Mortal

Chapter 12

Me and Phareth play the tenth game of chess in a row. Since I can sense his every move, I defeat him with no problem.

It gets boring after a while.

"This is so boring... Can't we do something fun?" I ask.

"This is fun," says Phareth.

"No, I meant... something productive," I say.

"We're literally stuck in a palace, Shadow," says Phareth.

"Exactly. We need to do something. Thermapondreix could attack at any time," I say.

"Maybe you should practice using your vision," says Tsareth, from across the room.

"Good idea. Try to see what Thermapondreix is doing right now," says Phareth.

I close my eyes and try to imagine Thermapondreix. I see him in a forge. He's holding his sword against a grindstone.
"He's sharpening his sword. I think he's training for something," I say.

"That reminds me. Shadow, I wanted to start teaching you how to defend yourself. If you get attacked and we aren't there, you'll have to be able to fight. Follow me to the ballroom. There should be enough space there for me to teach you a few techniques. First, I want you to put this on."

He summons what looks like a green karate uniform from his vault. He gives it to me.

"Go put this on," says Phareth.

I walk to the maid bathroom, and put on the uniform. It's dark green, but otherwise looks just like a karate gi, except it has short sleeves. Afterward, we walk to the ballroom together.

"Alright. You aren't the first mortal that I've taught a martial art. It's a martial art that our mortals created on our planet. They called it Dzoka. Start in ready stance," says Phareth.

He shows me the stance, and I try to copy it.

"Now, punch my hand," says Phareth.

I do as he says. I feel like I've done this before. It feels like a skill that I used to be really good at but haven't practiced in a long time.

"Good. Here, when you punch, start with your hand palm up, then flip it upside down at the last second. Make sure your fists are tight. Hit with your first two knuckles," says Phareth.

I try again. This feels so familiar, like I've done this before.
I don't know if it was my vision, or what, but I suddenly feel confident, like I already have learned Dzoka.

"How about a front kick? Let me show you how to chamber," says Phareth.

He lifts his leg up, and holds his knee in front of him like he's about to kick.

"Chambering is very important. It will help you kick higher," says Phareth.

He kicks out his foot.

"Now you try," says Phareth.

I do it so effortlessly that I could have sworn I've done this before. My kick is almost flawless. Phareth notices this.

"Wow. Very good. Just like a black belt," says Phareth.

"Really?" I ask.

"Is your vision helping you?" asks Phareth.

"I'm not sure. Maybe," I say.

"Let's try a side kick. Remember to hit with the heel of your foot," says Phareth.

He shows me how to side kick.

When I do it, once again, I get this weird sense. I do it flawlessly, just like last time.