"You're late, Tucker."

Sketch was panting. "I know, boss. I'm sorry."

"'Sorry' isn't gonna help you now, Tucker. You know how I feel about people who are late for work."

"Yes, sir."

"Tardiness is not an option, Tucker. That shows the worker's inefficiency."

Sketch grew a little impatient. "Sir, this is the very first time I was tardy! It won't happen again."

His boss grew peeved. "You got that right. Mr. Tucker, you're fired!"

Sketch was stunned. "What?"

"I won't stand for anyone being tardy. I've made that known time and again. And here you are, strolling in over a half-hour late! Anyone that tardy shouldn't be in the business! I bid you good day, Mr. Tucker!"

Sketch could hear the other employees laughing. He walked out the door, whimpering to himself. "It's not fair…"

When Sketch arrived at his house he heard Jamal shouting to him from across the street.

"Hi, Sketch! What are you doing home so early? Aren't you supposed to be at your job?"

Sketch cringed. He silently entered his house.

Jamal's shout softened as he saw his friend leave in silence. "Sketch?"

He stared at the door, wondering if Sketch were to answer.

"Something's wrong," said Jamal. He walked to Sketch's house and knocked on the door.

Sketch opened the door and found Jamal on the front steps. His eyes were teary.

Jamal knew that there was something definitely wrong. "What's the matter?" he asked. "What happened?"

"My boss fired me for being late," Sketch mumbled between sniffles.

"You're kidding! Just for being late? Are you late often?"

"This is my first time being tardy." Sketch rubbed his eyes.

Jamal scratched his chin. "Hmm. So your boss is that rough, huh?"

Sketch placed his hand on his forehead. "Two words: Anal-retentive. Anyone late gets severe consequences."

"Ouch. Imagine what you'd get if you assaulted him."

"I don't want to talk about this anymore. Excuse me." Sketch went back into his house. Jamal waited for a few minutes and still didn't see any sign of Sketch returning to the door. He decided to enter.

"Sketch, where are you?"

Jamal looked through the house until he found Sketch weeping on his bed. He slowly approached.

"Are you okay?"

"No." Sketch whimpered.

"I'm sorry. Is there anything I can do to help?"

"I can't think of anything there is that you can do now."

"Oh…" Jamal thought for a moment. "I suppose now isn't a good time to tell you about one of the legends of Japan."

Sketch's ears perked up. "…Huh?" He turned to Jamal. "A Japanese legend?"

Jamal nodded. "That's right."

Sketch sat up. His sad mood seemed to immediately change to that of childlike curiosity. "What is it? What does it do?"

Jamal chuckled to himself. "Okay. For as long as history has been written, it was told that legendary creatures in Japan, called Tengus, lived among the mountaintops."

Sketch turned his head. "Tengus?"

"Yes. Tengus are mischevious creatures that like to play tricks and harness the powers of nature."

Sketch raised his eyebrows. "Cool!"

"There are different kinds of Tengus. I only really know well about two of them."

"What are they?"

"One kind is the Karasu Tengu, the highest in rank of the Tengus. They have the heads and wings of birds, but they have a standing-body structure like ours. They always carry a staff or sword with them, and they are very protective of their property. These Tengus can control the overall powers of nature, and they are capable of teleporting from one place to the next. Some have even been known to change their appearance at will."

"Wow!"

"Yes, I hear that many of the Japanese ninjas and samurais had been rumored to learn their techniques from the Tengus."

Sketch was very intrigued. "Cool!"

"The other is the Ko Tengu, the lowest in rank. It's mainly a person, like you or me, which has wings and a limited range of powers in nature. Very few Ko Tengus are born, but most are created by Karasu Tengus or sometimes other Ko Tengus. The bearer of new Ko Tengu wings gets to decide what powers of nature they wish to control, such as those of fire, water, ice, or any of the like."

"Gosh!" Sketch scratched his head. "That's very interesting! And they really exist?"

Jamal nodded. "Certainly!"

"Wow. How do you know so much about these, um… these 'Tengus?'"

Jamal smiled. "Funny you should ask that, Sketch…"

Sketch was a little confused. "What's so funny about that?"

"Well, since we're on the topic of Tengus, I may as well tell you why I'm here."

"Huh?!"

Jamal closed his eyes. Suddenly a pair of black wings sprouted out from his back, causing Sketch to jump back in surprise.

"What in the world?! Are you…?"

Jamal nodded. "I am a Ko Tengu."

Sketch's eyes grew wide. "Whoa…I can't believe it! A Tengu? Here in my house?" Without hesitation, Sketch dropped to his knees and bowed.

"You don't have to do that, Sketch," said Jamal, blushing with embarrassment.

"But why not? Isn't it appropriate to show respect to a legend?"

"Well, yes. I admire your loyalty, Sketch, but it isn't really necessary to bow before me."

Sketch got up. "Oh. Um…should I kiss your hand, then?"

"No, Sketch!" Jamal sat Sketch back onto the bed. "Relax. Now listen. Do you remember when you asked me about the hazards that occurred in Japan?"

"Yes! Do you know what happened?"

Jamal nodded. "I do."