You know, I sometimes like to think that I'm a lot like Peter Parker. I often regret things that I say, I'm not quite sure what goes on inside me, I love photography and use it to hide my true passion…

Oh, yeah. And I'm "brilliant but lazy".

The brilliant thing was me having the idea for this story, and finishing the entire thing in my mind.

The lazy part was not sitting down at the computer to actually type it until just now (from your perspective, "now" would be two days before this was published.).

First off, I have to apologize for taking this long to post this. If anyone actually read my first story, I'm sorry for keeping you waiting. If you haven't, it might make more sense to read April Ninth before you get into this.

Next, I need to tell you this will be how I do all my big stories from now on: one big author's note like this in the first chapter, then the rest of the story will have smaller notes so I won't get in the way of your reading. The author's note will also be where I make acknowledgements and/or dedications.

I would like to thank everyone who reviewed April Ninth: Grin07, peanutbuttergurl6, AnimexoverCartoons, and yes, even my sissy, titansgirl-otherstuff. I would also like to thank anyone and everyone who will review this story. Your reviews keep me going! Even if you decide to flame me, I'll take your criticism and work on what I'm doing wrong.

This author's note will not have summaries or spoilers. I want it to remain mysterious, even if it means keeping you guys in the dark. Sorry, that's just how I roll.

One more thing. I just have to warn you, the chapters will be very… diverse. One might be long and exciting, another just a seemingly random oneshot I worked into this story, and another might just be Garu thinking to himself. Just remember: no matter how mysterious or random it may seem, it will all make sense when you get to the end.

I guess I can't really think of anything else to write. R&R, and I hope you enjoy the story!

Shadow talon girl.

Oops! Almost forgot the disclaimer. I do not own Pucca or any of it's characters, however, no profit is being made from this story. I do own all original characters and the storyline.

Unanswered Questions

Journal entry, December 25th.
My name is Mian-Ju, first name Garu. I am 13 years old, with long black hair which I keep up in pigtails. I live in a small Chinese village called Sooga Village, and live on my own, along with my cat, Mio. Another thing you should know about me: I am a ninja. I was born to be behind the mask. However, I practice ninjutsu not because I want to, but because I need to...

It started out as a normal morning in Sooga village. The sky was barely visible behind the cover of stormy gray clouds. A thin morning fog hung in the air, and a cold, gentle breeze rippled the grass around where the ninja sat.

Garu was in a deep, meditative trance. He had gotten up so early to avoid getting another wake-up call from Pucca, but was greatly enjoying the calm, chilly morning. However, his peace was not going to last much longer.

Suddenly, Garu heard bamboo rustling beside him. He cracked one eye open, just in time to see a black blur fly into the trees. Garu subtly rolled his eyes as he closed them and resumed his meditating position.

Well, he thought, it isn't like I didn't expect Tobe to be early today.

He attempted to clear his mind again, trying to salvage what peace the morning still held for him, when he sensed someone approaching. It was more of Tobe's ninjas, only five or six, silently running up behind him.

Garu sighed to himself. How stupid could these guys get? I mean, didn't they know the only reason he meditated was to heighten his senses?

He could feel the ninjas right behind him now. They leapt at him, ready to fight...

Only to realize he had vanished. At first, the ninjas just stood there, scratching thier heads, when Garu landed behind them. He hadn't disappeared; he'd jumped out of sight. His foes barely had time to turn and face him before he sprang into action.

He moved so quickly, he was a blur; punching one ninja, kicking another out of sight, picking up a third and throwing him at the first one. Soon, all of the ninjas lay in a heap before him.

"I have you now, Garu!"

At this, Tobe jumped out of his hiding place in a nearby bush, sword drawn, flying straight towards Garu like an arrow. However, Garu thought fast. He drew his own sword and threw it aside, using the empty sheath to catch Tobe's. While he was stunned, Garu also kicked him in the gut, sending him flying upward, until he finally landed at the foot of the pile of his own ninjas.

Garu walked slowly over to where his own sword lay, then took out Tobe's and threw it out of sight. He picked up his own, sheathed it, and stood over Tobe, glaring.

Tobe was just starting to recover from having the wind knocked out of him. He stood up slowly. "This..." he breathed, "This isn't over yet, Garu."

Garu rolled his eyes again. He had heard this speech at least a hundred times before.

"No, really," Tobe said. "This battle isn't over yet. Just look behind you."

Garu turned around, just in time to see a black fist flying towards him. Caught off guard, he tried to duck, only to have it connect with his jaw. He stumbled backwards, barely able to stand on his feet, his hand now guarding what was likely to be a broken jaw, when another ninja, much bulkier than the others, grabbed him by his wrists. He swung him around and around, until he finally let go, sending Garu sailing through the air into the thicket of bamboo.

When he finally came to rest at the foot of a bamboo stalk, the back of his head was throbbing, along with his jaw and wrists. He guessed he had crashed through at least four other stalks before finally coming to a stop. It took all of his energy and self control to remain conscious, but he still couldn't see very well. He forced his eyes open, but couln't make out much. All he saw was a blur of green, but could make out a slowly approaching blue figure.

Tobe, he thought.

As Tobe drew closer, Garu could just make out him holding a sword. He mentally slapped himself; he had forgotten Tobe had two.

Closer and clearer he became. Finally, Tobe was right above him, his sword poised above his head. Garu's hearing wasn't too clear either, but he could just make out his melodramatic speech.

"Finally," he said, "after all these years, vengeance is-"

Just before he could finish, Garu saw a red figure flash past. Before he could blink, Tobe was all the way across the yard. Now so far away, he couldn't make out anything, just a massive blur of darkness and a fast-moving red streak. Soon, the darkness started moving away, until it was finally out of sight. The last thing to disappear was a small blue dot, chased by a red one.

Then, the red figure started to move closer. As far away as it was, it should have taken a long time, but after only a few seconds, it stood above him. Garu, just regaining his sight, was able to make out her black odango hair, black leggings, and pearly white, ear-to-ear smile.

Of course, he knew it was Pucca when she leaned down and kissed him.

Garu instinctively made a face when she stood back up. Bad idea.

"Ugh!" heard her exclaim, just before he felt a sharp sting on his mouth that had still been throbbing. He grunted in pain, still trying to stay awake.

A concussion, a broken jaw, and now a fat lip, he thought. And all before breakfast, too.

Garu heard Pucca giggle as she bent back over him. He decided to let her have her moment of victory. After all, she had saved his life. He briefly wondered if Tobe would be back again today, but soon let his mind finally slip into unconsciousness. After all he had been through so early today, he thought he deserved a rest.