Shadow Thief

Chapter 7

Changed into a loose white blouse and brown trousers, me and Andre stood in an arena. A harsh, unforgiving metal floor with several rings of cages filled the enclosed space.

Tyke in the centre of it all stood tall and proud regardless of the scars that littered his body; his blue rimmed jacket discarded on the floor next to him. Unfolded from his back the glass like delicate black and blue wings shrank the room by several metres.

'Come.' His voice was cold, as harsh as the floor I stood on.

We edged forward.

'Closer,' It wasn't his loud voice, there was no need, for his tone was so biting with command you would do whatever he said.

'My fighter, Elra will spar you to gauge your ability and work out which style is best for you.' He left no room to argue, just pointed at Andre indicating for him to go first.

Andre stepped back a bit but looking at the stare Tyke gave him he inched over to where Elra was in a ring. He turned back to face me, not even trying to hide the fear in his eyes. I couldn't blame him.

Elra was a solid at least 6 foot giant; her completely silver armour was adorned with a black cloak that was half pulled over her face; she wore a plain mask revealing no features except her pink eyes. Eyes that glistened with amusement.

'Go on.' Tyke growled.

I nodded my head trying to offer any support I could.

He took a deep breath.

He entered the ring.

Hands visibly shaking he raised them to cover his face, both balled into tight fists. Good. He at least had a knowledge of a basic guard.

He had both feet planted firmly on the ground, seemingly unable to move. He was a sitting duck. An object waiting to be hit. A punchbag would be more difficult than him to get points off of. I didn't want to look.

She started to circle him in an obvious taunt, even though her size was huge I could see the calculated grace. Every purposely thought out position as she manoeuvred Andre into where she wanted him. She controlled every aspect of the fight.

With brutal efficiency she pounced, her fists connecting with his nose and solar plexus. Spinning, she landed a kick to his stomach knocking him over instantly. His eyes watered, blood spraying from his nose. The next second he was on his knees spluttering from the lack of air.

'Get up.' Elra commanded.

He pulled himself up, gasping for air.

'Hit me.' She told him. Confusion furrowed his eyebrows, 'Try it.'

He caught his breath returning to his stance.

'Come on Andre.' I thought. 'Take your time.'

Fists up and ready he leaped forward stumbling as he went. His hand flailed as he swung it for her masked face. He missed, the power dissipating into nothing. The time taken to recover was his downfall as she lifted her leg up and down over his bowed head.

Andre collapsed.

'Pathetic.' Tyke muttered dismissing his unconscious form.

I was about to go and check on him when Tyke told me it was my turn.

'Your fight will be in this arena.' he pointed to the one next to Andre's crumpled body.

I looked at Tyke letting a smirk evolve on my features and threw a cocky grin at Elra. I wouldn't beat her, but I would at least hit her. I could take a lot more than Andre, that's for sure.