Swan Song

Shadows

October 3rd 10:10 pm

                The apartment was quite big, despite the fact that it was run down and dirty. It was better than outside though. The layout consisted of an open wood floor kitchen that was nestled in the corner by the door; and a green-carpeted living room that took up almost the rest of the room in the place. The whole area though was one big space. No walls separated the areas. The big windows faced the street below and let in the late evening light that shone down on the peeling floral wallpaper. The walls themselves bore wholes from both abuse and termites. The mysterious man walked around like a person well at home. He moved to the kitchen, tossing his coat on one of the chairs that sat around a small dinning table.

                “Uh, nice place you got here.” Connor said, trying to hide the sarcasm in his voice, but the man seemed oblivious and turned to smile at him.

                “Thanks, would you like a cup of Joe?” Connor rose an eyebrow at the comment, thinking the man had shoved a person named Joe in the pot and cooked him.

                “Joe?” He questioned, the man cackled at the baffled expression on Connor’s face. 

                “It’s coffee.”

“Oh…” Connor blushed slightly having and hid behind his hair.

“Would you prefer something else?” the man’s voice was deep and hid an accent Connor barely heard.

“Ah, no thanks I’m good.” The man laughed loudly again; Connor turned a look at the man who seemed literally to be jumping for joy. He was strange, but it made Connor a bit happier as well. The man walked over and plopped down on one of the chairs that surrounded a small round table. Connor sat, gently, across from him. Steaming mug in hand, the man sat back slightly like he was getting ready to tell a story, clearing his throat.

“Get ready boy, this’ll be the story of your life.” Connor fidgeted around in his chair awkwardly.

“Alrighty then. I am Samuel Donovan, 6th rank General, and a Wind Singer of the Tamer corporations.” Connor gawked at the length of the title.

“Wind Singer? Tamer?” The lights flickered a bit before a gust of wind blew around them. It rattled dishes, blew the curtains and Connor’s hair around, he looked around shocked. Then his eyes locked on Samuel, the wind was swirling in circles around him. Connor let out a gasp as the wind died down.

“What was that?” He practically shouted jumping to his feet. Samuel calmly sat there and began to fold a paper airplane. When he finished he let it go. It soared for a second then began to fall to the floor. Connor watched transfixed as Samuel flicked a finger and the plane rose and flew around the room like a missile. He fell back onto his chair and the plane glided down, stopping in front of him. He looked up at Samuel who leaned forward in his chair.

“That, my boy is a Wind Singer’s ability. Well there’s more to it but that’s the basis.” His grin was faint but Connor could tell he was holding back.

“You…bend air?” Connor asked his head tilting to the side in the process. Samuel nodded his head slightly.

“But, like I said there’s a lot more to it.” His voice rang in Connor’s ears.

Determined as ever, he straightened and said, “So tell me”. Samuel burst into laughter, slapping his knee and the table. His laughter was contagious and made Connor want to start laughing as well. Samuel clutched his stomach and leaned over slightly trying to get some air back. Meanwhile Connor had the expression of what’s -so- funny on his face. When Samuel finally had air back, he smacked Connor on the shoulder.