'I won't do it. I won't put an innocent man to death just because of something as outrageous as hope,' the thought played over and over again in Evans's mind.
Completely being transparent with himself, he already expected such an answer. Deep down, he knew more than anything that letting go of the kind of past Xavier had was more than difficult. It was almost impossible.
Even though he knew this was the case, he believed more than anything that if someone was able to break out of such a state, he would be the one. Until then, he had to keep patient just like he had been for the last nine years.
Staring forward, the sight of an exhausted Neal, rubbing his head as he walked back home revealed itself. A smile crept on his face soon after. With the kind of determination he had, Evans knew it was only a matter of time until he became as strong as he wanted.
*****
Few weeks had passed since Neal began his training with the others. It was clear to the others that he got better and better everyday. The more they taught him, the more they became cautious about one on one fights. That was just how much he had improved.
"I heard you got the better of Marcus in your last fight. That's good to hear, but you shouldn't let it get to your head. I am better than him when it comes to hand to hand combat," Maya bragged.
"I am already aware of that. The question is, are you ready to lose this fight?" Neal asked with a smug smile on his face.
"I should be asking you that!"
Evans who was officiating the match as usual, could not help but smile at their back and forth conversation. This was an ordinary thing for them to do, so he didn't even bother.
"Are you ready!?" Evans call caught their attention.
After hearing this, the two got into their combat stances, waiting for what was next.
"Begin!"
Neal launched forward as usual, making the first series of strikes. All of these however, were either evaded or blocked.
Maya wasted no time in doing the same as she threw four mean jabs at his face. All of which he evaded as well. Using his footwork to his advantage, Neal switched up his leg placements.
This ultimately caused Maya to do the same. With a random axe kick almost landing on her shoulder, she retreated backwards in an attempt to go herself space.
"Wow, that was impressive. You almost got me with that feint of yours," she said breathing slightly heavy.
Maya who sparred with him almost all the time could tell that his combat ability had improved significantly. Using everything he had been taught by them, he had become an opponent to be reckoned with.
"I told you already, today is my day. Just raise the white flag Maya, and maybe I will have mercy on you," Neal spoke with a rather diabolical expression.
This in return only caused her to pout her lips in annoyance. Naturally, she was at a disadvantage in their matches. All Neal had to do was land a blow and tank any attack she landed on him. She did not have any issues with this though, as she previously claimed it made things interesting.
After what felt like minutes, Neal charged at her once again, only to pause halfway through. This caught her off guard, resulting in a loss of balance on her side.
Switching directions in an instant, he attempted to strike her vulnerable side. That would be for naught however, as her sharp reflexes would get the better of him.
Out of nowhere, a kick landed on his gut before a solid, power filled punch to his face. This threw Neal to the ground rather quickly as he struggled with the feeling of his head being shook once again.
Saliva dripped out of his mouth to the floor as he coughed, trying his hardest to get back to his feet. A familiar feeling of the place shaking filled his eyes as he stared at his opponent.
"Come on Neal. You were cocky sometime ago. Don't tell me this was all you got."
Shrugging off Maya's mockery, he got to his feet, flashing a forced smile of his face. Anyone could tell that he was still in pain. "I am not done yet. There is still more where that came from."
As some seconds went by, Neal could feel himself getting better. At that moment, he was glad to know that the pummeling he received everyday actually paid off. At his current state, he could tank multiple punches from Maya before going down.
Getting his usual attacking stance in position, he prepared to lunge another assault on his opponent. The back and forth they had earlier revealed one thing to Neal.
He was capable of catching her off guard now. The only thing he needed to do was overcome her superior reflexes, and he intended to do just that.
With great speed, Neal charged at her, combining a variation of strikes in his offensive. Some were easily defended while others seemed to cause a loss of balance. One thing was clear however, she was in a tough spot.
An attempt was made soon after by Maya to create some space, but he did not have it. Moving from side to side, he managed to displace her footing.
In panic, she tilted herself instinctively, launching her fist for an uppercut. This would turn out to be her undoing as Neal predicted such a thing. Using the opportunity to the fullest, he delivered a kick to her side, causing her to fall bottom first to the ground.
An expression of shock filled all of their faces before Neal bursted into laughter, pleased with what he had accomplished.
"How does it feel Maya, to have your butt in contact with the ground for once?" He asked with a minacious expression on his face.
As if ignoring his remarks, she stared at Evans with a wide grin, nodding her head before she stood up.
"I think his ready."
Her words only made him curious as he would eventually turn to face Evans who was walking over.
"What am I ready for exactly?" Neal questioned.
"We believe it is about time you fight a Lizard man again. You should be able to handle it by now."
Excitement backed up with a hint of anxiety filled his mind. He couldn't help but ask himself if he was actually ready to fight a Lizard man once again. Well this was something he intended to find out.