The next day, Jonah found himself at home, surrounded by Aza, Yog, Shub, and Melody. He was in the middle of practicing his telekinesis. His concentration, however, was broken by the arrival of a new figure—someone Aza had invited specifically to assist with his training.
A tall, enigmatic woman entered, her presence immediately commanding attention. She exuded a blend of mystique and confidence, her dark attire adorned with subtle chain-like accessories that gave her an almost gothic allure. Jonah blinked, his vision suddenly shifting—he found himself momentarily overwhelmed by an indescribable sensation, as if the fabric of reality was momentarily bending around her.
The woman gasped softly, covering her mouth in polite shock. "Oh, dear, my apologies. I forgot that would still affect you. I should have adjusted myself more carefully for your... state," she said, her voice smooth and apologetic, yet tinged with a hint of teasing.
As Jonah's vision cleared, he studied her again and couldn't help but notice she looked just as striking without the initial overwhelming aura. Her composed elegance and confidence were disarming.
"You really don't do casual, do you, Yidhra?" Yog remarked with an amused smirk, hands on her hips.
Yidhra, the newly named eldritch, tilted her head slightly and glanced at her outfit. "This is my casual," she replied simply, her tone making it clear she saw no issue.
Aza pinched the bridge of her nose in exasperation, while Shub managed a polite smile. "It's good to see you again, Yidhra," Shub greeted warmly. "I trust things are well with your cults?"
Yidhra sighed softly, folding her arms. "Oh, you know how it is. A few unruly priests attempting things far beyond their station. Nothing I couldn't handle." She then turned her sharp gaze toward Jonah, her expression softening into an almost motherly smile. "Now, I hear someone needs a little guidance mastering their telekinesis?"
Jonah raised a cautious eyebrow but nodded respectfully. "Why you, though? Out of everyone available?"
Yidhra held up two elegant fingers to emphasize her points. "Firstly, I am exceptionally skilled in telekinesis even among the Eldritch—it's practically second nature to me. Secondly, given my... unique nature, I can understand the transition you're going through. Better than most, anyway, I understand how overwhelming it can be to juggle mortal instincts and eldritch ones." She paused, her voice growing softer.
"...Alright." Jonah said after a moment, nodding. "I'll take the help."
Yidhra's lips curved into a gracious smile. "Good. As you've already heard, I am Yidhra, the Dream-Witch. And, once again, my apologies for earlier—I prefer to keep my true form private. It's... complicated, and not the most pleasant experience for others to perceive."
With that, the lesson began. Yidhra wasted no time in steering Jonah toward the essentials: precision and control. "Raw power is useless without focus," she explained, her voice calm yet firm. "Think of telekinesis as an extension of your mind's hand. You must first master fine motor skills before you can move mountains."
Jonah's exercises were as practical as they were challenging. He started by carefully assembling a large complex LEGO set, focusing on precise placement. Next, he graduated to more delicate tasks: using telekinesis to play Jenga, where a single wrong move toppled the tower, and performing "surgery" on a grape. The latter proved especially difficult—he popped the grape more than once before finally managing to remove its "skin" intact.
In the background, the household buzzed with quiet activity. Infetsa, now fully embracing her new role as a part of Jonah's life, cleaned diligently in a maid outfit. Jonah had suggested the outfit after mentioning it reminded him of a dragon maid from one of his favorite animes. Infetsa had indulged him, though Yog teased him mercilessly about it.
Meanwhile, Melody played a medley of classical music on the piano, her hauntingly beautiful melodies adding an air of elegance to the training session. Occasionally, she glanced over at Jonah's progress with a curious expression.
Three hours passed in this way, and Jonah's progress became evident. Though far from mastering telekinesis, he had gained a greater level of control and confidence. As they paused for a break, Yidhra gave him an approving nod.
"You've done well," she said, her tone warm but professional. "Precision will come more naturally to you with practice. Once you master that, power will follow. Trust me, you're on the right track."
To emphasize her point, Yidhra gave Jonah an impressive demonstration of her own telekinetic skills. She effortlessly manipulated multiple objects at once, spinning them in the air in a complex, synchronized pattern. She even delicately poured tea into a cup without spilling a single drop, all while keeping her hands clasped behind her back and her eyes closed.
Jonah watched in awe. "Okay, that's... something to aspire to."
Yog cleared her throat pointedly, drawing everyone's attention. "As much as I enjoy watching the budding student and teacher relationship, we have a slightly more pressing concern at hand."
Yidhra raised an intrigued eyebrow. "And what might that be?"
Yog smirked knowingly. "Azathoth here is ridiculously overprotective."
There was a moment of silence before a collective, understanding "Ahhh," echoed through the room, followed by nods of agreement from everyone except Aza.
"H-Hey! That's not true!" Aza protested, her voice indignant as she crossed her arms.
Yog gave her a flat, unimpressed look. "You've already thought of assigning Jonah more servants to keep him safe. Infetsa was only the first."
"Wait, really?" Shub asked, tilting her head curiously. "How many are we talking here?"
Yog grinned slyly. "Oh, she's planning on adding way more, especially after that Mansion fiasco. Plus, him choosing to eventually become an Outer God practically guarantees a constant flow of volunteers. Everyone's going to want to serve the new Big Dog on the playground." She delivered the last line with a playful but pointed glance at Aza. "Am I wrong?"
Aza froze, her lips twitching as she realized she was caught. With a dramatic sigh, she slumped in defeat. "Fine. Yes, you've got me," she admitted, pouting slightly before turning to Jonah with a heartfelt expression.
"Beloved," she began softly, her tone full of sincerity, "I promise you, the ones I pick will be those I trust with my life—or, rather, your life. I've never had to worry about my own," she added with a sheepish chuckle. "They'll be like your vassals or sworn-swords. They'll protect you from harm and follow your orders completely. Yes, anything you want," she said quickly, sensing Jonah's hesitation. "It's okay! Really! You're the only one I care about romantically, as we've already established. Now how should I-"
Aza's rambling was cut short by Yog's sharp interruption. "Yeah, yeah, save the speech. I've already taken care of that." She raised her hand with an almost theatrical flair, counting down on her fingers.
Jonah barely had time to process what was happening before his vision blurred. A familiar, disorienting sensation washed over him as a vivid image filled his mind: a sky pulsating with writhing purple tentacles, their surfaces covered in grotesque mouths and boils. He had grown used to these visions by now and braced himself for the inevitable arrival of another eldritch entity.
When his sight cleared, a new woman stood behind him. Her human form was elegant, yet there was something undeniable in her presence. Her posture was reserved, and an anxious expression flitted across her face.
"Kass?" Aza murmured, her voice tinged with surprise and recognition.
"It has been some time, Lady of Xoth," Yiahra greeted with a smile and a nod.
"Sorry, am I late?" Kass asked in concern, obviously nervous and anxious about something. Whatever it was, it earned a sympathetic look from the Black Goat of the Forest.
"Of course not," Yog replied smugly, clearly reveling in her orchestrations. "Beloved of Azathoth, meet Kassogtha. Sister of Cthulhu and mother of his twins."
Jonah blinked. "You and... your brother?" he echoed, then shrugged. At this point, incest among the Eldritch wasn't even that surprising to him.
Kassogtha offered a faint smile. "Yes, though... my brother and I have drifted apart since his... disagreements with our other sibling." Her tone was casual, though there was an undertone of regret. Her focus shifted fully to Jonah, and she straightened her posture slightly. "Lord Jonah, Yog-Sothoth has tasked me with reviewing potential servants Lady Azathoth intends to provide for your protection. I've also taken the liberty of selecting a few candidates of my own for your consideration," she explained, pulling a sleek leather-bound booklet from her hip.
Yog added, "She's also included some surprises. You're welcome."
"Why Kass?" Aza interjected, her brow furrowing in suspicion as she glanced at Yog.
Yog shrugged nonchalantly. "She's a people person."
Kassogtha, however, stepped forward, her voice softer this time. "There are two servants I would particularly like to recommend for your service."
Aza's expression shifted to one of melancholy, her gaze heavy with unspoken meaning. "Kass... that decision is Jonah's to make." she said quietly.
Kass nodded solemnly. "I understand, Lady Aza, but I still hope to make my case."
Jonah looked between the two of them, thoroughly confused. Sensing his bewilderment, Yog leaned in and whispered, "Kass's two daughters are currently... indisposed. Let's just say they're incarcerated due to some incidents from their past. Kass hopes you'll consider taking them into your service, as doing so would grant them freedom under your protection. Aza, of course, wants someone trustworthy keeping an eye on them."
Jonah's brow furrowed at the information, but before he could respond, Shub stepped forward, her voice cutting through the tension. "That's a conversation for later. For now, it's time for my lesson with the King."
Kassogtha bowed gracefully. "Of course. I can wait."
Azathoth meanwhile flipped through the book Kassogtha had provided, her brow furrowing slightly. "Hey, aren't some of these potential picks currently...inactive?" she asked, raising an eyebrow at the list.
"I sent Kass to observe all possible futures where each of them were chosen," Yog replied breezily, the mischief in her tone making everyone present bristle slightly.
Azathoth narrowed her eyes, clearly unimpressed. "Yog, we need to set some ground rules about how much you're allowed to play with your domain. This is getting out of hand."
Jonah gave a small nod of agreement. For once, it seemed the entire room was united on this point—even Kassogtha let out a soft sigh of assent.
"Spoilsports," Yog replied, pretending to be offended. "But come on, it's good for him to meet more of us. Building connections is important!"
"Just how many more 'connections' are you planning to involve in this, exactly?" Azathoth shot back, arms crossed and expression unimpressed.
Before Yog could reply, Jonah's vision was overtaken by an image of a massive, almost serene octopus-like creature looming in the depths of a murky ocean. He barely had time to process the vision before a loud crash reverberated through the room.
"AUNTY!"
With a startled grunt, Kassogtha stumbled forward, nearly dropping her book as she was tackled from behind by a blur of motion. "Cthylla?!" she exclaimed, spinning around to see a young woman clinging to her back. The girl beamed up at her, her face framed by a large straw beach hat. Her white-and-blue sundress gave her a surprisingly wholesome appearance, completely at odds with her parentage.
"What is she doing here?! Does Cthulhu even know about this?" Yidhra demanded, her tone sharp with concern. "Please tell me you didn't kidnap the daughter of Cthulhu."
"Not his only daughter," Kassogtha muttered under her breath, though her niece seemed not to notice.
"Relaaaaax," Yog interjected, waving a hand dismissively. "Cthulhu wants his little mollusk to get out and socialize—under supervision, of course. After...you know...what happened last time."
Jonah leaned toward Azathoth, curiosity written across his face. She leaned closer and whispered, "Humans tried to impregnate her."
"It wasn't like they tried to rape me!" Cthylla protested, clearly overhearing. She scratched her cheek sheepishly. "It was just a bunch of scientists who thought I was some rare, giant octopus species going extinct. Or was it squid? Anyway, nothing creepy happened, I promise."
Straightening up, Cthylla smiled brightly at Jonah and gave him a polite bow. "I'm Cthylla, daughter of Cthulhu and Idh-yaa. Most humans just call me...the Kraken."
Jonah blinked. That actually explained so much he didn't even feel the need to question it further. Instead, he gave Yog a pointed look, having learned by now to brace himself for whatever she had planned next.
"Getting impatient, your majesty?" Yog teased, grinning as she stepped behind Cthylla.
"Little Ylla here is actually here for one very special reason: giving you the Eldritch version of The Talk," Yog announced with entirely too much glee. Jonah's face immediately turned several shades of red.
"W-wait, I thought Shub was supposed to handle that!" Azathoth stammered, her own cheeks pinking slightly. She glanced apologetically at Cthylla. "No offense, of course."
"Given Cthylla's...history, and the fact that this is a once-in-an-era event, I thought it was fitting," Yog replied with a shrug.
Cthylla huffed, crossing her arms. "You all keep talking about me like I'm not standing right here. Anyway, it's really not that awkward!" She turned to Jonah with a reassuring smile. "All I'm going to do is explain how we Eldritch can control the circumstances of reproduction and what that means for you and Azathoth moving forward. Nothing weird!"
At that, Azathoth's face lit up with excitement. "You're going to tell my beloved how to have Babythoths with me?!" she squealed, already imagining adorable miniature versions of Jonah with tentacles.
Shub chuckled softly and stepped forward. "Yes, I'll handle the lessons on Spawnlings, but Cthylla will cover the various methods and nuances of Eldritch reproduction."
[TIMESKIP]
Two hours later, Jonah sat slumped in a chair, his face bright red and his mind reeling from the barrage of information. Shub and Cthylla had done their best to break down the details into terms he could understand, but it was still...a lot to take in.
In the background, Melody—who had unintentionally overheard most of the conversation—was just as flushed, her ghostly form flickering with some embarrassment.
"Are you okay, my King?" Shub asked gently, her maternal tone cutting through his daze.
"Y-yeah, just...processing," Jonah mumbled, scratching the back of his head. "So, uh...that thing about Nihilo and Spontaneous one's?"
"Completely Rare! You'll most likely control if you want a kid or not." Cthylla reassured him brightly, clasping her hands together. "Really, you don't need to worry about that unless possibly if you want to experiment. And no rush on the Babythoths, either—those are definitely long-term decisions!"
Jonah gave a weak nod, glancing toward Azathoth. She was positively glowing, clearly unbothered by the technicalities and entirely focused on the future possibilities.
"That wasn't so bad, was it?" Yog teased, popping up beside him with a sly grin.
Jonah groaned and buried his face in his hands. "Yog, I am begging you...no more surprises today."
Yog smirked mischievously, a glint of impish glee in her eyes. "Wellllll..."
Jonah folded his arms, eyeing her with suspicion. "Yooooog, what now?"
Raising her hands in mock surrender, Yog grinned. "Last one, I promise! At least for a week or two."
Jonah sighed, a mix of exasperation and resignation. "Fine. Who am I meeting this time?"
"You'll see~," she teased, twirling her sword with unnecessary flourish before slashing open a shimmering portal in the air.
Aza immediately stepped forward, her tone laced with suspicion. "Yog, what are you doing? Where does that lead?"
"Borea," Yog answered nonchalantly, waving toward the swirling vortex.
The room fell silent for a moment before Shub let out a relieved sigh. "Okay, not as bad as I imagined."
Aza raised an eyebrow, realization dawning on her. "Ohhh, so that's why you brought her up weeks ago."
"I did?" Yog blinked, genuinely confused, much to Jonah's concern. "Huh. Guess I'll have to revisit that after this." She shrugged, drawing a collective groan from the group. "Anyway, time for a field trip! Everyone into the frozen wonder-prison before the chill leaks into Jonah's house."
Jonah appreciated the sentiment as they filed through the portal. Aza stayed close, her protective instincts on high alert.
Emerging into the icy expanse of Borea, Jonah immediately felt the oppressive cold biting through his clothes. A bleak, desolate tundra stretched in all directions, punctuated by distant, wandering figures—emaciated humanoids stumbling aimlessly through the frost. One such figure dominated his mental image, its pitiful state sparking an unexpected pang of pity in his chest.
Cthylla's dramatic shiver yanked him back to the present. "Brrrrr! Why does ocean-cold feel so different from snow-cold?" she whined, huddling against Kass for warmth. The sight earned a few amused glances, though Jonah was more focused on the looming structure before them.
Suspended in the center of a massive, ice-encrusted chamber was a blindfolded woman. Her long, frosty blue hair fell in sheets around her bound form, held aloft by countless straps that immobilized even her fingers.
"This is Ithaqua, Daughter of Hastur," Yidhra introduced, her expression a conflicted mix of anger and an apologetic look.
"I-"
"With respect, Miladies," Ithaqua interrupted, her voice low and strained, yet steady. She lifted her head slightly, her unseen gaze settling on Jonah. "Allow me to introduce myself."
Yog glanced curiously at Aza, who nodded after a moment's hesitation. "Very well. Just remember, Ithaqua: fulfill your end of the deal, and we'll take a full digit off your sentence."
"Thank you, Sultan," Ithaqua murmured, inclining her head in acknowledgment. Her attention then turned fully to Jonah. "I am Ithaqua, once a Great Old One of frost and storms. Now a prisoner—but one who accepts her chains as earned. Even so, no prison can fully contain an Eldritch mind. When bound, we wander the mental channels, collecting fragments of knowledge, weaving them together into something...more."
Kass frowned, crossing her arms. "And what exactly are you getting at?"
Ithaqua inclined her head slightly toward Kass. "It has been a while, Aunt Kass. My condolences about the twins," she added with unexpected sincerity, making Kass flinch. "I have pieced together knowledge of cosmic threats, potential allies, and enemies alike. I also see the paths that might best serve our new King."
"You mean like Nyarly's 'surprises'?" Aza asked sharply, her voice tinged with frustration. "I was already planning to have Yog brief Jonah on those."
"Those, and much more," Ithaqua confirmed, her voice heavy with implication. "I wish to tell the King directly. There are dangers he must face, both now and in the future, that he may choose to pursue."
She turned her head toward Jonah. "Please, my King. Come closer. What I have to say, majority of it at least, is for your ears alone."
Jonah hesitated, looking to Aza, who seemed torn but gave him a reluctant nod. As he stepped closer, the cold from Ithaqua's breath pricked at his skin. She whispered softly, her voice carrying secrets both dire and profound. Some of her words were innocuous enough to share, but others carried weight meant only for Jonah.
When she finished, Jonah pulled back, his expression thoughtful. "Thank you, Ithaqua," he said with a small, sincere smile.
She returned it faintly. "It is an honor, my King."
Jonah paused, then added, "I'll come visit you later. Maybe around Christmas Eve."
The room stilled as everyone processed his words. Ithaqua herself looked stunned. "...Why?"
Jonah shrugged lightly. "You seem lonely. And you've helped me today. No one should be alone during the holidays, not even you."
Ithaqua blinked, her stoic mask cracking for just a moment. "You don't have to do that, my King...but thank you. I appreciate it."
"Wooooow," Cthylla breathed, wide-eyed. "Mister, you're amazing. Can you really do all the stuff she said? The parts I could hear at least... Like, freeing my dad?"
Jonah smiled sheepishly, but before he could respond, Shub stepped in. "It depends on what Jonah chooses to do, Cthylla. But rest assured, we're all working toward that goal."
Aza leaned into Jonah's shoulder, whispering softly. "I'll support you no matter what path you choose, Beloved. Even if all of reality rebels against me for it."
The tender moment was interrupted by the sound of Yog tearing open another portal. "Well, that's enough emotional weightlifting for one day. Time to regroup."
Jonah stopped her before she could leave. "Actually...I think I'm ready for my next adventure."
Yog raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And where would you like to go?"
Jonah leaned in and whispered his answer. Yog's grin widened. "Well, well...I didn't think you'd pick that place so soon. But I see where you're going with this."
Aza hesitated, her eyes flickering with concern as she glanced at Jonah. Her reluctance to leave him again so soon, even if temporarily was palpable, the weight of unspoken fears heavy between them.
Yog stepped in with an easy, reassuring smile. "He'll be safe," she promised, her voice unusually gentle. She looked at Jonah as she spoke, but something in her gaze unsettled him—a depth, a knowing that suggested she wasn't addressing only him. It was both comforting and unnerving.
Jonah shook off the strange feeling, reminding himself of her assurances. When Aza wrapped her arms around him, her warmth was grounding. She pressed a soft kiss to his cheek, her voice barely above a whisper. "Return soon, Beloved. Human-soon, not Eldritch-soon," she added with a small, self-conscious smile, as though realizing the ambiguity of such a promise. Jonah couldn't help but wonder how long "soon" actually meant for beings as eternal as them.
She lingered for a moment, her hand brushing his before she finally stepped through the portal, glancing back with a bittersweet smile.
Kass approached next, offering Jonah a brief but heartfelt bow. "It's nice to meet you, Your Highness. Or...uh...is that right? I've been casual with Aza for so long that formalities feel weird now. Either way, thank you," she said with genuine gratitude. Her expression softened as she added, "And I hope you'll give my twins a chance. They're good kids. A little...eccentric, but good." With a mother's hopeful smile, she turned and strode through the vortex.
"Bye, Mister Azathoth!" Cthylla called brightly, her youthful enthusiasm shining through. "I'll tell Daddy all about you!" She laughed gleefully before leaping headfirst into the portal, as if it were a game.
"It has been a pleasure to be of help, King of Eternity," Yidhra said, her tone warm and laced with nostalgia. Her gaze lingered on Jonah, as though recalling fond memories. "It's refreshing to have another native Earth-Eldritch to converse with. Don't worry—I'll try not to hog all the cultists." She gave him a playful wink before stepping into the rift, vanishing with an air of mystery.
Shub approached last, her maternal presence radiating kindness. "I hope all stays well and loving between you and Aza," she said earnestly. "And...apologies if Yog overwhelmed you with all of us. She means well, but sometimes struggles to let things unfold naturally." Shub offered, stroking her horns self-consciously. "Now, I have my children to tend to."
"Or when not to let them go," Yog murmured, looking away as the Black Goat vanished, leaving Jonah and Yog alone with Ithaqua.
Yog turned to Jonah, her expression shifting to something softer, almost...endearing. It was an unusual look for her. "It's been a long time since something—or someone—completely defied my influence. You're an intriguing variable, Jonah," she said, her tone lighter but with a weighty undertone. "But don't worry too much. Aza will be there for you through everything. And until we know you better, we'll at least be there for her."
Jonah opened his mouth to respond, but Yog raised a finger, silencing him with a sly grin. "Oh, and one more thing? Don't be scared. Remember, I promised you'd be safe," she said, waving her sword with a flourish as a new portal shimmered into existence. Her beckoning gesture left no room for hesitation.
"Fare thee well, King of Azathoth," Ithaqua called softly as Jonah turned toward the portal. Her voice carried a solemnity that made him pause. Jonah glanced back and gave her a casual salute, accompanied by a quiet promise: "See you in a few days."
Her faint smile was the last thing he saw before stepping through the gateway, leaving the icy prison behind.
[SCENE SHIFT]
The portal shimmered shut behind Jonah, leaving him standing on a small island surrounded by endless blue water. A lone house stood in the center of the island, painted bright pink, with a sign above the door reading 'Kame House.' The air smelled of salt and sea breeze, and the gentle crash of waves created a tranquil atmosphere. Jonah adjusted his hoodie and took a deep breath. "Well, here goes nothing," he muttered, walking up to the door.
With a hesitant knock, Jonah waited. He could hear faint sounds of someone shuffling inside. After a moment, the door creaked open, revealing a short, bald old man with a thick white beard, wearing sunglasses and a casual Hawaiian shirt.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" the man asked, stroking his beard thoughtfully. His voice carried a mix of curiosity and amusement.
Jonah straightened his posture. "Hi, uh, are you Master Roshi?"
"That's what they call me. Who's asking?" Roshi replied, folding his arms and raising an eyebrow.
"My name's Jonah," he began, nervous but determined. "I was hoping you might train me."
Roshi snorted, his expression shifting to disbelief. "Train you? Hah! You don't exactly look like martial artist material, kid. You don't even look like you've worked out once, have you?"
Jonah rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Well...you're not wrong. I've never really worked out before, but I'm serious about this."
Roshi shook his head, already stepping back inside. "Sorry, kid. Training under me isn't for slackers or first-timers looking for a hobby. Go find a gym and maybe come back in ten years."
"Wait!" Jonah called, pulling a small stack of books from his bag. "Before you decide, maybe take a look at these?" He held the covers up with an awkward smile, revealing a selection of explicit manga he had asked Yog to procure for him back when he whispered his destination to her.
Roshi froze mid-step, his sunglasses sliding slightly down his nose as he leaned in for a better look. "W-Wait just a second... What's this? Some rare finds, eh? They don't make 'em like these anymore..." He gingerly took the manga, inspecting the covers with the careful reverence of an art collector.
Jonah seized the opportunity. "I thought you might appreciate them. Consider it a gift. If you train me, there's more where that came from."
Roshi straightened up, coughing into his hand to mask his enthusiasm. "Well...flattery will get you somewhere. But listen here, kid. If I take you on, you'll do everything I say, no complaints. My training isn't for the faint of heart or lazy bones. And judging by the looks of you, I'd wager you haven't done even a push-up in your life."
Jonah winced. "Again, you're not wrong. But I mean it—I'll do whatever it takes. I need this, Master Roshi. I need to prove to myself that I can be strong, and there are people I care about that I want to protect, and others that I don't want to view me as unworthy... I don't want to stand by helplessly all the time."
Roshi paused, his expression softening slightly as he regarded the young man in front of him. Despite Jonah's clear lack of physical readiness, his words carried genuine conviction. Not only that but Roshi's instincts, honed over centuries of martial arts, sensed something unusual about Jonah—something special, even if he couldn't place what it was.
"Alright, kid," Roshi finally said, a small smile tugging at his lips. "You've got one shot. If you're serious, I'll give you the chance to prove it. But no whining, no shortcuts, and no quitting. You're gonna hate me before you're halfway through."
Jonah grinned, relieved and energized. "Thank you, Master Roshi. I won't let you down."
Roshi chuckled, already flipping through one of the manga Jonah had brought. "Yeah, yeah, we'll see about that. Now, first things first—let's see if you can survive the Turtle Hermit's daily regimen. And don't think for a second I'm going easy on you just because you bribed me with these beauties of art."
As Roshi cackled to himself, Jonah couldn't help but wonder what exactly he'd just signed up for.
(TO BE CONTINUED)