I wasn’t” Nomi’s voice grows dark, so deep, “I told him… I told him he was guilty of conduct, unbecoming a Ninja. I told him to hand over the mask. I’m the reason he was alone out there, on the ice. I’m the reason he got hurt”.

And with those words it all comes falling, tears threatening to spill from Nomi’s eyes.

***

Nomi doesn’t comment on Randy’s winter wear that morning, as he watches through the viewfinder he has opened. Maybe he should have commented, the Ninja was supposed to be secret. But, then again, Randy was a kid. Nomi had seen students before who would run around in red and black clothes, pretending to be the ninja. There was a word for it if he thought about it. Cosplay. This a way fans could show their dedication to their heroes. And people already know Randy and Howard for wearing weird customs all the time, mostly Howard, but it wasn’t out of the ordinary. And if Nomi was completely honest, other Ninjas had done so before without being lectured about it. Why would Randy be different?

Was it stupid? Yes, sure. Did it matter? Most likely not.

He’s a little surprised when Howard of all people comments on it, and… well, that kid got a point. Someone could put it together. But when has Nomi ever taken Howard seriously?

That’s a mistake number one of the day.

Debbie catches them off guard. The video is recorded through a window, but still clear enough to identify Randy's face. Of course, Nomi watches, and of course, the anger bobbles in him. He should have commented, he should have listened to that Howard kid.

Should have.

A little too late to figure that out, as Randy was pushed into the newspaper’s club room.

There’s a shimmer of hope for just a moment when Steven’s face is connected to the red strings, hope both for Nomi but also for Randy. But of course, it’s too good to be true.

Nomi can do nothing but sigh deeply, as Randy attempts to defend himself. It’s a lost cause, that won’t get them anywhere. And Nomi makes a final discussion in the middle of his frustration. Despite knowing that he should. A voice in his reminded him to take a deep breath. But there’s a reason behind the choice. Randy is an idiot. He’s got potential, sure. He gets why both Messenger and First Ninja had recommended him. But he’s unable to learn. Unable to listen.

That’s mistake number two of the day.

And so Nomi sends the soldiers to the dojo, the place he most commonly talks to Randy. And then, he just sorta leaves. He closes the viewfinder, screen, and hole. And he walks to some distant part of the city, to a small library, searching for somebody to take Randy’s place.

He doesn’t see as Debbie enters the book, or Randy following the trope. Too caught up in his head to register what is happening around him.

He doesn’t help the young Ninja; he doesn’t teach him or guide him like he should.

That is the third mistake he makes that day and quite possibly the of no return. There’s no way back, no way of changing things now. Because he’s made up his mind.

Maybe he should have told First Ninja, or maybe the Messenger. He doesn’t.

He spends, what… an hour in the library. Talking with different past Ninjas. Some older, some younger. Some are a little more like Randy, someone a little more like Nomi himself.

Heidi seems like a decent replacement, at least… on the surface. She is brave, but, not quite pure of heart. Theresa is an option too, so sweaty and kind. Confident. Resilient. But is she brave enough?

He lays each option out, every student currently at Norrisville High.

Debbie is sneaky, it’s different from most Ninjas that Nomi has seen, but that isn’t going to stop him. Bucky is way too small, and weak. More interested in that triangle than anything else and would probably not even last a week as the ninja. And Bash. Bash would be another Mac Antfee.

He does sense when Randy cheat’s his way out of the book, pushing the hole in the decorated paper. It’s just more work for later.

The hand on his shoulder makes him stop, halter. “It’s chaos out there Nomi. What the hell happened?”.

Nomi shrugs, “Why ask me, you are the one living out there” he smirks, and flips crosses another student out on the paper before going on, “Randy, that Ninja whom you wanted. He’s an idiot who revealed himself. It’s too much of a wildcard to keep going”.

The Messenger lifts an eyebrow and sighs deeply, Nomi isn’t sure what to make of it. It’s almost like the Messenger knew something he didn’t. Has seen something he hasn’t.

Maybe he has. He lives in the human world on a day-to-day basis, driving the bus.

“Shouldn’t you be watching your student?” The Messenger just asks, not letting any emotion into his voice, sending Nomi a dark look.

Nomi closes his eyes, reaching out towards the suit. Sensing it, so close by. Hidden away in Randy’s messenger bag, like it had been early that day too. “He isn’t in the suit” Nomi replies, “Which means, there are no attacks. Which means, I as a teacher, have nothing to teach him”. Nomi pulls out a book from a nearby bookcase, the dust flying into the air as Nomi starts going over information on Steven’s family. Maybe, that was the best option. His eyes scan the pages.

It’s mistake number four. He knows that now. That thinking.

The Messenger walks towards the exit, leaving Nomi to himself. But over his shoulder, as the portal to get back into the real world opens, Nomi hears it. “How many times does the kid need to prove himself worthy to you?”.

Nomi wants to respond, wants to sneer at the Messenger that it’s none of his business. But he’s gone, already through the portal. To do… whatever it is he does.

He isn’t sure what the Messenger had hoped to achieve from those words, but it does make Nomi take a breath. A deep one at that, counting inside his head. In for 5 seconds. 1. 2. 3… out for 8 seconds. 5. 6. 7… before he opens his eyes again and reopens the viewfinder.

It’s just in time to see the explanation that makes Randy tumble toward the frozen lake. Randy is not in his ninja suit but is closely followed by yet another one of McFist’s robots. Nomi seriously hates that guy. The deadly mask, the thrones sticking out the robot’s back, the tall, yet thin build. It looks like a challenge, not a big one, but without the ninja suit and weapons, it could pose a threat.

But what does Nomi care? He’s got his choice for the next Ninja ready, just needing someone to retrieve the book and suit so the next one can take Randy’s place.

But Nomi is also a little proud, watching his… former students lure it out into the thin ice.

It keeps everyone else safe, this far away from the school’s area. And because nobody is around nobody can see the moves Randy might make, which could reveal even more, about who is behind the suit. Behind the mask.

He doesn’t like the sound that comes when the ice finally starts cracking. But the sight of the robot falling through and sinking into the water does restore some of Nomi’s fate in Randy’s abilities.

It brings a relief that Nomi doesn’t have to train somebody new.

And for a moment he wonders why he ever thought that was the best option. So, he calls the guards back, making them return to their normal formation. Because that’s the right thing to do.

The relief is short-lived.

He isn’t prepared to hear another crack of the ice.

He watches in, almost slow motion as the ice breaks under Randy’s feet as he makes it towards shore. The slippery ice makes it hard, but Randy seems to get the hang of it. But it’s too late.

He loses his balance, and he falls. And the sound of the water splashing against the ice, as Randy disappears under the surface brings out a terrified yelp from Nomi.

There’s nothing the teacher can do.

The book, the Nomicon that allowed him to take a human form is at the school. Nowhere near the lake. And even if Nomi ran, he’d never get to Randy in time. He wouldn’t have a chance.

Randy never does return to the surface.

***

“Nomi, breath for a second” Kurou’s voice is sharp, “Please, brother. Relax”.

Nomi can’t relax. The sound of the water next to him becomes overpowering, and Nomi can’t breathe. His lungs burn as he rasps for air, painful pressure in his chest. The usually calm, magical place of the Nomicon was cloudy and stormy. Thunder rumbled high above them, rain washing down in big cold drops soaking Nomi’s red hair allowing it to stick to his face and neck. High waves fill the river. Chaos. It was all chaos.

Chaos in the book.

Chaos in his mind.

The scene plays over and over again in front of Nomi’s eyes. The Messenger pulled Randy’s limb, unconscious body out of the water. So pale, like all color had been drained from his body. All life.

Nomi hadn’t known if the figure was breathing or not. Hadn’t known if the Messenger had been too late to act, or react. Hadn’t yet known if Randy would be okay.

Inside his head, he kept screaming. Over and over. ‘Randy!’.

And for a moment… for a moment Nomi had wondered if Randy would die before Nomi could apologize. Before Nomi himself could tell him, ‘Becoming a ninja’ instead of ‘unbecoming a ninja’. He feared, the last thing Randy would know, was that Nomi had been disappointed.

And even now, knowing that he was alive, Nomi feared for the worse.

He might never wake up again.

Randy might never be the Ninja ever again.

Nomi finally got a good breath into his starving lungs. First Ninja, holding his hand over his chest. Making his breaths deep and slow, allowing Nomi to copy them automatically.

And Kurou spoke. “Don’t blame yourself. It’s not your fault” Nomi listened. The soft voice of his brother so close, so friendly, so filled with comfort. “Maybe it was destined to happen the way it did”. Nomi wants to argue but can’t. Feeling too weak to speak, like there isn’t enough air. But maybe the rain slows just a little.

“You don’t have to curse yourself for all you did was teach him, to be the best version of himself” First Ninja keeps going, “And even if, this was his final battle… he didn’t fight in vain. His memory will live on. Because he was pure of heart, and he was brave beyond reason”, and the thunder stops, only the sound of the rain is left, but even that is fading.

“Even in the end. Even when you told him to stop, he fought on” Kurou reminds, and Nomi nods, breathing slowly into a normal pattern. His lungs stop burning, as his shoulder sag. “And yes, you may have been wrong that doesn’t mean you are responsible for what happened to him. A hero sacrifices all to save the day, that’s all Randy did” Had he taught him that? He remembers only distantly against the sorceress, but he had. Hadn’t he?

“And you know what? Humans are meant to make mistakes. That’s how they learn to grow, so don’t bury your soul in the debt of something you never did! We’re both only human”. And with that, the rain stopped. The water in the river came to a full stop before again flowing down. Slowly. Animal life returning, the sound of birds singing and orange fish swimming near the edge of the river. Near Nomi and Kurou.

First Ninja was right. His brother was right.

They were only humans, even if they had lived over 800 years hidden away in a book.

They were human, inside out.

Nomi just really hoped Randy would wake up again.

Hope that this… wasn’t the end of his story.

Chapter Text

The messenger had one primary task, given to him 800 years prior; he was tasked to give the message. It didn’t sound all that important to somebody, unaware of what was going on behind the scenes, but said message was important. He, the messenger, was to deliver the book and mask to the next Ninja on the list.

The book is The Ninja Nomicon. An 800-year-old book, filled with all the information a ninja would need to succeed. Containing the memories of all the ninjas of the past. As well, as the consciousness of two people, Nomi Norisu, the teacher of the Nomicon. And Kurou Norisu, more commonly referred to as the first Ninja.

And the mask, being the Ninja mask. Created by Tengu theaters and holding magical properties.

Of course, when the time was over, and the next Ninja was chosen the messenger also picked up the wooden box once again. As the Ninja forgets about what had once happened, he sneaks it to the next kid. And the next one after that. He’d done that for 800 years, and he had no plans to stop.

He was immortal, he didn’t know how that happened, or why for that matter. But he was. He’d kept the tradition alive for 800 years, and he wouldn’t stop any time soon.

As time had gone on, new jobs and responsibilities had been placed on his shoulders.

Destroying a mind-reading machine created by McFist? Check. Be a bus driver, making sure people could get everywhere in Norrisville? Check too. Watching over the current Ninja, and whatever friends and family he or she might have, making sure they were safe should their identity get out? Well, check on that one too.

With Randy, the list had gotten a tiny bit more complicated, if only because of Howard. The redhead was, annoying. And got Randy into more trouble than anybody else possibly could. But maybe, in some ways, it had also made things a bit easier.

Mac Antfee was finally mindwiped, thanks to Howard’s helping hand. Nomi Randy was caught because of… *sigh* Howard. And the latest, the Ninja’s identity stayed secret, thanks to Howard.

The messenger had to give him that, the costume had been quick thinking. It could have gone better, a lot better, had Debbie Kang never figure it out in the first place. Possibly even better, had the Messenger himself done the same trick. But, he simply hadn’t had time. He wasn’t even at the school ground when it had all taken place. Driving around in his bus, almost 30 minutes away when the show had come on. And when he did get that, when he had scrolled Nomi, there were way more important things to do.

He needed to get to Randy.

How many times does the kid need to prove himself worthy to you?

It wasn’t the Messengers' job to protect the Ninja from physical harm. At least, it had never been before. It wasn’t supposed to be now, but he’d done what he could in the book. Though he doubted Nomi had listened to him. Had understood what he told him.

Don’t shoot the messenger for revealing the uncomfortable truth.

Talking to Nomi, really wasn’t the Messenger's job either, but he’d needed to do that too. Who knew maybe one day, he’d be the only teacher the Ninja or Norrisville would need?

With how things were currently going, that future might not have been so far away.

But talking to Nomi and making him understand was at least more his kind of job, than saving anybody. Because he’d just given Nomi a message. That was his job, right? He was the messenger after all. And Randy had already proven himself worthy to him. At the pure age of five.

He’d taken down the monster, standing tall, brave beyond reason. And with a smile of goodness, happiness, and courage on his face. He hadn’t faltered, lifting the heavy sword above his head, never considering that he, Randy Cunningham, could have gotten hurt. Never baking away. And the Messenger had watched in awe, knowing then, that this kid was going to be the best of them all. He was going to be unstoppable.

Now… the messenger feared for the boy’s life.

He’d dived into the water himself, as he’d made it to the edge of the pound. He didn’t have any helpful training, just 800 years of life to go with. The little things he’d picked up on.

It had still been a struggle, getting down into the ice-cold water. And even harder getting both himself and the boy back to the surface. His body protested with every move he’d make. But he never stopped. He couldn’t stop.

The was hours ago now, but the coldness still dug deep in his bones. The dry cloth was nice, and the blanket over his shoulders. He was lucky, sitting there in the quiet hospital room by the boy's side. The young boy's hair is a mess by now. The purple color faded. His body was pale and unmoving. The wires, the monitors, the constant, reassuring beeping, the oxygen mask, the hospital bed.

He no longer looked like the body the Messenger had once chosen. Didn’t look like the boy, day in and day out, would be ready to fight for others. Protecting others.

He looked like the child he really where underneath the mask.

But the messenger knew, better than ever that Randy had been the right choice. That Randy was worthy of everything to come. He just needed to wake up and prove to the world that he couldn’t be stopped so easily. How many times does the kid need to prove himself worthy to you? The messenger didn’t know the answer to the question. He didn’t know, what might come out of those words. He didn’t know those things, Nomi didn’t know those things, Kurou didn’t know it.

But the Messenger… the Messenger knew it had been the right thing to ask.

How many times does the kid need to prove himself worthy to us?

***

The messenger sighed heavily, as he pushed down the button on the front of the house. Distantly, through the thick walls, he could hear the classic tone of a doorbell sing and play. Calling out for the residents of the home to come, open the door, and meet their guests. Or, at the very least open the door to tell the stranger they weren’t interested in buying anything. That was the only possible reason, someone could be ringing the doorbell in the afternoon, on a normal school and work day.

The Messenger remembered a time, 800 years ago, when it was completely normal for people to stop by for tea when they were in the area. Those times were long gone now.

He waited, patiently at the door for a few minutes, before the dark Turkic wood finally swung open. A man, wearing a light brown jacket and an even light tie around his neck. The red, almost orange hair, clearly running in the family. If Heidi and Howard, the man’s kids were anything to go by. Which, the Messenger was pretty sure they were. Though, if that was from Mr. or Mrs. Weinerman’s side he didn’t know, as both of them had distinct colored hair.

The Messenger pulled the cowboy hat a little future down over his face, before reaching out a hand to the man in front of him. “Hello, Mr. Weinerman, correct?” the man nodded and looked at him like a giant question mark, “I’m a friend of the Cunninghams, their son was hurt badly yesterday, I’m sure you’ve heard”.

Mr. Weinerman nodded again, a sad smile sliding onto his face. “Oh yes, our son Howard hasn’t been able to sleep all night because of it. I can’t imagen how young Randy’s parents must feel”.

“I’m here per their request” The Messenger went on, it was a lie though, he couldn’t look the Cunninghams in the eyes and tell them what happened to his son. A deep guilt for choosing Randy, gnawing at his gut. “They're looking for something extremely important to Randy but have been unable to find it. They were hoping, maybe Howard knew where it was”. It wasn’t that the Messenger didn’t trust Howard with the book, he’d been informed by the first Ninja late the night before the Debbie Kang had been mind-wiped, and the Messenger knew that was probably Howard’s work. But the Ninja Nomicon was important, and he’d rather keep it for safekeeping himself, than some teen who would potentially destroy a whole universe with the spells and abilities from inside that book. It was that simple.

Mort nodded in understanding and stepped to the said, signaling that the Messenger was welcome to step inside. And so he did, following the redhead through his house, as he showed him to Howard’s room in the basement.

“I’ll let you two talk,” Mort said dismissively, as they stood there in the hallway. Before walking in the other direction, he future into the house where he wouldn’t disturb the two of them.

The Messenger had never actually talked to the Ninja, or any of the Ninja’s friends in whole his time being the messenger. There were nods in their general direction if they passed on the street, or when the young kids sprung on the bus with so much energy that they almost stumbled over their own feet. But he’d never really talked to any of them.

They didn’t know he existed, not really. He blended into the environment, hiding in the shadows. Never getting close enough for anyone to see. Nobody ever had. And if they had, they’d never connected him to the Ninja or the Nomicon. To them… them, he was ‘the creep’.

And so maybe, only maybe, he hesitated before pushing the door to Howard’s bedroom open. His hands felt sweaty, and his heart beating in his chest. Despite knowing that Howard knew, that Howard wouldn’t doubt his words, and wouldn’t call him crazy. Because Howard wasn’t like that, even if he was stupid.

The teen’s room was engulfed in darkness. The lack of windows made the basement bedroom seems almost, scary. But at the same time, it fit his idea of the young boy well. The gamer type he was, he likely never noticed the darkness that seemed to surround him. And with how often he hung with Randy, Howard probably wasn’t scared of the dark. But, unlike what you might have expected, Howard wasn’t playing the games the two always played. Wasn’t sitting there, eyes staring at the TV screen, controller in his hands.

Howard was sitting on the floor against the edge of his bed. Knee’s bend and pulled up to his chest. Small, quiet sobs came from him a constant chanter of ‘let him be okay, let him be ok’.

The easy thing to do would be to grab the messenger bag that the Messenger could spot, laying there half open on the bed. Ninja Mask and Nomicon are halfway to falling out.

He doesn’t need to care about the young boy, sitting in the darkness of his life. Without his usual support pillar by his side. Without Randy there to keep him out of the worse trouble, and to remind him about that Spanish assignment.

He’s never seen the two apart if they had any choice.

The least he can do is attempt to comfort the boy, and so, he slides down by his side. The boy looked up at him with sadness on his face and confusion.

The messenger speaks.

“I’ve met you once. A long, long time ago. When you and Randy were nothing but kids. So bright, happy, and close. Seeking adventures and exploration. Wanting to see things most people shouldn’t, or that most people wouldn’t. It was the day Randy’s destiny to become the Ninja of Norrisville was written, black on white. He was going to be the best of them all.

His strength, his stubbornness, it’s both a gift and a curse. In each their way.

I’ve seen a lot of Ninjas in my time as the Messenger. I’ve seen a lot of people fight, in each their way. All sharing courage, and a heart of gold.

I’ve never met anyone quite like Randy though.

A ninja is supposed to work alone, that’s what the book says. It’s one of the first lessons they're taught. Friendship is a weight a ninja cannot carry. And I’ve seen that, pull people apart. Best friends leave each other behind forever, because of lies and secrets.

And then, I’ve seen you, and him. With the handshake of your invisible bond.

The Nomicon is never wrong, they say. It’s the ultimate guide for the Ninja. The only true path. And I believe that for a long time, the Nomicon thought so too. Randy proved it wrong.

And while there are times when you, Howard, cause more trouble than your worth. Having something he can trust; someone he can lean on when things go wrong. Or when his identity is at stake. He has shown us… that friendship is a weight the ninja needs to carry, to succeed in their final battle. And defeat the sorcerer once and for all.

And I’m sure. I know, for a fact. Randy will be okay.

Because together, the two of you are unstoppable. So don’t give up hope, he cannot fight this battle on his own”.

Chapter Text

The cold water engulfs his body, soaking deep into his clothes. Weighing him. Paralyzing him in the water. He fights against the heaviness, the icy, stabbing pain… but the darkness overtakes him.

He distantly hopes the Nomicon will forgive him for his mistakes. All of them. He knows he isn’t the best ninja to ever be. He knows, that more often than not, he made stupid mistakes that could have been prevented. He hoped… he hoped that one day, he’d be able to prove himself worthy.

Though now, he doubts he’ll live to see another day. He doubts he’ll wake up.

He won’t have a chance to apologize for all of his mistakes. He won’t have a chance to hand over the mask. He won’t finish his four years.

He wonders if the city will go without a ninja until his period is up. If the city will break and crumble without him. If he… he’s the reason the city won’t make it out alive when the sorcerer attacks. Because he failed. Guilty of conduct, unbecoming a ninja.

That’s the last thing he thinks.

It’s also the first.

His eyes flutter open to a blurry world filled with blinding bright lights and… comfort. His mom sitting there by his side smiling at him with worry yet happiness all the same. For a few moments, he doesn’t remember what had happened. But he knows his head hurts, his lungs burn and feels sick and scared. His heart fluttered oddly in his chest.

Doctors and nurses check him over, take his vitals, and ask questions in rapid succession. There’re no breaks for him to think or ask his questions. It’s chaotic and overwhelming like the Nomicon had been the first few times he’d entered the magical book of Ninja wisdom.

With how fast everything moves and how many questions he’s asked, it might be just like the Nomicon. Randy never understood fully a single word the doctors say. He tries, he does, but it doesn’t work. Focusing only makes his head feel even more fuzzy than it already did. Confusing maybe. He couldn’t tell.

It’s not until later that day, when the doctors have left and his mom and sister are there by his side, smiling at him and talking to him. Slowly and carefully, there he figures out exactly what had happened.

Or… at least more than he’d be able to piece together before.

He’d fallen into the water. He remembers that of course, but only in fuzzy cold parts. There’d been an attack from one of the droids, another robot. Which… he might remember distantly, but… not completely. They said it had attacked him. Said it thought he was the ninja.

Thought.

Not that ‘you are”.

It makes Randy a little confused. Honestly… thought. They… they didn’t know he was the ninja.

And then, he’d been saved by a bystander who jumped in to save him. Some stranger, his mom explained, calling himself the messenger. Not a name Randy could remember or place, but maybe it was some sort of ninja thing he’d yet to learn about. It wouldn’t surprise him if that was the case. He’s learned one thing being the Ninja, Nomicon was never easy to predict.

And then it hits, like a bombshell falling, crashing towards the ground. His ears ring, and he can’t breathe… can’t breathe. Because Randy Cunningham, the Ninja who was supposed to protect people, help people, and save people… he hadn’t done that.

Randy Cunningham had been in a coma, for over a month. Stuck in a hospital bed, go to the outside world. He hadn’t helped the people who needed him. Hadn’t been there for them.

With that, he’s sure Nomicon will never forgive him if there was a chance of that ever happening at said point in time. Randy was possibly the worst, most unreliable ninja to ever wear the mask. To ever call himself a ninja. To learn from the book. The book hadn’t seen a worse ninja in 800 years. Nobody was as bad as Randy.

Randy says stupid stuff all the time. He and Howard joke about farts and pets and games.

He acts immaturely. He doesn’t cook for himself or wash his clothes. He doesn’t take responsibility for what he’s done, or what he will do. Sometimes he isn’t even sure he learns from his mistakes, but he tries to do his best anyways… that doesn’t change the fact that he’s 14, almost 15… and immaturity is a part of that age ground. But maybe not when you’re a hero.

He speaks without thinking, and most of the time what he says only makes things worse. He acts without thinking too. Out of panic and fear of what might happen if he doesn’t.

But he’s sorry about it. About all the mistakes he makes, all the wrong words he says. He’s not an adult. He’s a kid. A kid he’s sorry, and in pain.

Forgive him for that. For being an idiot in the worse of times. Because he knows…

He knows he can’t be perfect. No now. Not ever.

He hopes he’ll get a chance to fix things. To prove that he isn’t just a person who makes mistakes and runs away from them. Because he’s not. He never will be.

That chance seems incredibly far away…

***

Howard stops by as Randy recovers. Brings board games and books and movies that they look at and play and laugh about. Things are like they’ve always been, even if Randy falls asleep in the middle of conversations, or loses his focus so Howards needs to repeat it. He’s patient with him in a way Randy hadn’t expected.

They don’t talk about what happened that day, with the ninja and the attack. They don’t talk about the ninja at all actually. Randy is afraid to ask if anyone has been protecting the city, and Howard never brings it up on his own either. Which, he’s secretly thankful for.

When Howard brings him his backpack, the mask, and nomicon is gone. He doesn’t ask where it might be. Doesn’t dare to. He isn’t sure he’ll ever be the ninja again.

He doesn’t know if he’ll go back to school and finish it, because his brain is fuzzy, and the doctors say the damage might be permanent. That he shouldn’t get his hopes up. But his body begs him to move around, he’s restless in that hospital bed alone for hours at a time. His mom is at work, and Howard is at school.

It gives him lots of time to think. Though, thinking has never been a good idea for Randy.

It brings a lot of self-doubt with it. A lot of pain he’d rather hide away. His father is a topic that keeps flying through his head. About how he wasn’t there when he woke. About how he hasn’t called even after weeks of being stuck in a hospital bed. He knows his father is busy with his new family, with his wife and daughter. That Randy has never really meant anything to him, not like he did to his mother. But it still stings somewhere deep in his gut. They share the same blood after all. There’s a lot he’d like to know about that family. A lot he’d like to learn.

He doubts he’ll ever get the chance to figure any of that out. He’s as unlucky as Spider-man on his best day. That’s just the Cunningham life. And then the man shows up at the door.

Cowboy hat on his head, and holey jeans. His bus driver looks at him with a smile. A bag is one hand that glows a dark rest. “It’s good to see you awake, Ninja” the man says in a thick accent. Randy starts are him, eyes blurry. He remembers that face.

“You’re the one who saved me” He states, “But… how did you know who I am?”.

“You’re not exactly subtle about your identity as the Ninja,” the man says moving in to sit in the chair that stands by the hospital bed, “But, I guess it’s more complicated than that. I am the messenger. The ninja, technically is not supposed to know about me. I’m the one that goes to retrieve the nomicon when A ninja’s time is up. And the one, who makes sure the next ninja gets it”.

“Then why are you here? I’m not the ninja anymore. I failed”.

The messengers open the bag he’s brought. The red glow is familiar. Out he pulls first the Ninja nomicon - Randy is ready to pull away from it. Has he come to mind wipe him? But then he pulls out the mask too. “Nomicon is sorry about how he treated you. Mistakes were made. If you still want to be the ninja, you just open the book. If not, I’ll stop by in a few days to get it. Don’t make a rushed decision. Take your time, Ninja. You’re still healing”.

“But… with me here, who is making sure the city is safe, if a new ninja hasn’t been chosen?!”. Randy’s head feels like it explodes. Pieces break and builds up again.

“Nomi is” The messenger replies.

***

Nomi waits together with the first Ninja when the book opens for the first time in months. Nomi feels drained, after having fended for the city for so long. The updates on Randy had been few, and far apart. He knew the Messenger had taken contact recently, but if there was a time frame in place, or if the book had been accepted at all, he didn’t know. The flash of red that decorates the walls before disappearing makes his heart jump in his chest.

Written doodles fly around in greeting the hero that returns home. There’s no lesson in the sky, just Nomi here, waiting for the right moment to step out. “What if he won’t forgive me?”.

“He’s the ninja” Korus replies with a shrug, “He’s brave, and has a pure heart. Why wouldn’t he forgive you?”.

Nomi with his brother a deep stare, as if to ask ‘Are you serious’. “I made a mistake. I thought we talked about this. I failed him, I should have protected him, but I didn’t”.

Korus shrugs, “He made a mistake too”.

“His mistake wasn’t going to get anyone killed” Nomi defends with a hard voice, that he rarely uses. A voice he hates, and that his students never respond to. “If Messenger hadn’t… done what he did. Stepped in. Randy would be dead. That would have been my fault”.

“Did you forgive him?” Korus asks placing a hand on Nomi’s shoulder, the redhead nods, “Then why wouldn’t he forgive you?”.

Nomi takes a deep breath. It’s rare for him to reveal this form to Ninjas. He can count on one hand how many times it has happened. Soon, he can count it one to two. In the 800 years, his physical form just hasn’t been needed. He wonders if he needs it now at all, watching Randy stand there with the mask held tightly in his hands. The confidence of a ninja is still glowing in him. He knows he’s made many mistakes, and he knows, he messed up. He stands here now, ready to take whatever comes at him.

Nomi lets himself appear just a few feet in front of Randy. The young Ninja takes a hesitant step backward before Nomi can reach out a hand in peace and steady him. “My name is Nomi Norisu, but you know me as the Nomicon. This is my physical form, or… one of many”.

Randy studies him from the ground, eyes scanning him from top to toe. “I’m sorry,” he says, voice cracking weirdly as he speaks, “I’m sorry I messed up, you can mind whip me, it’s fine. I’m ready. I get that I made a big mistake. The identity of the ninja must remain secret. I didn’t succeed. I’m ready to give up my title”. The mask is handed to him, a glowing peace offering.

Nomi just shakes his head. “I’m the one who has to apologize”.

“You?” Randy shakes his head, taking Nomi’s hand to get back to his feet, “You’ve taught me so much. You have nothing to be sorry for”.

“I’m not perfect, Randy. I make mistakes, I hurt people. But when I say Sorry, I mean it” Nomi places steady hands-on Randy’s shoulders. His physical body and mind are still healing, and his soul still fighting to stay grounded. His body in the Nomicon is affected, as he sways slightly. “I got mad. I overrated. I shouldn’t have taken your title from you. I regret it. It would take a lifetime to explain it to you, I’m afraid.”.

Randy hesitates but then leans into Nomi’s side. “I forgive you then. If you forgive me”.

“I forgive you, Ninja. You have the purest heart and the strongest and bravest soul. You’ve proven to me, time and time again, that you are up for the task. I’m sorry I didn’t see it earlier”.