Mathieu (White Flame Trilogy) - By Paula Flumerfelt Page 0,137

back a few paces, then started running parallel to Lione. At a moment's notice, he curved his path towards the other and when he was less than five feet from his target, he jumped.

Lione automatically shot a double attack at him, but he arched backwards and avoided it, sailing over the raven's head like he was a high bar. And because Mathieu had judges it right, he was able to grab a hold of Lione ‘s arms with his legs as he flew by, pulling him into the air.

His hands struck the ground first, and he used all his strength to heft Lione over his body, then let go at the last second, his feet touch the ground as the raven flew another ten feet further. Mathieu stood to a round of applause from those who had been watching, and hunched over, panting. Jo ran passed Mathieu to his friend, checking that he was fine.

Elric, who has come out recently with all the others, went over, as well. Mathieu could hear them talking and Lione assuring them he was fine.

It took a few minutes, but his opponent got to his feet and crossed over to him, holding a hand out. "Good move. I didn't see it coming."

Mathieu shook it with a grin, "Thanks. I wasn't sure I had enough mass to get you off the ground. If I hadn't, the outcome would definitely have been different." He imitated falling over with a startled face.

They both plopped onto the ground while the new comers stretched, then approached others to spar. Aside from them, Erik, Enak, Elise, and Lione's mother Lilith sat out. Erik and Enak's lack of participation was the source of many grumbles, but until Ayame actually approached them, they were left alone.

"Hey, fight Akira and I." Ayame said to the pair, one hand on his hip.

Enak giggled, "We don't need practice. We'd squish you like a buggie."

"Then you won't mind doing it."

Erik put a hand on Enak's shoulder. "Fine. This won't take long."

Ayame left them to go tell his sister to prepare for a fight, Erik and his god not saying a word. The duo moved to an open area and waited until the siblings came to fight. Akira looked a bit nervous, but after a short conversion with her brother, she nodded an agreement.

The fight didn’t take long, and Erik had been right. Ayame and Akira hadn't even been able to mount an offensive. Enak had taken a few loping steps forward, arm swinging upward as jets of fire shot up from the ground, heading straight for Akira. Her brother had stepped in front of her to protect her, which had ultimately led to their downfall. Erik's hand twitched and what appeared to be black bubbles formed around the siblings. Black bubbles that moved in closer and exploded as they made contact, burning the two horribly. Ayame had wrapped his arms around his sister, trying to stop her from being hurt. Ayame took most of the damage, collapsing as soon as the attack stopped. Akira let out a wail, managing to keep her brother from hitting the ground.

Enak giggled again. "Told you we didn't need practice." Then he skipped over to Mathieu and sat beside him. "Aren't we impressive?" He asked with childish enthusiasm, seeking approval.

"You went a bit overboard." Mathieu tapped the boy god's forehead roughly. It had been an impressive display and put to rest any doubts he’d had about them needing to practice. However, they could have seriously hurt the siblings. “We’re supposed to be trying to get stronger together, not hurt each other. You need to go apologize, Enak.”

Enak was oblivious to the fearful stares he and Erik were now getting as he pouted at Mathieu. “But I don’t want to…”

“It wasn’t an option. Do it.”

“…Fine!” Enak said, getting up and stomping his feet as he approached Ayame and Akira, who were being healed by Elric.

Mathieu sighed, and watched from afar as the boy god seemed to be apologizing to the siblings. It took a moment, but the tall raven nodded and Ayame punched Enak on the arm before giving a small smile. The three of them seemed okay as Enak touched Akira’s hand before hugging her. Turning away, Mathieu shook his head slightly at the three of them; then, he noticed that Lenore had broken off from the group, going to stand near the edge of the cliff.

She had a contemplative look on her face as she planted her feet, earth snaking up