Magicians (Re Draft)

XIII- Rose

XIII- Rose

I gripped today's newspaper tightly as I walked alone along the park pathway.

The night air was warm in some sort of way. With the large, yellow full moon in the center of the sky, and no breeze whatsoever, it was like the world was still.

I moved my hand to my leather jackets pocket, where I felt the cool, metal surface of my pocket knife. I wasn't sure how this night was going to go. But if there's one thing I've learned is to always be prepared.

My short lace boots clicked on the cobblestone as I made my way towards a children parks. It was empty. Only the quiet squeaks of the swings chains was the nights lament.

I strolled over to the swing set and sat down in the far right swing. Looking around, the park gave off a creepy vibe. I was alone, at night, sitting in a children's park. So I shouldn't be complaining. I brought it on myself.

My eyes met the cover page of the Merlin Chronicle. "The Shadow Master spotted at children's park!"

I sighed and rubbed my eyes. Did I really think he would show up?

Well you do want the truth do you? Another part of myself spoke up.

Flashbacks of the past days full of complains, threats and other ridiculous stories about The Shadow Master and demons crowded my head. After he saved me I couldn't be sure anymore. I needed the truth. And I would have to find it myself.

"So you finally came to your senses?" A bone rattling voice hissed beside me.

I screamed and fell back on the swing seeing The Shadow Master himself sitting on the swing next to me, fiddling with something in his hands.

I hadn't even seen him or heard him approached him. It was like he appeared with the October breeze. Suddenly, it got cold. Goodbye warm night.

"Geez, you didn't have to sneak up on me like that," I gulped while regaining my seat on the swing.

He shrugged, still fixated on the gizmo he played with.

"That wouldn't be no fun, now would it?"

I rolled my eyes as a moment of silence occurred between us.

Giving another glance at him, I saw the bright blue eyes behind the mask, and under the hood. It seemed like he had many layers to hide whatever was under that mask.

"What do you got there? You better not be messing with my iPod," I growled.

"No. No. Your iPods fine. I love this, Chaos! In The Club band. I can't get enough of their music. But this Phantom Of The Opera is really giving me a headache," he replied.

"Hey!" I snapped. "Respect the classics!"

"Oh. Excuse me. After all, that was one of the musicals your mother took you to as a child," he sighed.

"How did you-."

He looked at me and said, "I'm reading you, sweetheart. I'm reading you like a book. But never mind that. I read everyone. Now you wanted answers, dear?"

I paused. Debating between strangling him or calming down, I calmed down.

"Good girl," he snickered. "Now, I will give all the answers you want. But I need to know if I can trust you."

"Why don't you read my mind then? You seem to enjoy it," I frowned.

He shook his head, turning his attention back to his little toy.

"Sure I can read your thoughts. It's different when thoughts are expressed through action, though."

I looked at him as he shoved the toy in his pocket. "Now, then. If you help me with a little task, I will answer your questions truthfully-no-I will show you the absolute truth. Stone, hard truth."