I walked in my front door and went upstairs. I walked into my room and fell back first into my bed. I sat there looking at the ceiling. 'That sucked.' I thought to myself. 'I probably shouldn't be so discouraged as this was my first night, but i cant help it. I guess thats what i get tho. Its not like i was going to become someone completely different over night.' I reached into my pocket and pulled out my mask. I rose my arms up, holding the mask in front of me. "How do i become a hero when i don't even know where to start? Or what it takes to be one?" I said in soft low voice. I then heard someone else speak."You wanna know what it takes to be a hero huh?" I jumped and immediately stood up on my bed. I looked forward and saw someone in the corner of my room, hiding in the shadow. The person then began to walk forward and my heart started pumping blood at an extremely fast rate when i noticed it was the same guy from earlier. I instantly started questioning him." Its You? What are you doing here?! How did you find me?! What do you want with m-"
"Im not gonna hurt you, so relax." The guy said as he stepped out the shadow. I eyed him up and down while unconsciously giving him a confused look. "So why are you here?" I asked. "We ran into each other earlier and I noticed you were a bit...unseasoned." He spoke. "Unseasoned?" I responded to his child like choice of words. Yea this guy definitely was on the younger side. "I noticed you on the roof earlier and i thought you were on their side, Hence why i attacked you. But once i got you down i realized you weren't an assassin, but i had to be sure so i followed you." He spoke again. "Whats your point?" I asked him defensively. "My point is, i over heard you just now and it looks like your trying to be a hero. Don't." Said the guy as he walked to my window. "This type of life isn't for some kid who attends high school and lives with his mom, you'll only place a target on the back of those you love." He said looking over his shoulder at me whilst facing the window. I was taken back alittle by what he said, especially at the fact that he knew i was in high school and i live with my mom. "I cant." I simply responded. "Look, you don't know what your getting yourself into. These people are ruthless and will stop at nothing to take down those who oppose them." Replied the guy. "I was chosen to protect the people from the sorcerer. And i CANT turn my back on my duty no matter what!" I said remembering the will I inherited. "Chosen? What do you mean?" The guy said now turning the upper half of his body towards me. "I inherited the will of the ninja, an ancient protector of the world from the evil of the sorcerer. There has been a ninja for centuries, and once the ninja passes away, the mantle is passed to the next, And today...i received that will." I said looking at my mask. The guy stood there for a second before speaking again. "Sorcerer? Who is the sorcerer?"
"Well he's..the sorcerer. He's been chained underground for 800 years apparently but his shackles are getting weaker. If he escapes his prison then he will wreak havoc. So i have to keep him shackled up, and train to become strong enough to beat him if it comes down to it." I said gripping my fists together. "I know it sounds stupid but believe me, I'm telling you the truth." I spoke again. He looked at me then turned to face me completely. "And Now that i have the power to save people, i will! I cant sit around and let people die if i can do something about it." I added once again. "So you've been chosen to protect people and you will no matter the odds, huh?" The guy said looking at me. He then smirked before saying "looks like you've got what it takes to be a hero if you ask me."
"Nah man, not the way i am now. I can barely fight and I've never saved anyone. Ive got a long way to go before I'm a hero." I responded scratching my head as i looked down discouraged. "Yea you do got a long ways to go, but its not about wearing a costume or how good you can fight that makes you a hero, Its about your heart, and yours is in the right place." Said the guy. "Tell you what, you've got potential. I'll teach you how to be a complete hero if you'd like." Said the guy looking at me. I looked back up at him surprised by his answer. "Really?" I asked. "Yea, really." He responded. "But..why?" I asked trying to see what his motives where. " because i can imagine how hard it is doing this all on your own, Plus this city could use another hero." The guy said with a smile. "Uh...how do i know i can trust you?" I asked side eyeing the guy. "Im glad your not so quick to trust me, but truth is i see something in you, kinda reminds me of myself when i first started. Look trust me or not, your choice. But i just thought you could use the help after seeing how easy it was to take you down. Plus we're on the same side right? so why the hell not." The guy said chuckling. I stood there and thought about it for a second. Could i trust this guy? Should i trust this guy? Maybe i could just learn from him for a bit but keep my guard up just incase. I looked at the guy and let out a breath. "Ok, im in." I said. The guy smiled before turning to face the window again. "We'll start tomorrow, meet me on top of the cell tower by Avalon hill at 10:30 at night." The guy spoke for the last time as he pulled out a grappling gun and shot it before jumping out the window. I stood there for a minute or two. "What the fuck happened to my life? Just when i thought things couldn't get weirder." I spoke out loud. I walked over to my window and lowered the slide before locking it. "Don't need anyone else coming in through here." I realized i was alone and i felt a shiver run down my spine as i recalled what the guy said to me.
"This type of life isn't for some kid who attends high school and lives with his mom, you'll only place a target on the back of those you love."
The thought of bad people hunting me down and breaking into my home to kill me and my mother was nerve racking, i shook my head to forget about it. "Stop! I wont let that happen ever!" I said with my hands on my temples wiggling my head side to side. Maybe that guy was right. Maybe i should give this up before its too late. I cant risk the people i know and love to get hurt because of me. No. No matter what i have to do this. Im destined too. My mind was running wild and i was having a hard time trying to relax, I decided to go downstairs and prepare myself a meal. After i grabbed my towel and headed to the bathroom for a shower. I was probably in the shower for a good 45 minutes just letting the water run down my body as that always seemed to help when i had a lot on my mind. I brushed my teeth and got ready for bed. I laid there looking at my ceiling before closing my eyes and drifting off to sleep.
The next day
I heard the annoying sound of my alarm going off before i snoozed it. I groaned and laid there for another second before stretching my limbs and sitting on the edge of my bed. I had my face in my hands for a few seconds before getting up and heading to the kitchen downstairs, once down there i saw my breakfast at the table and went over to eat. After eating i went back upstairs to get ready. Once ready i walked down the hall and cracked the door open to my mothers room to see her asleep. "Hey mom thanks for the breakfast, I'm heading out now ill see you later,Love you." I said. "Alright have a good day at school love you." She said with her eyes still closed. I closed the door and started walking down the steps. I loved my mom with everything in me. She had been working super hard lately just for us to be able to live comfortably, although she was definitely over working herself. I hardly saw my mom and It sucked but it was also really inspiring and educational to see. From her i learned that hard work pays off and that the world is a fucked up place. "I promise ill make things better for us mom." I swore to myself as i stepped out the front door.
////
I got off the bus and texted the group chat with my friends.
Y/n: where you guys at?
Justin: where at the secret spot. Pull up
I put my phone into my pocket and headed over there. Six minutes later i walked into the library and headed to the back, noticing there was a good bit of people in here today. "Whatsgood boys." I said walking up to my friends dapping up each of them. "Whatsgood bro how you feelin? Justin asked with his famous catchphrase. "Yoyo" Cole joined in the conversation. "Have you guys seen everyone in here? We definitely need a new spot." I said dropping my back pack and sitting in one of the chairs. "Yea this spot is not ducked off how we need it to be." Justin added. "Lets find a new spot during lunch again today." Cole said. "Yea lets do it." I said. "Im down but your teachers gonna stop letting you 'use the bathroom' during B lunch." Justin said letting out a little laugh. I chuckled at his comment too, then Cole spoke. "Not if i tell her i have medical condition." He said with a evil smirk causing us to laugh.
The bell rung and we all decided to head to our first block together. We were walking down the hallway when i noticed the three guys from yesterday up ahead. "Crap!" I said in a whisper yell. "What happened?" Cole asked looking at me worryingly. "Those three guys up ahead were bullying some kid after school yesterday, i stood up for the guy and then they wanted problems with me...so i juked them out then beat them up, and I'm pretty sure they aren't gonna let that go so easily." I said still looking ahead, hoping the guys didn't notice me. "Word? Don't worry bro we got your back my brotha!" Justin said enthusiastically looking ahead at the guys. "Yea we're here now incase they wanna try something funny ag- wait, you beat those guys three on one?"
Cole said realizing what i just said mid sentence. "Yea i ran for a bit then hid around a corner and just hopped out swinging. To be honest it didn't take much at all to beat them." I said zoning out a bit, remembering the events from the day before. I turned to look at my friends when I realized no one responded to see them staring at me like i was crazy. "What?" I asked confused. "Just surprised woe, didn't know you was coming like that." Justin said. Just as the words left his mouth we heard someone shout and we all turned our gaze to the direction it came from and saw the three guys storming over to us. "AYE YO!" One of the guys said as they all pulled their pants up and started walking faster at us. Great I'm about to get suspended on the second day of school. Moms not gonna be happy about this at all. "OH YEA WASSUP!?" One of the guys said in a cringey ghetto demeanor. Me and my friends kept walking forward, each of us ready to throw down and ride for each other as three brothers should. The space between us two groups was decreasing rapidly, we were a few feet away from each other and the guy in the middle winded up a punch and launched it towards me but suddenly we were all snatched up by the school security and pulled away from each other and escorted to the office.
I saw everyone looking at us as we walked by. Some people were excited and recording, others were just looking confused, others didn't care much. We eventually got to the principals office and he wasn't to happy at first but after hearing me out (of course i left out the part where i beat them up) he calmed down. Surprisingly he was pretty chill about it and seemed to understand, and it turns out those guys were juniors and had a reputation of being troublemakers since freshman year. No surprise there. He decided he'd let us off the hook this once saying that we seemed like good young men and that he didn't want to suspend us on the second day especially since no one ended up fighting. He sent us off with a final lecture about us staying out of trouble and that he'd be keeping an eye on us. I was relieved that we didn't get in trouble, i really didn't want my mom to get upset.
The school day went on normally, i was still adjusting to the high school environment but so far things were going alright, besides the incident with those guys. Right now it was lunch and me and Justin we're currently on our way to meet up with Cole in the bathroom in building A. We met him and began strolling around to find a new spot, sadly we weren't finding much but then i had an idea. "Hey i think i got a spot but its a little inconvenient." I said. "Watcha got in mind?" Cole asked. "Well there's always the spot under the bleachers on the football field, but that spots not necessarily close. And theres always the woods right behind the school, but its also not inside the school." I said. "Yea those do take too much time to get too, but we can use those locations as meet up points just incase." Cole responded again. We ended up coming short of finding a spot and just ended up wandering the halls. We returned to class when the bell rung and went about the rest of our school day normally.
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I got home and made myself a quick meal and ate before going upstairs. I walked into my room and plopped my backpack down on the ground. I dropped myself into my rolling chair by my desk and slouched back letting out a breath. I was a little tired and remembered that i was meeting that guy later on tonight so I decided to take a nap. It was currently 3:15, I set an alarm for 3 hours then removed my clothes leaving myself in my boxers. I walked over to my bed and laid down then took a nap. I woke up 3 hours later still a little drowsy, i managed to force myself to stand up and wiggle off my sleepiness. I stretched my back and let out a yawn when I suddenly felt a weird urge come over me, an urge that was new to me. I felt drawn to the special book i got so I unzipped my backpack and took the book out then opened it immediately falling into the trance. I flew through the air for a few seconds before i appeared in a forrest full of bamboo trees. "Well this is a new spot." I said acknowledging my surroundings. I noticed someone move up ahead and looked over to see the old man. "YO! WHATS UP SENSEI!" I shouted at him since he was about 15 feet away. Something was off tho, the old man looked bothered by something in an angry way. He walked towards me with a quick pace not saying anything still looking angry. My body tensed up and i started to worry a bit. "Hey...you all good sensei?" I asked in a shaky voice. Still saying nothing he walked up to me and punched me in the face sending me on my ass. My hand subconsciously raised to my cheek, Surprised and enraged at the same time. I instantly stood up and shouted at the old man. "WHAT THE FUCK! WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM?
Once again no response. He began walking towards me and with a displeased expression on his face, but I wasn't going for it this time. He rose his arm to attack and i moved mine to block his hand but he moved his arm under mine so fast it took me by surprise. He then grabbed my arm and punched me with the other then grabbed my other arm and drove his leg into my stomach with great force while releasing my arms letting me fly backwards. I tumbled backwards before planting my feet under me and rising up. I didn't know what was going on and i was starting to panic. Did he realize i was the wrong guy? Was he going to kill me in this place and chose someone else? Is this some kind of training? My head was spinning as i looked ahead at the old man, sweat dripping down my face, fists clenched hard in fear. He was walking towards me slowly closing in on me to attack once more. "FIGHT!" He yelled. I was confused and asked him "WHATS GOING ON? WHATS ALL THIS ABOUT?" I yelled. "HAD THAT BEEN AN ENEMY LAST NIGHT, YOU WOULD HAVE DIED A TERRIBLE DEATH." Yelled the old man. So thats what this was about.
The old man then suddenly dashed in front of me in an instant catching me off guard and sweeping my legs from under me and hitting me with a spinning back kick before i hit the ground sending me crashing through bamboo trees. I let out a groan as i got up. Even if i did try to fight him he was too good. His moves were fast and his technique was impeccable, i was severely outclassed, either way i had to try. I ran towards the old man and tried to jump kick him but he stepped to the side grabbing my leg simultaneously and flung me behind him. I flew through the air and landed with a roll and turned around instantly to face him again. I tried rushing him again but with a mix of punches and kicks but he blocked and evaded them all. I then winded up a heavy punch as fast as i could and launched it at him, he grabbed my wrist and twisted my arm behind my back then kicked me to the ground, pinning me in place with his foot on my back. I groaned and squirmed to get free but it was no use.
"You are afraid. The ninja must show no fear! you cannot let your fear consume you. You must learn to control your emotions, you cannot fight properly when your mind is clouded with fear." The old man spoke letting go of my wrist. I turned around and sat myself up, with my knees up and my elbows resting on them. I looked down at the ground discouraged. "Remember your training from yesterday and use it against me in battle. If you can strike me one time i will teach you the first lesson to being the ninja." The old man spoke standing above me. I instantly looked up with a raised eyebrow and said "the first lesson? I thought yesterdays training was the first lesson."
"No. That was a test to see how many of the ninja's abilities you have awakened." The old man responded. "Well how many did I awaken?" I asked. "You have not awakened any, but the ninjas powers runs in your veins and it shows." The old man responded. Hearing his last words i placed my hands firmly on my knees and stood up. I looked him in the eyes and said "alright lets go." With determination in my voice. This was the first time i felt this level of determination, i had to show him my resolve.
We began fighting and for the longest 15 minutes of my life, he was evading everything i threw at him. It was pissing me off as it felt impossible to touch him but then he spoke to me. "Your fighting me as you were before you became the ninja, you need to harness the power of the ninja!" What he said deeply resonated with me. He was right, I was letting my fear take over and forgetting all about my powers. I need to believe in the power of the ninja. I was about to rush and throw a punch at him but stopped, i closed my eyes and stood there. I took a breath and exhaled. 'Alright y/n come on! Channel the power inside of you and awaken it.' I began to feel a surge of energy run through my body.' Believe in the power of the ninja!' I felt the surge course through my entire body and my body felt like a temple of fire. In an instant i dashed in front of the old man causing him to flinch in surprise and i threw a punch, he moved his head out of the way just barley and i was about to throw another punch and catch him for sure this time, but he did some kind of weird movement with his hand and a huge gust of wind projected from his hands and flew straight into my chest, taking the breath out of me and sending me flying about 20 feet back. I groaned and stumbled to my feet. What was that move? This was getting super annoying but i didn't get too discouraged since i just improved drastically.I was getting in my stance about to rush him again but then he spoke. "Well done. You passed the test." Said the old man. "Wait really? I didn't even hit you tho." I said dropping my guard standing straight up. "This test was just to help you awaken the ninjas powers." Replied the old man. Another test huh? This is getting a bit repetitive. "Well lets start with the real stuff then, as you promised." I said relieved i didn't have to keep trying to punch him.
"The first lesson of the ninja is to believe in the power of the ninja, which you just did. Now all that is left is to believe in the weapon that is in the suit." The old man spoke. Believe in the weapon that is in the suit? "Sensei, does that mean i have to believe in myself since I'm inside the suit?" I asked trying to understand what he was saying. "No believe in the weapon that is in the suit. Remember your training." The old man spoke again. I was about to question him again since i didn't fully get what he was saying but i started to fly backwards making my exit from the plane. "Oh come on! How come i get pulled out this place whenever he wants!?" Suddenly i was back in my room. I looked at the time and 24 minutes had passed while i was in the book. It was 6:39 i still had a few hours before my meet up with the guy. I chilled for about 30 minutes but i couldn't sit still any longer as i waited for the time to wind down. I decided to grab my bag and head for the city, i told my mom i was heading out to go to Coles house to play the game and i immediately left to hit the city. 30 minutes later and i was on top of a roof top looking down on the city. "I might as well scout around and see if i can get some practice in before i meet with that guy." I was hopping around building to building for 45 minutes before i finally saw some suspicious guys. I saw a blacked out sports car suv pulled up to a jewelry store and 3 armed guys in all black jumped out and ran into the store. "Finally some action."
I jumped down from the building and on the roof of the jewelry store, i ran to the back and slipped in the ventilation system a few feet above the door. I crawled through and jumped out when i was inside the building. I creeped around to the front of the store and stopped at the door when i heard the guys yelling. "HURRY THE FUCK UP AND PUT THE MONEY IN THE BAG!" I heard one of the thugs yell. "HURRY UP AND GRAB ALL THE JEWELRY FELLAS! COPS GONNA BE HERE SOON!" Yelled another thug. They seemed pretty focused on the robbery so i quietly opened the door and peeked through to see them looting everything as fast as they could. I then saw the guy pointing an assault rifle pistol at the cashier. ' Alright y/n believe in the power of the ninja.' I instantly threw my scarf at his gun and yanked it out his hands and chucked it at a guy looting the jewelry, hitting his head and knocking him out. The lady behind the counter wasted no time and ran for it. the other guy turned around and started firing in my direction. I dashed towards him in a zig zag formation and smack the gun out his hand following up with a back hand punch making him flip before hitting the ground. I turned around and saw the first guy pick up a gun, he shot at me and i jumped up and over him landing behind him, i then did a front kick sending him flying into the wall rendering him unconscious as well. I looked around and saw the thugs on the ground unconscious. I was amazed at what i just did, but quickly refocused myself as i remembered I couldn't keep letting my emotions take over. I needed to be serious about this, letting my emotions run rampant will get me killed. i need to be on guard. I heard police sirens coming from about a block away and quickly turned and exited the building threw the back, once out launching my scarf at a nearby pole, flinging myself up and swinging away.
/////
A few hours passed and i was sitting on the ledge of a tall building, dangling and swing my legs around as i munched on a cheeseburger. I had been out for a few hours now, it was 10:10, i stayed out trying to bust more thugs but i didn't find anything so i just chilled for the most part. I had been swinging around enjoying the view from above. It was about time to go meet the guy at Avalon hill so I decided to head over there. I swung and parkoured my way there, after about 15 minutes of swinging i flew up onto the roof and landed. "Wow that was fun, now just to wait for that guy to come around." I said in a cool landing pose. "Well your here earlier than expected." I jumped up in fright from the sound of the guy talking. "GAH!" I yelled as i turned around and saw the guy. "Dude cut it out with that crap!" I said in a surprised and annoyed tone. "Glad to see you made it in one piece." The guy spoke as he walked forward. We were then side by side at the edge of the building looking down at the city. "So, where do we begin." I asked still looking at the city. " I'll teach you everything i know about crime fighting and combat as well as how to be a detective." He said. "I need 100% from you, otherwise this wont work." He added again.
"Got it, and don't worry I'm all in." I responded. I looked over and saw the guy smile, he then pulled out a grappling gun and shot it off into the distance before it latched itself and the rope straightened out. "Follow me." Said the guy, but before he jumped off i stopped him with a question. "Wait!..i never got your name by the way...who are you?"
"Im Robin, the Boy of Wonder."
"like the bird?" I asked getting a chuckle as a reaction from him. "Yea exactly." He said. I looked back at the city for a second. Maybe this guy wasn't so bad. He seemed like a good person at heart. I was then brought out of my thoughts when Robin spoke again. "You ready?" He asked me. I looked back at him and responded saying "yea." He then stepped on the ledge of the building and said "great, lets begin." He said as he stepped off the building swing away on his grappling hook. I quickly dove off the building and free fell before wrapping my scarf around a pole on a building and swinging up next to him.
TO BE CONTINUED