Several weeks pass and I more or less get used to having two freeloaders in my house. I’ve yet to gain another shape despite being put through the wringer by Willamina’s training. Other than running, she’s been teaching me some basic stances for grappling.

“Alright kid, get into position and try to push me down.” declares the oni. I let out a huge sigh, we’ve been doing this for days and I’m getting pretty tired of it. All this time and I haven’t been able to budge her at all, I think it’s taking a toll on my psyche. Taking stance, I clear my mind and dash at her with all the force I can muster.

I wrap my arms around her sides and heave forward with all the momentum from the sprint. I think we’re both in shock when she slides back a bit. Her eyes are wide in surprise, but after a second, she ruffles my hair. “Dunno about you, but that seems like a milestone if you ask me haha!”

Even Hao starts to slow clap at me when he registers what just happened. I’m honestly a little embarrassed when I let go of her, there’s a proud grin on her face. Even if I am happy about it, I only pushed you back like an inch. Don’t look at me like a mother looking at her kid’s first steps!

She grabs my hand and flips it over. I try not to get my hopes up as I inspect my own symbol, but there’s actually another triangle mirrored above my initial one. No way, it's only been like 2 months.

I look at Willamina overjoyed, but also confused, “I don’t really feel any different though?”

She laughs at me before spouting some gibberish, “It’s not like you go kablam. It’s more like you go from woo to woosh!”

Hao translates for me with surprising clarity, “Your shapes are a direct reflection of your training, it’s not like you get a huge power boost or anything from just one.”

He takes off his fur coat and shows me the light green symbol on his right shoulder. This was my first time seeing Hao’s symbol actually; it was a mix of triangles and squares in the shape of an open palm.

The beastkin continues explaining, “It’s only when your symbol starts to form a coherent shape that you see a noticeable change. Some people get boring stuff like turning into lightning or making clones of themselves.” He gives a proud harumph, “If you’re lucky, you get something cool like mine.”

He chops the air between us, sending a blast of wind at me, “My chop went from just being strong to being strong and fast once I gained enough shapes.”

Wow, that’s pretty shitty! Especially compared to those other two things.

I clap and fake being impressed, “That was actually a pretty good explanation Hao.”

Willamina mutters under her breath, “But that’s what I said…”

He scoffs, “That’s like elementary school knowledge Ze.” Placing his arm around me, Hao grins, “You’re one of us now. Can’t trust you to watch my back if you don’t know something as simple as that.”

Sorry mom, sorry dad, guess I’m a delinquent now.

Willamina cheers, “Anyways… Let’s celebrate with some meat!” The three of us rush to the cabin, with me trailing behind a little less than usual. Hao and I take a seat at the table, mouths watering as we’re handed a whole chicken each. Willamina’s teaching might be unorthodox, but there’s no doubt that she’s a fantastic cook.

Once we finish our food, Willamina tosses me a crazy proposal, “Hey Zenon, in 2 weeks there’s this tournament happening in the next town. I think you should join.”

Having seen one as a kid, I immediately reject the idea, “Are you crazy? I would die in one of those.”

She laughs, “No no, trust me! It’s only for people with up to 5 shapes, the most you’ll get is a broken arm.”

Oh wow, let me rethink my decision then! “Yeah a broken arm is still painful. I think I’ll pass.” I cross my arms, they’re not gonna rope me into this one.

Hao butts in, “You’ve gotten way more than a broken arm training with us, stop being a baby Ze.”

I’m about to say no for a third time when Willamina adds, “Hmmm... if you win the tournament - I’ll consider your training over. How bout that?”

“Where do I sign up?”