Your P.O.V

It was the summer holidays before my freshman year of high school began, and so far, I had spent the majority of those golden days of freedom with Randy and Howard, two of my closest friends from the fourth grade. Sure, I knew Theresa and Abby, who everyone referred to as "Flute Girl" these days, but my real friends would always be Randy and Howard. They had been there for me in times that even my other friends had turned their backs. These two dorks were my bros.

Our summer break started the same, with us all crashing at Randy's for two weeks, taking turns playing all three Grave Punchers games. After completing the games in record time, we spent the next week at Howard's, playing silly card games and loading up on sweets. I wasn't until we spent the next two weeks at my place, that things changed. For better, some may say, but I say for worse.

The first week was fine; we enjoyed ourselves in my backyard pool, and, despite the dorks not being in favour of it entirely, we spent some time with my cousin, Bashford. Bash was going to be a junior the following school year, which meant that by my junior year, he would be gone. Unlike my Auntie Marci, I saw Bash for who he really was, but unlike his unlucky victims, Bash was nice to me. Probably because we were pretty close as kids. Bash would also torment the boys when I wasn't around to interfere, but he wasn't willing to be outright rude, mostly since he was pretty scared of me, too. All because of that one time, when I accidentally gave him a bloody nose when we wrestled as kids.

However, the story begins on the last day they spent at my place before they were to go off and enjoy the rest of their summer breaks with their families.

"Ugh, Howard, could you maybe not squish me?" I groaned, pushing myself further into Randy's side. Bash had claimed the front seat, and I was left seated in the middle of Randy and Howard. This wouldn't be an issue, but Howard was taking up more space than he needed, and although I love my bros, I needed some personal space. I sighed in annoyance, turning to Randy. His face was flushed, and his gaze flittered between me and the world outside the car. "Randddyyy," I whined, leaning further into his side. His blush worsened. I didn't know what was up, seeing as I knew he's had a crush on Theresa since Elementary, and Theresa really liked him. I couldn't deny the fact that they would be cute together. I also couldn't deny the pang of hurt when thinking of Randy being with someone. "C'mon, Cunningham," I gave him a look, the look, my eyes going soft and doe-like. I knew he couldn't resist that look. "Ugh, fine." He pouted and turned to Howard. "Double D, c'mon man," he sat upright, which pushed me back towards Howard. Now it was even worse than before. Howard grinned, and moved aside, pleased with himself. 'That little shit', I thought to myself, 'he was setting up that whole scenario.' I groaned and buried my face in my hands, shoving Howard. "Not cool man, not cool."

He ended up laughing the whole way to the out of town burger joint, which was my dad's gift to me for my 15th birthday. Oh yeah, probably forgot to mention today was also my birthday, huh? When we pulled up to the place, I was quick to climb over Cunningham and out of the car, as I was far too excited to wait for either dork to get out first. My dad laughed and rolled his eyes. "Come now, kids," he chuckled, assuming we would follow him inside the diner. We were quick to follow his footsteps.

I swear those were the best burgers of my life. I reckon the boys thought that, too. I got up out of my seat, walking around the table to stand at my dad's side, and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you so much, daddy." I beamed. He smiled, and I made my way back around the table, to sit between my dorks. "This is the best birthday ever. Thank you guys so much."

After we dropped Bash off, and then both of the dorks, dad pulled up into our driveway. "I'll see you later sweetness," he smiled, as I started to get out of the car, "I've got to finish up a few things at work, and then I'll be home for your birthday dinner with your mother." I nodded; kissing him goodbye and closing the door, watching him drive away. I entered the house, my mother asleep in front of the television, some silly soap opera playing in the background. I laughed to myself and went upstairs into my bedroom. I was going to take a nap, but something on my desk caught my eye.

A box, engraved with what looked like the ninja's mask. I had to take a double-take. What? I blinked, rubbed my eyes even. It was still there. I took tentative steps forward and opened the box. A note, that said;

"You are the ninja"

in messy letters. I shook my head, hoping this was a dream. In the box, was a ninja mask? The ninja mask. "Oh no," the words that fell out of my mouth were soft-spoken. I couldn't believe it. "I can't be the ninja; this has to be a mistake." I looked inside the box again. A book, with another note on it.

"This is not a mistake."

But, it had to be, right? I put the mask to the side and grabbed the book. I flicked it open to the first page and started to read it.

An hour passed, and by then I was seated at my desk, papers around me with notes on the book, which I discovered to be called "the Ninja Nomicon", all scrawled out in messy, rushed handwriting. Supposedly, every four years, a new warrior would be chosen to defend the school, as a Sorcerer was trapped underground in the school. This warrior would start as a freshman, and after their senior year, would voluntarily mind-wipe themselves so that the next freshman to defend the school could be chosen. The only issue is that these 'warriors' were meant to be male. To clarify, I'm not male, like at all. I was convinced that this had been a mistake, but every time I thought or said it, I would find a new note that told me it wasn't when I turned the page.

The history of the Ninja was very interesting, however. But it just wasn't me, if you get what I mean. "I can't do this," I murmured; ready to put the book back into its box when it glowed. And then buzzed at me. After a few more buzzes, I realised what it was saying.

You can do this. You were chosen for a reason, (Name).

"I'm sorry, but I can't do this. I know someone who can though," I tried to reason, Randy coming to my mind. "He'd want to do this far more than I would, too." The book buzzed, as if upset.

No, I chose you for a reason.

"And I'm telling you I can't do it," I responded, my voice soft. "Please, just pick him instead." The book buzzed disapprovingly but seemed to oblige.

Fine. However, I want you to put on that mask, first.

I felt content that finally, this book was listening, so I complied with its request, and put it on. Next thing I knew, I was wearing the ninja suit. Some cloth had unravelled from the mask and covered my body, leaving only my eyes unmasked. I squeaked in surprise, and ripped the mask off, staring at it with wide eyes after the suit vanished.

So? What do you think?

I quickly turned my attention to the Nomicon, still in shock. "No," I mumbled, "no, no, I can't do this. Please, pick someone else." Tears pricked at my eyes. The book buzzed as if disappointed.

Let's make a deal; I let you choose the ninja, but you MUST be there with him in every fight. You must share the mask, the Nomicon, and your knowledge with each other.

"What do you mean?" I asked, confused. It buzzed again.

You will be The Guardian.