Never Ever

10

Maya's training in combat magic began. Romeo took Ever's advice. He tried spending less time with Maya, and assigned her a capable instructor, before Ever had talked to him, he planned on teaching her himself sometime

Maya was making remarkable progress. Her powers really were too great, her teacher was impressed. Ever and Axel kept her company. The child like awe on her face whenever she saw something and her excitement upon achieving it were endearing, even for Ever. She thought there was no wonder the prince fell so fast for the girl

While they were still watching, the captain of the guards approached. He was well respected by Ever and he was the one that assigned her to the case

Captain: Nightingale

Ever: Captain!

Captain: You and Mr. Merrins did well..

Ever: But sir, I think there should have been others with us

Captain: Was it hard for you?

Ever: It's not that.. You know we couldn't have done our duty if magical attacks were involved

She hung her head

The captain patted her shoulder gently. He was about her father's age

Captain: It wasn't my decision sadly, I had to send just you, but I have faith in you, Ever. You are a good fighter and a hard worker

He smiled, his smile was so gentle and fatherly

Ever: Thank you captain

Captain: Mr. Merrins, would you give us the honor of training with ours sometime. The others are anxious to see what you can do

Axel smiled: Call me Axel, sir, I would be delighted to

He looked at Ever. He would love the chance of training with her. He'd seen her in action, but trying himself was another thing entirely

Ever looked at him warily. She had a suspicion he wanted to try training agsinst her, she wasn't eager for that to happen

The captain nodded at both of them and left
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The next day, early morning both Ever and Axel went to the training grounds

Maya was excited to watch

Axel watched Ever train with the guards. She was matched with most of them

He trained with them as well. Ever was astonished, he never lost..

Before they all finished, Axel requested to have a match with her

Ever wanted to refuse, but the guards were all cheering for her, besides, she didn't want to be considered a coward

They began their match.. Right from the beginning, Axel didn't give her room to breathe. She struggled to keep up with him, but she finally managed to land some blows

Their fight took a long time, the guards kept cheering, Maya didn't know whome to root for, she cheered for both

They were both tired and panting. Ever was doing her all trying to beat him. Her face was scrunched up with concentration. He was smiling. She got a bit impatient, she was already at the end of her energy, so she attacked. He blocked her, turned her around, and caught hold of her. She twisted to get out of his tight hold, barely managing, only to be tripped and flipped down. He pinned her, winning the match

Maya clapped her hands and the guards slapped them both on the back

Captain: You are an exceptional fighter Axel, it was truly an honor to train with you

Axel nodded, still breathing heavily: It was an honor for me too, Captain

Captain: You did very well, Ever. Congratulations

Axel looked at her, her cheeks were flushed from their exercise, she was so beautiful..

Maya: Wow! That was great guys!

Ever grunted a thanks, she wasn't happy she lost, for a human, he was very strong, unless her earlier thoughts a out him was right, and he wasn't completely human..

They turned back into the castle, Romeo met them there

Romeo: Good morning Milady, Axel, Ever. We are going to the Elve's land to ask them to join our alliance, you should pack..

Maya was excited, as always, Ever looked happy, she liked the elves, and Axel.. He had a weird look on his face, one that Ever couldn't decifer