The Fray of Werebirds [Discontinued]

Chapter 8 - Gregory

Gregory whispered something in Sirena's ear. She sighed but nodded and entered a human-sized cabinet that the magician had brought on stage. He also had a basket full of swords. It dawned on me what he was about to do. I had seen it on TV, seen it even in Bugs Bunny, but I never thought I would see it for real.

The magician lifted the first sword for everyone to see, its sharp blade gleamed under the sun light. He then drove it through the center of the closed cabinet. I held my breath, even though I knew that Sirena was going to be alright.

I heard some gasps of awe behind me. What was even more dangerous than a girl being stabbed inside a box was how Gregory swiftly spun the swords and expertly juggled them in the air, one after the other, impaling each of the deadly weapons in a different style until there was none left.

Someone yelled, "Aw come on you just mutilated a babe!" which earned him a few sniggers.

The swords were removed in a similar manner and Sirena emerged unharmed, flashing a smile that reminded me of when she played the piano. I joined the crowd as they cheered and whistled enthusiastically to the bowing performers. After a while, the crowd dispersed, chatting animatedly, and I walked up to the platform.

"That's all for today kid," Gregory wiggled his glove at me, and then his face lit up, "Or is it that you want a signature?"

"No, he's with me," Sirena clarified.

"Ah, but it still wouldn't hurt if Lady Sirena's beau had my..." he paused, sniffing the air around me with a frown.

Gregory gave Sirena a quizzical look, to which she replied, "Caleb knows about us."

"How interesting!" the magician exclaimed, "I find humans very fascinating creatures. Having one that knows about us makes it all the more thrilling!" he turned to Sirena, "But don't you think he might inform his brethren of our existence?"

"I had no choice," she admitted, "I couldn't leave him."

Her uncle cast me a doubtful look. He then bent down, locking eyes with me, and lifted my chin with his forefinger and thumb.

"Let me assure you, flower boy, that I won't be as indulgent as Lady Sirena. The very moment you tattletale I will rip those pretty eyes of yours out of their sockets. Otherwise, I'm pleased to meet you."    

Gregory smiled, which sent shivers down my spine. This dude was dangerous. I made a mental note reminding myself to never get on his bad side. He let me go and I finally broke free of his intimidating gaze.

"I won't tell anyone," I promised quickly, "Besides, once I go back home all I'd like to do is chill on the couch, eat some popcorn, and forget all about this. The last thing I would do is spread your secret all over the news. In fact, I'd be more than glad if my memories were erased."

Even if it meant forgetting about Sirena? A voice said, but I pushed out of my head.

Gregory stared at me unblinkingly. For a moment I thought I might have gone a little too far, but then he laughed.

"I've taken a liking to you, flower boy," he gave me a big slap on the back that could have sent me flying.

Suddenly Gregory whipped out one of the swords in the basket. I flinched, thinking he was planning to have chopped "flower boy" for lunch, but then he hurled the weapon towards the sky. I watched in horror as the blade pierced a bird sitting several feet away on a power line. The poor animal dropped lifelessly on the ground.

"Now," Gregory clapped his hands together merrily, "Who would like some McDonald's?"

This dude was dangerous and cool.