Turns out that Willamina already registered me for the tournament anyways. Why even ask me at that point? Damn ogre. It takes a while, but I eventually stave off the anxiety and fall asleep.

The following morning, I'm woken up by the sound of cooking. I take in the smell of bacon and eggs as I stretch my arms out, "Aren't I usually on breakfast duty? Not that I'm complaining..."

Willamina tosses me her trademark toothy grin, "These next 2 weeks, we're gonna be whippin you into shape for the tournament. Just focus on training, we'll take care of the rest."

Hao opens the door to the cabin and points outside, "Time for a morning run, we'll stretch and eat after."

Chores are getting replaced with more training huh? Honestly not sure if that's even worth it..

I go out and take a brisk jog with Hao, who's slowed his run to keep pace with me, "Got any tips for me? I've never been in an actual fight you know."

He turns around while running to face me, "I'll be honest with you, you're probably fucked either way Ze." Taking a second to think, he flashes me a wink, "Welllll, I'll teach you some dirty moves to use when you're in a bind."

I'm actually excited for a second before I realize how much of an impact these two have had on me. I used to think fights should be honorable. I guess I really am a delinquent now.

I simply nod at him and we make our way back to the cabin for breakfast. Willamina shovels some food down her mouth before explaining my new training regiment, "So here's how it's gonna go kid. I'll be teaching you some more martial arts in the day, then at night you'll be sparring with Hao."

I cringe for a second, which must've been visible since Hao cackles at me. "Don't worry about it, I won't be going all out or anything. We just want you to get a feel for things. All those forms that Mina's taught you is useless if you can't use it in an actual fight."

A sigh escapes my breath, "Alright, that doesn't sound too bad then." I really hope I don't end up regretting these words.

After breakfast, Willamina takes me outside and shows me a couple more throws - by actually throwing me. "Best to learn with your body haha!" she yells as she casually tosses me over her shoulder.

My head is ringing and my center of balance is a little skewed, but I do get the general gist of things by the time dusk rolls around. Hao who had been practicing his chop nearby walks up to me and bows. Shit, no break? Okay okay, I can do this.

Nervously, I return his bow and take stance, keeping myself rooted in place as best as possible. The martial art style that Willamina has been teaching me is mostly reactionary, so it's best to take a defensive position until I'm strong enough to initiate things.

I watch Hao leap at me - with a bit of restraint? I can actually see him coming for once. Guess they weren't kidding about going easy on me. I pivot to the side before he reaches me, barely dodging his attack.

Taking a deep breath, I immediately make my counterattack by grabbing hold of his right arm and sweeping at his legs. I did it! Thinking he's off balance, I fall forward with all my weight in an attempt to push him to the ground. 

I'm not sure what exactly happened next, but I'm met with a kick to the face. Clutching my cheek, I stare angrily at Hao who simply states, "Expect the unexp-"

Fuck you!!

Before he can finish his sentence, I dash at him. This time I grab his shoulder and fully commit to the throw. Probably due to surprise, the beastkin is actually taken down this time. I'm short of breath but I manage to say, "Expect - the unexpected." Adrenaline rushes through me as I stare down at an impressed Hao. 

This... is actually kinda fun?

I end up looking at Willamina for approval and she shakes her head. Hao wrestles loose of the hold and locks my arm behind my back. "Never drop your guard," sighs the oni as Hao lets go and pulls me up off the ground. He gives me a pat on the back, "Not bad, maybe you have a teeny chance after all Ze."

She walks over and gives Hao a chop on the head, "That goes for you too."

I honestly don't know what comes over me, but I'm filled with a sudden fervor. With a determined look, I take a different stance and ask, "One more."

Hao whistles and Willamina cheers, "Now that's the spirit kid!"