"I'll expect you to do the same."
Noah nodded.
"Deal."
Maya stood.
Before leaving, she said:
"One more thing."
"What?"
"Don't fight me like you hate me."
Noah looked up.
"I don't."
"Good."
She smiled.
"Because I don't hate you either."
Then she walked away.
Noah remained on the bench.
For the first time, he realized something.
The final wasn't about proving he was stronger than Maya.
It was about proving he had changed.
The arena was louder than ever.
Noah entered first.
Maya followed.
The referee brought them together.
"Protect yourselves at all times."
They touched gloves.
Maya whispered:
"Don't hold back."
Noah smiled.
"Never."
The bell rang.
They moved.
Maya attacked first.
Noah defended.
He countered.
She escaped.
The crowd roared.
Neither dominated.
Five minutes passed.
Then ten.
Sweat covered the mat.
Both were exhausted.
Maya landed a clean strike.
Noah stumbled.
The crowd erupted.
He recovered.
She attacked again.
Noah slipped.
For a moment, Maya had the advantage.
Then Noah saw the opening.
He could finish.
His instincts screamed.
Attack.
Win.
Prove yourself.
Then he remembered his father's voice.
Be proud when you can choose not to.
Noah stopped.
Maya stared.
"Why did you stop?"
Noah breathed heavily.
"Because you were off balance."
Maya understood.
She nodded.
"Again."
The fight resumed.
The final seconds approached.
Neither fighter wanted to surrender.
The bell rang.
They froze.
The referee raised his hand.
Noah waited.