Cole and Lou stayed at the farm a while longer and helped rebuild the barn and plant new crops. During that time, Takanagi never returned, nor was he seen at all. After a few days, they heard good news—Takanagi had, in fact, sold all his land because he’d decided it was “too much trouble,” and was headed far away to pursue a different empire in “something easier…like pillowcases.” Cole’s prediction about a bully’s behavior had proven true. Much relieved, the farmers dreamed of having a bumper crop the next harvest season, and using the profits to buy all the land Takanagi once had, so they could start their own vegetable empire.

When the barn was done, Sally-Bob saw Cole and Lou approaching, carrying their bags. “You’ll be leaving now, I expect.”

“The Royal Blacksmiths have some big shows coming up,” Lou told them with a smile. “But when we come back this way, I’ll make sure there are tickets for you.”

“Well, crops don’t go to shows, and neither do we.” Sally-Bob smiled at Lou. “But in your case, I reckon we could make an exception.”

She turned to Cole. “You goin’ on the road with your dad?”

Lou looked at Cole, too. He’d wondered the same thing.

“I’m going back to the Monastery of Spinjitzu,” Cole said. “If I’ve rediscovered my True Potential and my powers are back, that may have happened for the other ninja, too. If so, maybe it’s time to become a team again. But I’ll never forget my time here, Sally-Bob, and how you helped me feel balanced and grounded again. If Takanagi—or anyone else—ever threatens you, send word to the Monastery and I’ll come help.”

“I reckon we won’t need you for that,” Sally Bob said, “now that you’ve taught us how to stick up for ourselves. But if you’re free around harvest time…”

Cole laughed. “I’ll be here.”

They all shook hands, and Cole and Lou walked toward the gate. “I’m glad we got to spend some time together, son,” Lou said.

Cole put an arm around his Dad’s shoulders. “Me too, Dad. You know, you’re as much of a hero as Mom was.”

“Oh no, I’m just a song-and-dance man who can juggle a little,” Lou said, modestly.

“I’m serious. By keeping Mom grounded, you brought her balance and strength so she could be the hero she needed to be. In part because of you, she was able to help a lot of people she wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. That means you helped them, too.”

“I guess I never thought about it like that,” Lou said, embarrassed. “Thank you, Cole…But is it okay if I leave the fighting part of being a hero to people like you?”

They walked a few more steps, laughing. Then Cole noticed something ahead. “Looks like we forgot to say goodbye to somebody.”

Henry the yak stood between them and the gate, chewing some grass. He was acting as if he wasn’t looking at them, but Cole had a feeling the yak was intentionally blocking them. Cole walked up and patted Henry on his flank.

“Henry, old buddy, I’m going to miss you,” Cole told the animal. “But I’ll see you soon, for harvest.”

Henry moved a few steps to the side, allowing them access to the gate. Now he was looking Lou straight in the eye.

“I think he wants you to say goodbye, too, Dad,” said Cole.

“Really? Well, okay…” He walked up to Henry’s snout, unsure of what to say. “Well, Henry, I guess—”

But before he could get another word out, Henry licked his face again with his slobbery tongue, covering him in yak drool. Cole laughed as Lou wiped his face with his sleeve. Lou was laughing, too.

“You’re a funny yak, Henry,” said Lou. “You ever think about going on the road and performing?”

Lou and Cole walked out the gate and down the road together. Henry grunted and moved over to another patch of grass and went on with his day.