Sleight of Hand - Sanders Sides

Chapter Nine

"Is about to begin!" Anton exclaimed, his smile growing with the more the crowding magicians cheered with excitement. Roman could hardly see through the crowd. He was taller than most everyone around him, but he and Patton were near the back.

The magician could see about one hundred other people crowding around Anton. The pressure rose up his spine. Roman hadn't realized that Florida contained so many people with interests in the fine art they call, magic.

"Alright! You each have your numbers, so if you would please line up in numerical order, we can get started!" Anton explained. "Also: Techs! You can either sit in the audience with me or you can leave. Either way, let me do my thing, and we won't have a problem. Okay? Okay."

After that, everyone started to fumble into order. Patton stayed clutched to Roman's side, not wanting to get lost in the crowd. Roman didn't mind.

Roman found his place in line. The numbers weren't exactly perfect. He glanced at the #00642 on his shirt. In front of him was #00473 and behind him was #0085. Unfortunately, Dillon wore #0085. "GOOD luck, Roman. I look forward to watching you SUCCEED." Dillon purred.

Roman rolled his eyes as Patton tugged on his sleeve like a small child. "I'm gonna find a seat in the audience. Break a leg, Roman." He happily said, running off soon after. Roman painfully watched him go.

The young magician watched the performers on stage. Most of the performers were doing basic level tricks. Things Roman could do in his sleep. Sometimes others would perform higher-level tricks and be put in higher levels, but no one had done what Roman was preparing to do.

He looked out into the audience, seeing Patton messing with his phone, but looking up occasionally to see Roman's placement in the line.

"Next!" Anton called. Roman turned back to the competition, realizing, Anton was talking to him. Roman smiled and proceeded on stage. The judge smiled at him, giving him a boost of encouragement that he didn't realize he needed so much. "Alright, whenever you're ready!" Anton told him. Roman took in a deep breath, shaking out his anxious hands. He gave Patton one last glance as if it was good luck before plastering a smile on his tan-skinned face.

"My name is Roman Sparx and I will be presenting to you the Top Shot." Roman declared. Everyone from the line of performers started murmuring to each other. He could see Dillon's body wracking with laughter. It was true, not many had ever been able to pull off a move like Top Shot. At least, pull it off successfully.

Roman took his arm out and presented a full deck of cards rolling out of his sleeve. He caught each card with grace, placing them neatly in his hand. With that, he started bouncing the cards back and forth between both of his hands. They flew between his fingers and danced against his palm. It was like sideways juggling. He had split the deck between his two hands before spending all the cards flying back into his left hand.

He didn't even have to look at Anton to see that he was impressed. Even Dillon seemed somewhat dazzled by Roman's handwork.

The magician pulled out and showed to everyone an ace of hearts. While not looking, he put the card back in the pile. His smirk only grew as he bounced the cards around again. His heart kept beating in his ears, the blood rushing through his fingers giving him a type of high he only ever experienced while performing. He welcomed it.

Finally, he sent all the cards back into his left hand. He presented all the cards to his captivated audience and listened to their gasps. Roman smiled, knowing all the cards, were now ace of hearts. Anton flew up from his chairs and applauded. Even Dillon gave a type of golf clap.

Roman bowed and pranced off the stage. Once behind the stage, Patton ran up to him a presented him with a hug. The magician returned it warmly. "That was incredible!" he cheered, pulling away from the hug.

"Thanks. I'm glad you stayed to watch; I don't know what I would've done if you weren't in the audience. Always nice to have a friendly face to look to." Patton blushed at the comment, highlighting the pale freckles on his face.

Another batch of applause came from the stage. Roman's curiosity peaked but was soon answered as the snake faced magician waltzed backstage. He and Roman exchanged a glance but Dillon smiled before he could look away. "Great performance, Roman. I'll admit, I was impressed." He said, actually sounding sincere.

"Wow, thanks, I guess," Roman said. Patton began to cling to Roman's arm. "Anyway, I look forward to seeing where we end up in the line-up!"

"Oh yes, I think you'll be seeing a lot more of me. After all, I pulled off a Riffle Stack." Dillon chuckled. Roman's mouth dropped slightly. "Anyway, see you at the highest level's competition. Ta-ta to you too, Patton!" Dillon spat as he smacked into Patton's arm as he left.

"What's a riffle stack?" Patton asked innocently.

"You saw what I did on stage?" Roman asked, to which Patton nodded. "Think mine, but harder." Patton's eyes widened. This didn't deter Roman though. He let out a sigh as he rubbed the back of his neck. "This competition just got a little bit harder."