Boxing Lesson (3/3)

"Good job so far. Remember this is only the first lesson. You've got a good foundation. Amazing instincts. So far, has everything has felt quite natural to you?" Mr Kaiju's words did not match his disposition as he spoke kind words.

"Pretty much. I mean, some things feel kind of weird. My hook, for example, when I throw it, it feels weak." Zayd took a few seconds to gather his thoughts before speaking his mind.

"That's normal. Let me tell you something, Zayd the Human Body doesn't punch. Grabbing things is easy because we have opposable thumbs. Grappling and wielding weapons is the most natural form of combat. Anyway, time's nearly up. Let's do some elementary sparring. I will start a combo, and you defend it as best as you can. In this case, if you see an opportunity for counters, go for it. I will slow things down a little, that doesn't mean it will be easy. Okay, let's go!" Mr Kaiju spoke after he checked his watch and putting his gloves on.

Zayd prepared himself mentally, as Mr Kaiju was now using two hands -he was also not restricted to only his Jab. The danger exemplified.

However, Zayd had learned some new things. Being on his tip-toes for this sparring would be better for evading. Though this may be the case, some punches would be unavoidable. For that, Zayd would attempt to reduce the damage caused by the hits.

Mr Kaiju stepped toward Zayd, his Jab firing off and blocking Zayd's view,

'No need to think, just react.' Zayd repeated the mantra mentally. He embedded it into his subconscious.

Another Jab came, and Zayd made it hit his gloves.

*PAP*

Suddenly, a Right Hook came that was aimed at his body.

Zayd lowered his elbows and covered his body. Perhaps he had done so too soon, as there was enough space for Mr Kaiju to lift his hook and aim it for his face. Mr Kaiju did as Zayd suspected.

Zayd bent his knees, quickly going under the Right Hook before throwing a Left Hook counter at Mr Kaiju's body.

Zayd felt like he had struck concrete and retracted his hand before stepping back quickly.

As he stepped back, Zayd had one foot on the ground while the other hovered above it, nearly touching. Although this was such a small detail, it was an opportunity for Mr Kaiju to strike.

A Jab that went straight through his guard and hit him on the nose.

Zayd barely managed to react and lessened the impact on his nose as he tucked his chin in as much as he could in the milliseconds before contact.

'This is it! This feeling is what I've been needing!' Zayd felt like today's events were set to occur. Everything from the poster falling to his feet to the punch that just landed. They all made Zayd feel like a part of him that wasn't active was coming to the front of his persona.

In his head, it felt like a switch was flipped. Excitement filled every part of his being. Adrenaline pulsed through his speeding blood.

Mr Kaiju seemed to sense this change as he warily sped up.

Whatever was thrown, Zayd blocked it or dodged it. Not once did it seem like a good punch landed cleanly.

Before he knew it, Mr Kaiju felt the situation favoured Zayd as he was conserving a lot of energy.

A feint followed by a low Left Hook.

Zayd's feet pushed off the ground, instantly moving more to the left and avoiding the hook.

Another counter.

A Backhand Straight, or a Two, struck Mr Kaiju right on his mouth.

Before they were able to continue, a timer went off.

"Great job today. Time's up for now but come back on Monday if you want to do more. If you are going to continue, I advise practising somewhere. If you don't have a bag at home, find a Gym that has one." Mr Kaiju said as he and Zayd removed their gloves.

"Okay, thanks for the lesson."

---

'Luckily, my shirt didn't absorb that much sweat. Ah, it's whatever. I'll cover it up with my jacket anyway.'

Zayd walked home, his mind rather void of thoughts related to anything that wasn't boxing.

Arriving at home, he opened the door and walked in. Removing his shoes and putting on his slippers, he sighed as he walked up the stairs.

As Zayd was about to open the door to his room, Aunt Naomi walked out of hers. She was wearing an oversized, viridian T-shirt and black leggings.

"Did you just get back?" Aunt Naomi said as she walked towards Zayd. Her arms were out, demanding the usual hug from her nephew.

"Yeah, I just came back. Wait, don't hug me. I'm still sweaty from the club today, and I didn't have a shower at school." Zayd replied.

"Well, I'm your Aunt. I've been taking care of you since you were six. I don't care if you're a little sweaty. Now come here!" Aunt Naomi said as she pulled him close.

Her arms wrapped around his back like usual while Zayd's held her waist for a few seconds before letting go.

"Yeah, I think you need that shower. Stinky boy," Aunt Naomi said as she pinched her nose and faked a gag. Giggling upon seeing Zayd's blank face as he stared at her, she ruffled his hair lovingly while grinning widely before quickly heading to the kitchen.

"Have your shower and come down for dinner. Food's nearly ready."

Zayd smiled as he shook his head at his Aunt's childishness. He was used to her antics now after 10 years, but they still made him feel warm inside like nothing else. He reminisced as he wiped the sweat off of his body.

At first, Zayd was just a 6-year-old who threw tantrums sometimes. Meanwhile, his Aunt had just started her job. Suddenly having a child thrust into her life made her hate the rest of the family as they had done this on purpose.

Nonetheless, she pitied Zayd's situation. A kid who did something wrong and got a punishment that he did not deserve.

Over time, they got to know one another, and their relationship developed slowly.

Zayd was cold. He did not understand who this stranger was. His mother was not here with him, nor was anyone else he knew. Having been to Japan for a couple of months every year, Zayd was familiar with the language. However, he had never met his Aunt before.

As she helped him settle, Zayd's cold exterior was replaced with kindness and sweetness.

Before he knew it, Zayd's Aunt Naomi was the most important person in his life.